Welding bench ideas/examples

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Another newbie. Just finished my Arc welding class and am setup to take mig/tig in February. Looking for a mig setup to buy now. My first project will be making a welding table to work on. Does anyone have a link to some plans, or even some pics of what your welding bench looks like?I'm looking for any feedback and ideas.... things you wouldn't do again, or things you would do for your next one?I don't want anything HUGE and I was thinking about putting it on casters also. What thickness metal for the top surface? I will just be doing things around the shop and automotive projects, so I don't need to go too big.I'll be interested to see what you folks like to use. The ones they have at school are HUGE and must weigh 3 tons a piece.Thanks in advance.... you guys are a WEALTH of information!!!!!!
Reply:look around in "pictures and projects" forum..i've posted stuff for my bench there and there is alot of "bench posts" there also..gather your info and go from there..i personally would not use casters...rolling away benches while your grinding..heating..beating..drilling.. welding..anything..can be annoying......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:Originally Posted by zapsterlook around in "pictures and projects" forum..i've posted stuff for my bench there and there is alot of "bench posts" there also..gather your info and go from there..i personally would not use casters...rolling away benches while your grinding..heating..beating..drilling.. welding..anything..can be annoying......zap!
Reply:Heres what I put together.  It was fun.Main table is 20"x28" 3/8 plate, the grate is 1"x1" 1/4 bar stock tacked in, the vice is mounted to a 14"x10" 3/8th plate, and the rest is made out of 1-1/4 x1-1/4 angle.  Im gonna close in the part under the grate with some sheet steel (maybe aluminum) havent decided yet.  I have 1 pair of casters under the table, and the tubes are just something I cobbled together for toting around handles.  And no, I havent had a class yet.. oh yea, it sits about 30" from the floor.  I was using that workmate with a 2'x2' 3/8 plate and believe it or not, worked out pretty well on its own. Attached ImagesLast edited by Doolittle; 11-24-2006 at 10:37 PM.
Reply:good job!(personally...i think the vice is going to be in the way more than its worth..)but its your bench so have at it!...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:Well, its bolted so I can pop it off if I got something big to do.  While I was puttling together the tig cart, it really came in handy.  Ive got another 4 " mounted to that big, cluttered up bench in the back, but its in an akward place and was allways pretty crappy.  Thanks for the heads up though zap.  Ill keep the ol' ratchet at the ready.  BTW, I know I need to paint the welds, but I need to have a good ground, so do I just paint as much as possible? just paint the welds?
Reply:of all the work i did on my bench no paint was used at allscrew that..you'll only end up burning it all off eventually one way or another..and it stinks when it burns......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:Ah, a man after my own heart.  Gotta luv the simplicity implied in that answer.
Reply:I agree with the others here, can't go wrong with 3/8" plate for the top. Now as far as how big that's all up to you. I made mine from a full 5' X 10' sheet as I do alot of gate and fence panel work and it also doubles as a nice jig table. Hate to move it though  regardless of size make sure you build plenty of support into the frame directly under the plate and make sure you support or tie you legs together so they don't wonder around when you move it.Building mudtanks and other oilfield equipment day by grueling day.---------------------------------------------------Victor preformerMillermatic 251Miller Thunderbolt 225Too many grinders and the likeGone but not forgotten Miller Bobcat 250Comming soon Lincoln Ranger 250