Welding table height

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Does anyone have suggestions as to the optimal welding table top height.  I'm about 6' tall and am looking to make a table.  My shop space is limited however so I'd like to have a table on wheels that I could slide into a knee space under my work bench when not in use.  To do this would put the top of the table at just under 36".  Too low?  Seems to me like it might be.If higher than 36" would be better, I'm thinking of some sort of built-in jack (hydraulic foot pedal, pneumatic, scissors, etc.) that could raise up the table top after it's out from under the workbench.  The table top dimensions would be approx. 30" x 42".Any suggestions for design, etc. would be appreciated.l
Reply:Rule of thumb for a standing workstation height, is 6-10" below the operator's elbow.I'm 6'-2" and I built my table to be 42" high.   IMO, it's a bit (2") too high.  If I ever have some free time, I plan to cut it down and re-weld the frame to have the top surface at 40" (or 8" below my elbow).There are no small projects
Reply:I would go lower than both of those especially if you are doing TIG and want to sit in a chair/stool. Should be slightly higher than a standard desk height."Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:In this article, Lincoln calls for 36" legs. Depending on the type of welding, as Imagineer pointed out, you want a table that is comfortable for you. Mine is about waist high and is comfortable for anything I do. edit: darn, forgot the link: http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowl...ldingtable.aspI would suggest trying it out with a mock-up table of some cardboard first and see where you're most comfortable.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I also did the elbow distance measurement and it is perfect for me 6'-3".I hate leaning over (kills my back). I TIG fine at my bench as well using a stool.   T.J.
Reply:Well, it depends.It depends a LOT on what kind of things you are working on.  If you are working on flat plates or things without much height to them, then make the tabletop the comfortable height for you.If you are working on things with height to them, then you want the thing to be at a comfortable height to work on when it's on the table.It depends on if you are sitting or standing at the table.  If you are sitting, it depends a bit on the height of the seat.It depends.
Reply:I've sat in front.behind..underneeth many welding tables that are nowhere's near the same height as each other..Some even in the same shop..I just find the appropriate stool and have at it.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:How about making it belt hieght so when the grinder comes flying off at you it hits you in the belt. Or you could make it 6'10" under your elbow.
Reply:I think mine is about even with my belt...when I'm not welding in my shorts. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Thanks to you all for the insightful (and humorous) responses.  Based on what I have heard, I think a table that will slide under my workbench with some braking casters will probably do the trick.  Should hit about middle of the "elbow" range. Any suggestions on top thickness?  I'll probably be fabbing up tractor stuff, i.e. 1/4, 3/8, occasional 1/2 inch stock.  I'm thinking 3/8" would work but should I really try to "find" (at Ernie's junkyard) or "buy" (gulp) 1/2"?  And what about the half and half welding/cutting tables.  I don't have a plasma right now, but I'm kinda digging this stuff so is this cutting side something I should design in?  Maybe with a second removable welding top over the cutting area?  BTW, I really like my HTP 2400 MIG.
Reply:Thicker is better all the way around..Big stuff like you want to do will need "persuasion" here and there eventually..And you need metal thicker than what you will be dealing with on a regular basis if lots of clamping will be invloved..Something has to give..Not the table.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Good advice Zap...Thanks
Reply:I just measured the heighth of mine...32". I bought a 1/2" steel plate for mine through a guy on Ebay. 50" x 34"..was $150 with me picking it up. That thing is HEAVY!!!!"Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:That seems like a great price to me. I recall paying $100 for 1/8" in a 24 x 36 size and some odd pieces. Of course, I was probably paying full retail back then. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:What he does is have you calculate your weight after you add 2 inches to each dimension and then multiply by $0.63/lb.http://stores.ebay.com/ASSOCIATED-METAL-PRODUCTSEach edge is CNC cut so each edge is perfectly smooth."Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:Originally Posted by brucebThat thing is HEAVY!!!!
Reply:That is a great table! I think it was commented on before. Did you drill all those set or mock-up holes, or did the metal shop?John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MicroZoneThat is a great table! I think it was commented on before. Did you drill all those set or mock-up holes, or did the metal shop?
Reply:Wow, no kidding - lots of holes, lots of time...that's what I figured. Looks great!John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Here is a different angle. I have this low one about 24 inches. Can work on tall stuff and also set on a stool for most other things. Attached ImagesHe who dies with the most tools wins
Reply:I got a piece of 1/2" plate for my table top.  For bracing underneath, what would you recommend as far as stock size to use and spacing of the supports?
Reply:For my 50" x 34" I just have it supported in 4 corners. Each corner is supported by a 3 inch round pad around 5 inches in from the edge. My table frame is from an integrated circuit lab table. I will not be welding anything very heavy on it. As of now, it is perfectly flat. If I was going to be putting much weight on it, I would be adding more support."Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:Has anyone ever made a folding welding table?  I'm really really limited with space and need something but need to be able to fold it up.  Thought the lower table with fold out legs would be easier.  Just need a small piece to attach to the bottom and then bolt them in...Thoughts?
Reply:http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...2949_200342949You get the ideerEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by chinesebobHas anyone ever made a folding welding table?Originally Posted by ddonnellAny suggestions on top thickness?  I'm thinking 3/8" would work but should I really try to "find" (at Ernie's junkyard) or "buy" (gulp) 1/2"?  And what about the half and half welding/cutting tables.
Reply:There was a post on here a few months ago with a folding top welding table.  The top swung down from one side, so it could be pushed against the wall for using minimal floor space.  I can't remember who posted it, but I do remember it was made in a basement.  Does this ring any bells for anyone else? Originally Posted by chinesebobHas anyone ever made a folding welding table?  I'm really really limited with space and need something but need to be able to fold it up.  Thought the lower table with fold out legs would be easier.  Just need a small piece to attach to the bottom and then bolt them in...Thoughts?
Reply:You guy would love my welding table.  Its a 4 by 10 by 1" thick top.  Its 30" off the ground which sucks. But I am going to set it on some small I beams here shorty to get it up to 36".  Its sitting on 6 5"by5" by 1/2" wall legs with leveling bolts. Its a huge table, but for $400 I couldn't pass it up.  My 773G bobcat did a endo when I tired to picked it up.  You should have seen my skidloader forks bend.  I ended up pushing it into the shop with the bobcat.  It has to weight every bit of 2700lbs.Lincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A  Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom Ironwokers
Reply:Gee you'll have to post some pics of the table that you got for $400 . But only 30" high??Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by imagineerNo doubt.   I brought my 37" x 73" x 1/2" thick steel top home in a '96 Chrysler Town & Country.The mini-van makes strange sounds now that it didn't before!