What kind of table did you build for welding/plasma use?

[Jemo]

Welding new pieces on a vehicle is pretty straight forward but when I need to weld a piece of tubing or cut a bracket with the plasma, I'm always having to search for a couple 2x4's that I prop up or lay it across the frame rails of my project truck. I want to build something that is not too huge that I can possibly roll around the shop if necessary. I want to use it for clamping things on to for welding or to hold things for plasma cutting.

Can you share what you've built and any little tips or extras on it that make life easier?

Thanks,
Jeff

[BO185]

I have an old metal table saw. I clamp whatever I am cutting to it (hanging off) and cut away! Also use it as my welding table.

But for a welding table as well you could build a cart and make a decent size top out of 3/8'' plate say 4'x4'. Be plenty strong! But I would use at least 1/4 for the top.

[bigdave R.I.P.]

I don't have a plasma cutter but I have a welder and speedblaster. I made a table out of scrap mesh left over from repairing the tailgate on my utility trailer and some 1" square tubing for the frame. I just put it on top og the saw horses. It is open for the sand to fall through and big enough to use for welding up pieces.
A bonus is I can use it as a grill over my fire pit too!!

[Rick_L]

My shop is kind of small (well it's not that small but it's filled to the edges), so I built a small table about 2-1/2' x 3-1/2' with 1/4" plate on top. I'd like bigger and I'd like 3/8" but what I have does it for small projects, and that's mostly what I have. I put it on casters so I can roll it around the shop. Off to the side of the 1/4" plate is an open area that's another 2' or 2-1/2' long. It's just basically an extension of the table's frame, and is cantilevered off it. That area is good for clamping some welding projects, and it's also good for cutting. I could have put some 1/8'' strips there for grating which would be useful for cutting but it also makes it less versatile for welding.

Some things I did that I like or would put in the next one:
1. Make sure that the table top overhangs the tubing frame a fair amount. A little more versatile for clamping to the table.
2. Don't put a crossmember at the bottom of the frame on one long side. That allows you to sit at the table with an opening like a desk so you can sit on a chair and weld.
3. Casters are great. I have casters on my table, and several other items that don't get full time use. Push them over to one side when you're not using them and put them where you need them when you are.
4. If you leave the cutting area open, you can always tack weld something in there temporarily if you need something for a project.
5. You can always weld something to the table top temporarily if you need to for a fixture.

[Jemo]

I'd guess that 1/4" plate is fairly pricey for a table top. Were you able to find this in a scrap heap?

Jeff

[BO185]

I'd guess that 1/4" plate is fairly pricey for a table top. Were you able to find this in a scrap heap?

JeffI get "drops" from the local metal supply. I bought a 2' by 5' peice for like $100 bucks. It was cut piece that was off a larger piece that they could use directly, so it sold at a discount price.

[Tuned55]

One of the first thngs I made for my shop was a welding table. I used a 4'x4'x1/2'' steel and 4x4 legs with a shelf with expanded metalabout 10'' off floor. I used 4'' locking casters . It's good and tuff and movrs easily.

[Chevynut]

I'd guess that 1/4" plate is fairly pricey for a table top. Were you able to find this in a scrap heap?

Jeff

I just bought a 2' x 4' piece of 1/4" steel plate for a welding table and it was $70 for new metal from my local distributor. My son had the table frame so we're putting the top on it, and adding casters. It's sure handy already, even without being finished!!!

[Old Buzzard]

2x4 legs, 4" channel frame, 1/4" top.
A "firepit" at 1 end. Actually, it's an army surplus steel drawer, sliding on small angle iron. The area over the drawer is made out of 1" steel drain grating.

[joeelutz]

Jeff,

Check out this design. It has worked well for me.
http://www.millerwelds.com/interests/projects/welding-table/

Joe

[Geoff]

Jeff,

Here's mine. I've now got a vise mounted on it.
I made it to work for mig or for sitting down and tigging.
Absolutely the most useful piece of gear I own.

Pretty easy to build, just gotta measure well to keep it nice and square.
Got the top at American Iron near downtown.



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j257/sg3000/IMG_0440.jpg