Show me your carts, tables, and workstations

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Hey guys,I'm new here, so a little background. I'm a product design student at the University of Cincinnati, and only know the basics of welding. This quarter we are designing a "workstation", meaning an environment dedicated to a specific task. I chose welding for a few reasons.1. The intimidation factor for those who are new to it.2. The focus on safety and proper practices3. I want to know more about itRight now I'm in the research and ideation phase, meaning I'm trying to lock down my ideas and start thinking about the form this project is going to take. So that's why I'm here to speak with you guys, the experts. What kind of workstations, carts, and tables do you use both at work or at home? I'd like to see a welder's natural environment, what it contains and how things are arranged. And of course if you have any ideas regarding something new or future-thinking (think about 10 years from now) I'd love to hear it.With your help I'd like to create a vision of what welding can be a few years down the road, so no idea is too crazy. I really appreciate it.Thank you guys,Jon Panichella
Reply:Use forum Search features on welding forums, company websites, etc. Use Google Image Search.Fume evacuation (Hazmat concerns will only increase) with HEPA filtration, good lighting (very high power lighting for inspection would be a nice option) ,  a modular workholding system that is extremely versatile, and tough design. EASE OF REPAIR with common shop tools, and avoidance of delicate parts or machined parts is highly desirable.Consider how you may be graded. Welding doesn't change much since it is a REFINED process that is very old. If your graders "like" futuristic impractical Star Trek poopoo, do that. If they are clueful, design something excellent and useful.Study enough to know the difference.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallConsider how you may be graded. Welding doesn't change much since it is a REFINED process that is very old. If your graders "like" futuristic impractical Star Trek poopoo, do that. If they are clueful, design something excellent and useful.Study enough to know the difference.
Reply:Originally Posted by jpanichella So I plan on doing a range of ideas from the star trek poopoo to the practical/repairable/realistic.
Reply:I guess I'm also still undecided on my market. Do I want consumer or professional? Pro-sumer?I am more interested in keeping it in the shop, but I am going to probably do some sketches for perhaps a truck-bed mounted station.
Reply:Sounds very interesting. Truck mounted (mobile) and in shop are completely different environments and setups. Fabrications shops versus rig welding. Either setup is great but quite different. I have work in a shop for many years and I have seen many different setups. What is newer to the industry that i have seen is...- robotic welding arm- a self guided horizontal band saw. (cuts on its own to set lengths) - An induction heater for heating thicker steel.- Computer CNC plasma burning systems for not only plate but also pipe, channel, angle etc. - CNC brake presses which get there info from a disk you program on your computer before forming. If the piece is going to "crash" into the press machine, it will tell you with a big red X on the screen before if even bends. Our trade seems to be headed in the robotic area.... Some of the trade school seem to get the chance to test out the newer equipment. Also a good sales pitch with a variety of students. Air vac systems are getting more popular as mentioned for welding smoke. Thats just a start, there is a lot of newer stuff or improved / innovated design concepts out there.
Reply:Also a new design that is really cool, the Russians have come up with a Laser welder. This machine can weld aluminum at 30 millimeters per minute. Sounds slow but is early testing... Reference here.
Reply:To add to what we have as a normal shop or rig...Autoset welders and welder generatorsbelt sandersbrake and sheersvertical band sawsI have even seen air pressure fab tables. This is done by using a air pots and or hydraulics to lift and lower fab tables. Works great as long as there were no leaks. Also can level the fab table. One table I have used actual held the material and pulled the sheet steel backwards so when the welding heat was applied and the job was finished, the table would depressurize and bring the material back to a nice flat finish with minimal heat distortion.1. intimidation - could be the newer machines and all the fancy controls they have. Or the high speed machines they are improving on.2. Safety - lots of laser safety curtains which stop the machine when the laser beam is broken ie. hand in brake press Also pass-worded and key access only machines.Last edited by oxygen454; 01-16-2011 at 04:26 PM.
Reply:I've been looking around at filtration systems. This seems to be the common solution, a big powered vacuum with some sort of HEPA filter and an adjustable arm.So I assume you have to keep this a certain distance away from your project so you don't lose your argon.
Reply:Yes, usually above the work station. Loosing your gas will defiantly give you porosity which is not good.
Reply:I saw this and thought it would give everyone ideas on shop tables. This table has good  storage and clamping devices!
Reply:I have always wanted a chain hoist mounted on my table so I could lift heavy items off a cart and lift and swing them on to my table.
Reply:that tables not heavy enough... IMO , mine is 1.5'' plate mounted on 12'' i beams , about 40 inches off the ground , it doesnt move and i could prolly park a d6 on top of it and pull the under carriage off it ...I forgot how to change this.
Reply:Originally Posted by LawsonWeldingLLCthat tables not heavy enough... IMO , mine is 1.5'' plate mounted on 12'' i beams , about 40 inches off the ground , it doesnt move and i could prolly park a d6 on top of it and pull the under carriage off it ...
Reply:Originally Posted by oxygen454We have those at work, they are great! No warpage what so ever. You guys ever seen the thick tables with the square holes cut in them for wedges to hold your material? I hear they are good too?