building new welding table

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I am building a new 4x8x3/8 welding table.   I have 1 1/2x 1/4 wall square tubing and 5" c channel as a frame. Any good ideas. I am going to use countersunk bolts to put top on. I would like a place to put my PM45 and chop saw and other tools. I am trying to work with the materials I have on hand. Thanks for any help. I have been looking at a lot of plans.  How much lip to leave around table before the frame? I am 6' so what is a good leg length and I guess I have to figure in the casters. Probably 6 legs.
Reply:Ok, I found some 4x4 steel legs on my property. So I will use that for the legs and 1 1/2 for cross bars at bottom and 5" c channel for top frame and cross supports. Sound good?
Reply:I would put a lower storage shelf floored with expanded metal so dust and dirt falls through.  We left a 6" clamping area around the top and it works well. Attached Images
Reply:4x4x??? and 5x??? channel with 1 1/2x250 already sounds heavy duty Lots of great ideas here on benchesBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:I like the idea Crabo Thanks
Reply:I haven't done it yet, but I occasionally think about drilling some holes so I can clamp out in the middle of the table.
Reply:Originally Posted by CraboI haven't done it yet, but I occasionally think about drilling some holes so I can clamp out in the middle of the table.
Reply:I just tack your fixtures. Just make sure no clueless chimps with a grinder remove the tacks. I had a kid that couldn't grasp the idea of placing the wheel FLAT on the table. Sent his azz packing back to the coffee fields. Red bean good. Green bean bad.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:I borrowed a lot of ideas from this site and others and incorporated them into my table. Maybe there is something here you can use. Lincoln 180 MigLincoln 225 TigHypertherm 65My Welding Table BuildVideo describing the Table
Reply:Hey Duker, I live not far in Santa Fe, TX down by Alvin. I have admired your table many times. I strive to be that organized. I am trying not to rush because I would like to build something that nice. I am in a bad way in my life right now due to wife having massive Brain Bleed back in March. I have not worked since then. Money is scarce so I have to work with what I have. I am trying to get my metal shop built so that I have a chance to make a living in the middle of the night while my wife sleeps. I take care of her full time. This is all so important to be done right. Thanks for all the tips guys.
Reply:Another question, when I go to the steel supplier they are not very friendly or patient. I need to know about how to ask for round and square tubing that fits nicely inside each other and slides freely. More in the 2" - 6" range. Thanks so much.
Reply:I am guessing they are the only ones close to you?  or the best price?  If not, I would go somewhere else.
Reply:I guess me not spending thousands of dollars a month they don't really carepower max 45miller 180matco 160 hobart beta mig IIthermal dynamics pch 20Lincoln Idealarc tig 300/300 code 8167-c
Reply:Originally Posted by automanHey Duker, I live not far in Santa Fe, TX down by Alvin. I have admired your table many times. I strive to be that organized. I am trying not to rush because I would like to build something that nice. I am in a bad way in my life right now due to wife having massive Brain Bleed back in March. I have not worked since then. Money is scarce so I have to work with what I have. I am trying to get my metal shop built so that I have a chance to make a living in the middle of the night while my wife sleeps. I take care of her full time. This is all so important to be done right. Thanks for all the tips guys.
Reply:Sorry, I didn't see in your sig line you had a plasma cutter. Maybe I can help in another way, in the future if you know what particular piece/s of steel your looking for i can run by the scrap year here and see if it available.Lincoln 180 MigLincoln 225 TigHypertherm 65My Welding Table BuildVideo describing the Table
Reply:I use Steel Supply on Telephone just inside Beltway 8.  Large scrap yard and currently @ .30 per pound.  Nice folks and they'll cut long material in half for free.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Thank you so much Duker and Gravel. Have a blessed night. Brianpower max 45miller 180matco 160 hobart beta mig IIthermal dynamics pch 20Lincoln Idealarc tig 300/300 code 8167-c
Reply:What do you think about me just building the whole frame out of the 1 1/2 square tubing I have on hand? Maybe the other materials are heavier than needed, plus I have been saving them to build a trailer. Thankspower max 45miller 180matco 160 hobart beta mig IIthermal dynamics pch 20Lincoln Idealarc tig 300/300 code 8167-c
Reply:I was going to go 6" (from the 4x4 not the channel) over hang. when I did the math on the frame going 5"would save me from buying another 20'x4" channel and less waste than if I went 4". Attached Images
Reply:Hey automan, did you ever get the table built?GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:It is partially built. Lots of health issues with my wife. Thanks Brianpower max 45miller 180matco 160 hobart beta mig IIthermal dynamics pch 20Lincoln Idealarc tig 300/300 code 8167-c
Reply:Sorry to hear that. I'll be going to La. this weekend and can stop in Orange if Duane has anything for you.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.