welding table w/ what i have

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Hi everyone, i just posted my introduction in the intro area. I have been lurking for a few days, searching to build a welding table. And ive searched and seen a bunch!   I'm trying to build a table low budget, meaning i want to use all the metal i have with exception to the table top. any input would be appreciated. The material i have is ; 20'-1/2" of  2"x3"x1/8" rec. tube 15'-7 3/4" of  3"x3"x1/4" sq tube8'-7"  of 1"x1 1/2"x1/8"  rec tube13'-10" of  2"x1 1/2" x 1/8" rec tube 6'-11" of 2"x2" L channel 80' -0" of  1-3/4" round tube I'm going to draw up something tonight and hopefully post it here tomorrow. It looks like i can make something out of what i have. I'm thinking of a 4x6 table top, with 3x3 legs, 2x3 upper frame, with the other sq tube as support on the bottom of the legs.  first thoughts are with my limited material, i dont think i can get away with 2x3 spanning the whole top, so i was thinking about linking them between each 3x3 leg which will save me 18" , only problem i see is theres alot of welds and i might have warpage.
Reply:One way to keep materials costs down is to build the top with 2" wide gaps between something like 6" wide strips.  Those gaps provide a place to clamp things in the middle of the table and let you cover more 30% space with the same amount of steel.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:You have 20' of 2"x3"You have plenty- since you will want at least a 2" over hang on the Table so you have an edge to clamp to.Your Frame will then be 68"x44"You could even do a 3" over hang.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Well, i spent the afternoon in the garage and made a trip to lowes to pick up 4- 4" locking casters. I went ahead and used the 3x3 for the uprights , and spanned the table with the 2x3. for the lower supports i am using one piece of the 2x1-1/2" and the back and sides will be  the 1-3/4" inch round.  ( i decided to spare some of the sq tube for future add ons). I also made four 1/4 " mounting pads for the casters.The table will sit at just around 34-1/2" and i am 5'9".Things are going smooth so far, although it would be nice to  have had a band-saw and metal a little less rusty. Spent most of my time cutting and cleaning.  As far as the welding, i used a lincoln 215. I might have been a little hot, i used the reference and adjusted from there. ( its been a long while since i picked up a gun). Here are a few pictures.
Reply:Looking good! Those welds ain't going anywhere, that's for sure. And don't worry, better be on the hot side when migging. If you plan on painting everything but the top of the table, you may find easier to wire bruss/grind/degrease (even prime with weld-through primer if you are going to take long to finish the table) all the individual pieces before putting them together. There will be tight spots where you won't be able to fit your grinder after it is fully assembled.Keep up the good work and keep us posted.Mikel
Reply:Amen to "Looking Good"I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Looks good ! A lot of the metal I use looks like yours, very rusty. I clean off as much as I can,I've found the Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer works real well to cover the rest.Where in CA are you? I'm in the San Gabriel Valley.
Reply:Originally Posted by gwileyOne way to keep materials costs down is to build the top with 2" wide gaps between something like 6" wide strips.  Those gaps provide a place to clamp things in the middle of the table and let you cover more 30% space with the same amount of steel.
Reply:I am liking what I am seeing so far.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:You have plenty- since you will want at least a 2" over hang on the Table so you have an edge to clamp to.Your Frame will then be 68"x44"You could even do a 3" over hang.[/QUOTE]I ended up using a full 2x3 upper frame, u were right. I actually cut down a little more, and will have 4" of clamp area. i hope this isn't too much, i think with 1/2 plate i should be good.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mikel_24Looking good! Those welds ain't going anywhere, that's for sure. And don't worry, better be on the hot side when migging. If you plan on painting everything but the top of the table, you may find easier to wire bruss/grind/degrease (even prime with weld-through primer if you are going to take long to finish the table) all the individual pieces before putting them together. There will be tight spots where you won't be able to fit your grinder after it is fully assembled.Keep up the good work and keep us posted.Mikel
Reply:So i spent today in the garage tacking up the pieces i cut.first off , the chop saw i used didn't give me the straightest cuts. so i had to fuss with that. I wasn't sure where to start, as this is a welding table and i want it true as possible. But without a true table to work from , how do you go about making everything plumb? I am also limited to tools in that area. I used a vice and my only adjustable stand and went from there. without thinking to use the square and tape i started tacking with a bubble level. so needless to say i put my grinder to use a bunch.  once the pieces became to big and heavy to manage in the vice and stand  i moved things to an old makeshift table. i shimmed it up to get the best level surface possible and then set extra 3x3 down with some c clamps. then tacked the table top to them. Things were going smooth , until i had a visitor and a couple beers. So i decided to call it quits, i did a last check a few minutes ago. All my end to ends are within a 1/32" and 1/16".... although a diagonal measurement for square and im out a strong 1/8 to 3/16".  I was using a bubble level to start with before i realized to bring out the square and tape, most is good , but i have two legs out a strong 1/8". So my predicament.... Where do i start to square this thing? It seems if i fix one spot  the next is going to be out. Man this is a pain in the *** with only two hands. heres a couple pictures of my progress, I'm wondering if i should have just worked from my sloped garage floor as i am going to add some 7/8" threaded rod to pick the table off the casters for leveling.
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Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastI am liking what I am seeing so far.
Reply:Pulled something in my back carrying the length of 3x3 .25 wall from the side yard into my garage on friday. I probably should have had it on my shoulder , but was lugging it under/overhand. It started swinging as i made a corner and i strained it trying to avoid hitting the door frame.  So i haven't worked on the table all weekend.how much does that stuff weigh anyhow? my  fitters handbook says steel pipe is .28 pounds per a cubic  inch, if my math is correct the piece weighed a little over 190lbs.
Reply:Originally Posted by lj408Pulled something in my back...
Reply:Everythings looking good. While you're geting better you might think of upgrading your casters. Thats going to be a lot of weight on them plastic wheels. Watch eBay and you can score some pretty good deals on cast iron casters or check Harbor Freight.
Reply:Originally Posted by lj408It ain't done yet!! sometimes i overthink the simplest things
Reply:Originally Posted by lj408I wasn't sure where to start, as this is a welding table and i want it true as possible. But without a true table to work from , how do you go about making everything plumb?  All my end to ends are within a 1/32" and 1/16".... although a diagonal measurement for square and im out a strong 1/8 to 3/16".  I was using a bubble level to start with before i realized to bring out the square and tape, most is good , but i have two legs out a strong 1/8". So my predicament.... Where do i start to square this thing? It seems if i fix one spot  the next is going to be out.
Reply:Originally Posted by weekender While you're geting better you might think of upgrading your casters. Thats going to be a lot of weight on them plastic wheels.
Reply:My back is better! Spent the last couple days doing a side job in the hottest weather for the year in the area. Fun , but coming home and welding in a  100 degree garage was more fun! Any way I finished fitting up the frame last night and started a few welds. It was too late to use a angle grinder so i tried burning through some of my tacks.  my welds were the worst in a while. Too embarrassing to even post pictures of! So i held off for this afternoon. I also swapped my rubber wheeled casters for a set of steel casters, rated at 500lb a wheel.heres a few pics of progress, more to come.
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Reply:Please tell me that compressor is a future bbq pit!72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastPlease tell me that compressor is a future bbq pit!
Reply:Hey lj408... now that you are still putting things together, you may want to move one of the longest lower tubes (just above the casters) a few inches to the center of the table. That will allow you stand closer to the table (with the current layout you will be banging your shins) and, if you end up tigging stuff, will also allow you to sit in a bar stool or something without ending too far away from the table.Just for clarification...Unless you are going to be seriously banging on your table, you still get plenty of structural support and ridgidity. The BuildPro welding table from Strong Hand Tools only has vertical legs without any kind of crossbracing between them at the bottom. Maybe it is not designed as a table to beat on or push laterally... not sure about that. There is an interesting video on WeldingTipsandTricks.com about this table. They put one together so you can see how is it built.I hope this helps.MikelAnother thought would be to put a larger table top on it, overhang the sides by a foot with 1" thick steel and have a really nice sized table then.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:Originally Posted by lj408haha, i posted that by accident. I was given it by a neighbor about 6 years ago, finally hauled it over to my house last night. I was actually taking the picture to post in the other guys thread who welded the arm to his compressor tank.  Well now that the pictures up, i was going to ask what yall thought about plugging in this bomb. I guess i got my answer! all joking aside, i haven't had a chance to really inspect the thing, But a quick look tells you i should most likely scrap it.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mikel_24Hey lj408... now that you are still putting things together, you may want to move one of the longest lower tubes (just above the casters) a few inches to the center of the table. Mikel
Reply:Portable smoker, or you could make a smoker out of it and give it to some one as a gift, a tank that size would make a perfect smoker to go in a receiver hitch. Id recommend you go with at least 3/4" plate, 1/2 would work, but yes you can bend it, 1" would be best however.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:Originally Posted by lj408....i've been sitting in the garage staring at this thing and thoughts of building an internal frame for some heavy duty sliding rails for some drawers is coming to mind. Maybe a welding table/tool chest? Down sides would be  whatever i store in it would get covered in grinding dust.
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastId recommend you go with at least 3/4" plate, 1/2 would work, but yes you can bend it, 1" would be best however.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mikel_24If you go with a one piece top and your drawers fit nicely, you won't have to worry much about dust or splatter. But if you go with (and that seems to be what everyone else is doing and recomending) a top made with channel, tubes or flat wide bar evenly spaced (as for clamping purpouses)... you will get everything in the drawers full of crap.And remember that you will need to open the drawers and manipulate clamps and such.I made a mistake with a welding table and put a drawer right under the top. and I wasn't able to clamp much in there.BTW, what time is it there? Here in the other side of the pond (Spain) it is 9:52.Mikel
Reply:Originally Posted by Mikel_24My currently in progress table is going to have a 8 pieces of 150x15mm thick top (a bit over 1/2") but only a 50mm overhang (2") and 150mm unsuported spans at most between supports. I hope it sufices!Mikel
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastActually you can make that stronger than a piece of 1/2" plate, id drill several holes through all but the bottom plate and plug weld them, then grind them smooth and then flip the top over so you have an unmolested surface as your fab table.
Reply:I think it is always awesome to use what you have vs. what you can get. Takes more brain power and creativity. Nice build. We are on our way to being farmers! Our site is always under construction so check back often for updates.  http://www.philosophyfarmstyle.com/
Reply:wait till you price out a sheet of 1" PlatePhuck me  3/8" table top and a Harbor Fright "Anvil" for this dudeEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1wait till you price out a sheet of 1" PlatePhuck me  3/8" table top and a Harbor Fright "Anvil" for this dude
Reply:Got some price quotes today and OUCH!  Got quoted on a 4'x6' plate in 1/2'" 3/4" and 1" and it was $454.44  $735.12  $903.56.  So, i'm not willing to go over $500 as this was originally intended to be a low budget build. So far i have around $100 invested between paint and casters.Some quick options im thinking.  1. 1/2" would be suitable for most things i plan on fabricating. 2. I can cut the work area down and make 3/4 - 1/2  the table a cutting table. 3. I could do the spanned plates with 2" gaps. 4. I can wait for someone to coincidently  to be getting rid of a 1" piece of 4x6 steel on craigslist. I'm most likely going with the 1/2"
Reply:Originally Posted by lj408Got some price quotes today and OUCH!  Got quoted on a 4'x6' plate in 1/2'" 3/4" and 1" and it was $454.44  $735.12  $903.56.  So, i'm not willing to go over $500 as this was originally intended to be a low budget build. So far i have around $100 invested between paint and casters.Some quick options im thinking.  1. 1/2" would be suitable for most things i plan on fabricating. 2. I can cut the work area down and make 3/4 - 1/2  the table a cutting table. 3. I could do the spanned plates with 2" gaps. 4. I can wait for someone to coincidently  to be getting rid of a 1" piece of 4x6 steel on craigslist. I'm most likely going with the 1/2"
Reply:So... how is that table comming along? Any updates or pictures?Mikel
Reply:Originally Posted by Mikel_24So... how is that table comming along? Any updates or pictures?Mikel