Warped welding table

admin

I have an opportunity to purchase a 5' x 9' welding table with a 3/4" thick top. The problem is a 1/4" deflection because of poor support, or too much heat at one time. Is there a way to flex this into a relatively flat surface. I don't want to have the surface machined down.Thanks in advance.Last edited by Heavymetalmfg; 01-16-2010 at 02:53 PM.
Reply:Yes you can flatten 3/4 inch over five feet with a strongback on the convex side and a couple of steel wedges driven in at the center of the strongback.  You are going to need a five foot piece of 1 x 6 inch material.  You will then have to leave the piece in location.  In any case you need heavy material to move heavy material.   If the underside of the table is framed  out of heavy enough material you might be able to wedge against the table frame.  You can also pop the table flat if you are good with a torch but there is no guarantee.
Reply:Should be able to bring it back with stringer beads. I would put maybe a 2 ' bead across the middle and let it cool and go on from there Little by little until straight. Weld on the high side and it will get worse before it gets better but it will come back. Attached ImagesI always tried to work with the oldest hand on the job to gain knowlege but now I can't find any.
Reply:It seems that there are several ways to achieve a flat surface. Since this table is only $150, I think it's worth the effort. Thanks for the advice.
Reply:That much steel for $150 is pretty good, even if you had to chop it in half and rebuild it would be worth it.Miller 185Lincoln Weldanpower 225Lincoln 225 buzz boxCheap-o C&H 110v (my first welder)
Reply:Originally Posted by HeavymetalmfgI have an opportunity to purchase a 5' x 9' welding table with a 3/4" thick top. The problem is a 1/4" deflection because of poor support, or too much heat at one time. Is there a way to flex this into a relatively flat surface. I don't want to have the surface machined down.Thanks in advance.