Inexpensive welding table
#1
12-12-05, 03:08 PM
Inexpensive welding table
Hello Everyone,
I'm looking for ideas of what to use (materials) to build an inexpensive welding table. Space is limited so I don't want a huge table. I'd want something perhaps 3'x4' that could double as a shop/assembly table or something when I'm not welding. Welder is on a cart.
To be honest with you, I'm mainly looking for ideas of tops to use. 1/4"+ sheet metal is expensive. I don't really feel like spending $300+ for the top of my table. Right now I use a 3/4" plywood table I made. Works fine but I'm getting tired of the burning table. LOL Also, it would be nice to just clamp the ground down on the table. Any ideas or pictures on the net for ideas?
Thanks.
I'm looking for ideas of what to use (materials) to build an inexpensive welding table. Space is limited so I don't want a huge table. I'd want something perhaps 3'x4' that could double as a shop/assembly table or something when I'm not welding. Welder is on a cart.
To be honest with you, I'm mainly looking for ideas of tops to use. 1/4"+ sheet metal is expensive. I don't really feel like spending $300+ for the top of my table. Right now I use a 3/4" plywood table I made. Works fine but I'm getting tired of the burning table. LOL Also, it would be nice to just clamp the ground down on the table. Any ideas or pictures on the net for ideas?
Thanks.
#2
12-12-05, 03:39 PM
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Below is a photo of mine, its a 4'x3'x1/2" top with 2"x2" HSS. Of course its overkill for most things but, it doesn't move easily 
and you can certainly use thinner materials. For the top I'd personally get no less than 3/16" or 1/4" thick. Abuse (hammering, etc.), heat (from welding or cutting torches), grinding off jigs, etc could/would warp or damage a thin surface. http://www.pbase.com/ajuett/image/43266736.jpg
and you can certainly use thinner materials. For the top I'd personally get no less than 3/16" or 1/4" thick. Abuse (hammering, etc.), heat (from welding or cutting torches), grinding off jigs, etc could/would warp or damage a thin surface. http://www.pbase.com/ajuett/image/43266736.jpg
Last edited by metalfab; 12-12-05 at 03:59 PM.
#3
12-12-05, 04:16 PM
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I have used a strip of 1/4" that is 12"x48" for several years. I clamp the joint to the table and let everything else hang off, then clamp the next joint after that one is sufficiently joined. Vise hangs off one end, 8" grinder is on the opposite end. Works for me.
