DVA Project #2: Welding Table

When I first started welding with a HF 90 amp welder I quickly found out that welding on top of saw horses was not effective. I started looking into welding tables. Most welding tables at work are at least 5/8" thick but I could not see having such a heavy table to move around at home. I found a metal supplier in Phoenix that always has partial sheets. After locating a 3/8" thick plate measuring 60"x48" for $155, I decided this would the top piece to my welding table.

The table top was not the flattest in the world but it works. To help flatten the table, extra caution was taken during fabricating of the frame to help straiten the table top, 1/8 inch by 1/2-3/4 inch stitch welds to secure the table to the frame to avoid warping the table top. I have seen some tables with table tops warped by using such large welds to secure the table frame.

The frame was constructed out of two 20’ sticks of 2X2X11 Gage steel costing about $45 each. The frame was sized to have a three inch lip around the edge of the table to make clamping easer (not having to reach around the 2" tubing and the 3/8" thick table top to clamp). Table top height was originally 38" measuring from the ground to the top of the welding table. I am 5'9" tall and this was a bit too tall for comfort. The frame was chopped for a table top height of 36". I still may cut it again and lower it to 34" or 35" height.

The swivel wheels are 5" locking 1000 lb wheels purchased on Amazon for about $25 dollars each. All four wheels are swivel wheels, I should have only used two swivel wheels as pushing the table around is like pushing a cart at Ikea.

The wheels mounts were purchased at a metal supplier for about $1.50 each and 3/16" bolting was used to secure the wheels to the frame.

I added electrical connections to allow electrical access on opposite ends of the table. This is a nice feature to allow easy access to either end of the table and this added up to about $30 dollars in equipment.

The project took about two months scouting out the correct table top and fabrication time was about 5 hours. Total table cost was just under $400.

DVA,

Nice looking table.

Good idea not going to thick on the top, since you have to move it around and store it, it will make life simpler. Down the road you might want to add a shelf or small hanging shelf under the top for more storage (clamps, hammers, etc).

Looks pretty straight from the picture. Good job.

Looks good. I may have to build something similar, not just for welding but also for building engines or other items related to general garage / motorcycle work.

I was planning on wooden work benches, but might have to make a portion of it a movable steel table for welding jobs, that will park in the corner and finish up the workbench.

I plan on adding a shelve. I was going to make the shelve on the bottom of the welding table by adding another brace across the length of the table and making the shelve out of expanded metal. This will help get some things off the ground in the shop and provide more space.

Another handy addition might be a simple strap between the legs for hanging the grinder and other things.

Attachment 3710

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Originally Posted by redbeard

Another handy addition might be a simple strap between the legs for hanging the grinder and other things.

Attachment 3710

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I will probably add a bar to hold the clamps. I need to fab up a holder for the MIG gun. I typicaly dangle the MIG gun over the edge with a clamp placed so it does not fall off the table. Too bad I am working 12 hr shifts now and do not have much time to play in the shop at this time.

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Originally Posted by DVA

I plan on adding a shelve. I was going to make the shelve on the bottom of the welding table by adding another brace across the length of the table and making the shelve out of expanded metal. This will help get some things off the ground in the shop and provide more space.

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You read my mind, all the way down to the expanded metal :)

I like it! Simple and clean!

I was going to do something similar, but I was planning on bolting the top on to the frame with countersunk alan screws instead of welding it and possible warping it. Might have to borrow the shop's mag drill press to do it "right" though

I was going to bolt the table down but do not have access to a mag base drill at home. I did not want to hand drill the table top and have it come out bad.

If you decide to weld the table top just ensure that the welds do not impart too much heat to the table top. A 3/8" or 1/2" top is heavy. Some small 1/2" tack welds are all that is needed as the top is heavy enough to move around due to friction alone.

I've yet to build a heavy-top table, but my dad did a full 4x8 3/8" top when he moved into his current shop 8 years ago. from memory, he stitched 1 inch out of 8 inches. 4 legs, 4" 3/8" wall, 1-1/2" 1/4" wall tubing between, full shelf on the bottom. it's pretty stout, and the stitches didn't warp it at all. only real issue with his table is he had the steel supplier shear the plate into thirds so he could pick them up, so there are 2 joints. I'd say the whole table is within an 1/8", with the sections being closer to 1/32".

Attachment 4036Attachment 4037

Had a chance to work on the table this weekend. Added some material (2x2 11 gauge tubing) to the bottom of the table and some Expanded Metal to form a shelf. I was able to store some junk from the garage on the table to make room for 3 smokers I am starting.

Table looks good, just do not load it up with junk. Trust me on that one.

What did they get you for on the expanded metal if OK to ask? None plated 5'x10' is $90 here 3/4"x#9, $120 for galvanized. But I think out local people gouge a bit.

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

Table looks good, just do not load it up with junk. Trust me on that one.

What did they get you for on the expanded metal if OK to ask? None plated 5'x10' is $90 here 3/4"x#9, $120 for galvanized. But I think out local people gouge a bit.

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5x8 foot 3/4 inch #9 expanded metal runs about $56 in Phoenix for the average buyer. With some accounts this could be as low as $36 per sheet.

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Originally Posted by DVA

5x8 foot 3/4 inch #9 expanded metal runs about $56 in Phoenix for the average buyer. With some accounts this could be as low as $36 per sheet.

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And they know they have me too. How can I ship that cheap. First quote I had was $190 for galv.. I called around, $90 was best and I thought that was a bit high (5 sheets too). Only games in town for me. Thanks for the info.

You have three smokers sold? Or just building them up and selling them off?

how do you like your evolution saw, I just ordered the Milwaukee dry cut and should be here today.

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

And they know they have me too. How can I ship that cheap. First quote I had was $190 for galv.. I called around, $90 was best and I thought that was a bit high (5 sheets too). Only games in town for me. Thanks for the info.

You have three smokers sold? Or just building them up and selling them off?

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One smoker sold. The others I will sell off the other two.

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Originally Posted by scootarida1

how do you like your evolution saw, I just ordered the Milwaukee dry cut and should be here today.

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The evolution saw works great. Wish I would have paid the extra 150 for the Milwaukee dry cut saw. The Milwaukee is a bit more sturdy than the evolution but it still gets the job done.

Hope you have some good ear plugs, the dry cut saws make a lot of noise.

Very nice !! I like it, this gives me a lot of ideas on how I want to build one for my shop.