Drilled table top?

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I expect to finish my welding table soon and I'd like to buld into the design, some versatility in regards to clamping methods.     My table top is 36.25 x 72.875 x .5 thick steel plate.   I have access to a portable drill press with an electro-magnet base and what I have in mind is to drill a pattern of .500" diameter holes (55 holes in a 5x11 pattern with 5.5" between hole centers) through the steel table top.   These would allow me to fasten custom made clamps and stops to the table top.  Anyone out there think this a good idea or am I about to ruin a $237 piece of steel?There are no small projects
Reply:sounds good to me...howeverif it don't work out you can always weld the holes shut ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I've seen it done before.  I never saw it used.  I was awed at the fact that someone spent time drilling all those holes in 1" metal. Go for it.  Really sounds like a great idea.  What kind of clamps will you be using?   Got pictures?
Reply:Having holes drilled for stops/clamps in a table top is very handy. Purists may be horrified, but I've done something to my top that will really make them wince. I'm not game to post a pic.
Reply:OK Scott, I'll play. C'mon and post a pic. Pretty please?
Reply:My tables are dedicated to making railing.  I have a channel along the top and 3/8x2 in bar along the top edge and right side to form a large framing square.  I was thinking about a way to install a bottom straight edge that would be removable and adjustable.Scott, sure would like to see what you did to your table?
Reply:I'm kinda neutral on the subject I guess. I've got a bunch of holes in the top of my table, because they were already in the scrap (spelled free) stuff that I used. They are handy enough from time to time, but not so handy I would predrill a lot of them ahead of time. I am all for drilling and/or tapping at will if that's what it takes or fills the bill for a particular jig you need or clamp you need.
Reply:This is the next best thing to a real welding platen. If you are running mig you will have to retap the holes once in a while. Those little splatter balls love threads.
Reply:It's a great idea. If you don't, may I suggest you use setscrews to plug the holes when not in use. This will keep out any debris and keep the threads clean and "new". The only issue would be if you weld the setscrew to the plate, but that can be taken care of easily.I used to work on a CNC milling machine a few years back. I had the boss order aluminum plate to cover the table and I drilled and tapped holes for the very same purpose. I learned to use the setscrew as it was easier to remove the setscrew when I needed them than to clean out the threads after every use.Tony
Reply:OK Scott, I'll play. C'mon and post a pic. Pretty please?
Reply:Scott,I have purchased two 4x4 tables, I leveled them and tacked them together.  I usually use the entire table building rails.  On my old table I fabricated an extension for the end of the table.  Didn't use it much, since I rarely build over 10 feet long.  Don't neglect to use the underside of your table.  On my old table I had racks and shelves.  All my hammers and clamps hung underneath. Kept grinders, belt sander, small punch, drill, vise and bender on shelves.  Haven't enhanced my new tables yet.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderWhat kind of clamps will you be using?   Got pictures?
Reply:Really cool concept.  I'll have to barrow some of that idea.  I need to add an adjustable straightedge on one side of the table.  I think something like that will work for me.  Thanks for sharing
Reply:I'll look forward to the photos, Imagineer.Don't neglect to use the underside of your table. On my old table I had racks and shelves. All my hammers and clamps hung underneath. Kept grinders, belt sander, small punch, drill, vise and bender on shelves. Haven't enhanced my new tables yet.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderScott,Don't neglect to use the underside of your table.  On my old table I had racks and shelves.  All my hammers and clamps hung underneath. Kept grinders, belt sander, small punch, drill, vise and bender on shelves.  Haven't enhanced my new tables yet.