A change to my welding table

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So over a year ago I built a welding table using a small 110 welder. At the time I had no idea that that machine couldn't weld everything, nor did I know anything about welding at that time.Since then, I have endeavored to learn, and since then I have wanted to totally knock this table apart and start again. Well, today I grabbed a 16oz hammer and easily knocked the bar off the table that I use to hold my C-clamps. Given how easy it was, I figure a 16lb sledge will easily break the table apart.But, I re-did the bar with something smaller that my welder could handle. It's 1/8th " flat on 1/4" round.Here is the photo of the cold lap I did months ago that was easily hammered off: Attached Images
Reply:Here is the new, smaller round stock on 12 gauge mounts: Attached Images
Reply:Here's a couple with it finished. I just look for things to get practice on and this was the idea for today: Attached Images
Reply:Definite improvement over what was there.If it was mine, I'd flip all those clamps so the handles were down instead of up. Granted they're easier to knock off, but they wouldn't be sticking up above the table top..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I tried that but I found yet another design flaw...... The bar is too close to the table top so the bigger clamps won't fit. Once I get the garage wired with 220 I plan to get a Dialarc 250 and An Ironman 230 so I can smartly weld bigger stuff. Once I get a taste of TIG next month I'm sure I'll find another machine I'll want.
Reply:Originally Posted by FexalI tried that but I found yet another design flaw...... The bar is too close to the table top so the bigger clamps won't fit. Once I get the garage wired with 220 I plan to get a Dialarc 250 and An Ironman 230 so I can smartly weld bigger stuff. Once I get a taste of TIG next month I'm sure I'll find another machine I'll want.
Reply:I agree with DSW, If you have room for a big transformer machine an older TIG/stick machine is worth the money, I only paid $600 for my cybertig with stick leads, water cooled torch, water cooler, air cooled torch, regulator and lots of tungstens and filler rods.VinceHobart CyberTig 300 stick/tig w/water cooler (my CL score)Victor 315/1060 on LP            mostly farm repairs/projects
Reply:Originally Posted by FexalI tried that but I found yet another design flaw...... The bar is too close to the table top so the bigger clamps won't fit. --snip--
Reply:Are you talking about this machine?http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...s/shopmate_dx/
Reply:That would certainly work, if a bit pricy. If you have the cash, go for it. If I was going to spend that kind of cash I'd look at an XMT 304 as well. The only issue with the XMT is it won't do AC tig. It's a super mig, DC tig and stick power source however.No I was thinking about a much older machine like this one.http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o340p_mil.pdfThat's not the only option out there, just one that seems to pop up fairly regularly for sale used. A Dialarc HF would work also if you get all the tig parts with it. The cybertig countryraised has would be another option and we could go on and on... The point is most of these machines are set up to run a remote so you have more control over the puddle than you would with a basic stick machine and scratch start tig. Also most have a gas solenoid so you don't need a torch with a gas valve. You'll realize how nice that is after you forget to turn on the gas a few times and have to immediately regrind the tungsten as soon as you strike the arc..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:its fun to play around and learn stuff.....you would be surprised how a 220v unit will improve your welds, you  may be able to go up for several hundred dollars to 220v mig and be really satisfiedbobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by 37ford4drits fun to play around and learn stuff.....you would be surprised how a 220v unit will improve your welds, you  may be able to go up for several hundred dollars to 220v mig and be really satisfied
Reply:Thing I miss about the Miller 135 is the small gun. Really nice for doing the small, artsy stuff and cd/wine racks and the like. Spent 5 years with one, day in and day out. Flexal: on the next revision you could just bend the ends of the round bar 90* and weld them to the underside of the table. And you can weld that table together with a 110v just fine with the right joint prep and technique. 200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.