DVA Project #2: Welding Table

[DVA]

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.

[everlastsupport]

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.

[sportbike]

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.

[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.

[redbeard]

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

[DVA]

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

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.

[everlastsupport]

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.

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

[SeanMurphy265]

I like it! Simple and clean!

[revkev6]

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

[DVA]

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.

[TD2593]

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