First Post - Building my Table

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Hey there,I've been furiously reading here ever since my father-in-law gave me all his welding equipment.  It's something I've always wanted to learn.  I've been at it for a few months.So far, I've just been using solid wire with 25/75 gas on mild steel.  After I learned to make a mediocre bead, I figured I would build my own table.  So far so good.  I'm learning as I go.Here's my question.  The material for my table is just plain cold-rolled mild steel.  Should I bother to paint it to keep the table from rusting?  It will be in my garage, which stays dry and moderately warm.Click for some pics...
Reply:your by salt water i would !! but leave the top  bareLast edited by T E B; 11-14-2012 at 12:23 PM.
Reply:painting always give it the finished look.If your done paint it.
Reply:paint it.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:"Paint it, paint it, paint it black!"- Mick Jagger, 1966Oh, that was the sun he wanted to be painted black.  Paint it any color you like, but leave the top surface bare steel.  Maybe leave a couple spots under the edge bare also for the welder work clamp.Thanks for posting!- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:I agree paint is a final touch to top off your creation, good looking table so far.JobSmart MIG125Lincoln AC225-SLincoln Pro-Mig 175Dewalt GrindersRidgid ChopsawIR Garage Mate CompressorAny thing worth doing, is worth doing right.
Reply:Got it!  When it's done, I'll paint the bottom black.  Still got some extras to add: torch hanger, expanded metal bottom shelf, my vise and bench grinder mounts, etc.-Seth
Reply:Looks good, how thick is the tubing?
Reply:Mostly 1-1/4" tube with 1/8" walls.  There's a few 1" pieces for variety. I got a 2'x4'  1/2" top plate for the price of scrap, which dictated the size of the table.   And I'm cannibalizing the father-in-law's old 1/4" top plate as I go.-Seth
Reply:While a 2' X 4' is a decent enough size for a lot of projects and makes walking around to get at the best welding angle easier than a larger table, I have a feeling you'll be building either outriggers or a couple of jackstands soon. Your project looks fine so far. BTW, more clamps!!! Every time the farm supply place in Sturgis I pass when driving over to the Black Hills has a sale I glom on to another six or so ViseGrip welding clamps. I've found that they are so much cheaper than asking Killer for her help in holding a set-up while I weld...Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Wyo,  I originally wanted to build a 3X5' table.  I nearly had a stroke when I saw how much the top plate would cost.  I think I will end up building a few movable stands for larger stuff (plus it's another thing to design and weld).And I already have more clamps on the way in the mail.-Seth
Reply:Seth, looks like the hook has gotten set deeply enough. I hope you continue to enjoy your newfound proficiency in welding. Lord knows, when working with metal you'll never be lost as far as being able to expand your hobby to meet new challenges...or have a ready supply of 'suggested' Christmas/birthday/etc. gifts on the wish list.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Looking good!  I'm near you, in University Place.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:You are gifted with skillful hands._____________________________________www.sawblade.com
Reply:She's a beauty! I like the vice...
Reply:just noticed your location... admitidly after Rabid mentioned it. I'm In Oly. Welcome to the club.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger