Project 1 from CGCINC. Category: Welding Cart

[CGCINC]

Decided to make a new welding cart that will hold my band saw and also have a small plasma cutting area.

I am making this out of 11ga. 2" square tubing. The wheels I will be using are 5" with locks from Northern Tool.
I want to make the plasma cutting area the same height as the vise on my band saw so I can support longer pieces.
I will be using my IMIG200 for most of this project.
It's not going to be fancy or big because I have plans for a CNC plasma table in the future....















So, somehow, I totally forgot that my band saw swivels. I swiveled it to 45* and measured and I need 7 inches to clear the swiveled saw. GREAT!! .... Time to "adjust" my plans. I first was going to cut out an area in the plasma cutting section but it's small enough as is so I decided to just add 7" to mount the saw farther away from the risers to allow for the swivel. Sometimes I screw up... This is what happens when you get an idea and just start welding without drawing it out or double checking everything.

[CGCINC]

On to the plasma cutting area......
I used 11ga. 1" flat stock to make a shelf for the cutting grates to sit on.
I also added a 1 1/4" angle to the center for support.










I welded in a piece of 11ga. sheet to keep plasma cutting debris from blowing over onto the shelf under the band saw...



Also, I added an angled piece under where the band saw mounts to direct band saw debris out away from the shelf below...This is Under the band saw where debris falls through the swivel slot

[CGCINC]

Then I did a quick prime and paint with a Charcoal Gray.....

[CGCINC]

Next is building the plasma cutting grates, mounting the saw and re-wiring the switch so I can mount it in a more convenient place. I am thinking of adding some outlets as well just so I have a place to plug a grinder in if it's out in the middle of the floor.....

[undercut]

Great build! Gosh you make nice stuff. Something for me to aspire to. Can't wait to see it with the grates in and everything in place. Cheers!

[CGCINC]

Thanks.... I wish I would have planned a little better so I didn't have to change the design for the swivel. Oh well...

[redbeard]

Thanks.... I wish I would have planned a little better so I didn't have to change the design for the swivel. Oh well...

I think somebody around here once told me that if you aren't making mistakes, you're not learning.

I like the idea for a plasma cutting area, something that I will definitely consider if I ever get around to building a cart.

Agreed on the extra outlets. Are you planning a place to stow/hang a grinder or 2 on there?

[CGCINC]

Are you planning a place to stow/hang a grinder or 2 on there?

I didn't plan any hangers... I have grinders all over so they are usually close if needed. I do plan to add some metal under the bandsaw area for a low shelf to store stuff. I really just needed to get my band saw higher and a place to plasma since I'm screwing up my welding table using it to cut on....

[CGCINC]

Finished the cutting grate.
Messed around with some different designs but settled on this one. I used 2" square tubing for the diamond shapes.
I figured I could use that area to drill or blow holes with the plasma.

[undercut]

OK, now your stuff is simply putting my meager abilities to shame ... LOL

Golly, that turned out great! Nice to see you're putting that bandsaw to good use.

[SeanMurphy265]

How are you liking the saw? I've got a short list of equipment that I would like to buy, and a good saw is on the list. The 4x8 is fine, but it would be good to have something a little nicer and easier to cut angles.

[CGCINC]

How are you liking the saw? .

The saw works great. I have no complaints about it anymore.
I thought I would use the swivel all the time but honestly, I hardly ever use it.


Next is to re-wire and mount the saw switch along with some outlets. I also need to cut a shelf for under the saw.

[redbeard]

That has got to be the most bitchin' grate design ever. I'm gonna cry when that actually sees a torch.

[CGCINC]

That has got to be the most bitchin' grate design ever. I'm gonna cry when that actually sees a torch.

Probably not the most functional though..... lol

[agent4573]

Is there a method to designing a plasma cutting table? I thought it was kind of a "consumable" while cutting so I never thought about the design.

Also, how much does this beast weigh?

[fdcmiami]

Probably not the most functional though..... lol

you are talented. too bad you can't get some time in in a large miscellaneous metals shop. since you enjoy working with wood you might want to look at some of the high end teak and stainless furniture that is used on boats and outdoor areas near the ocean. you would be amazed at the pricing.

everything you build has a moment, then it's downhill from there. so, enjoy the moment.

[CGCINC]

Is there a method to designing a plasma cutting table? I thought it was kind of a "consumable" while cutting so I never thought about the design.

Also, how much does this beast weigh?

No method, I just go overboard with things sometimes. I made the grate out of 1 1/2" flat stock so I'm thinking it will "last" for awhile.....Might look like it's been through a war though

As far as weight?!? I have no clue. The bandsaw with the cast base is heavy. I would guess maybe 100-125lbs. total???? maybe a little more....?

[CGCINC]

Got it wired up today.
It's basically ready to go! I need to order some sheet for the bottom shelf but it's good for now

[zedron]

I must say that this is coming along very nicely. I wish I had more room in my garage so I could have dedicated carts/tables like this. Everything I get has to be able to fold up.

[redbeard]

Probably not the most functional though..... lol

I dunno about that, I really like the idea of using the diamond areas for drilling. I may have to incorporate something similar into my woodworking bench.

Everything I get has to be able to fold up.

Post up your folding stuff if you make any, I'm in the same boat and could really use some design ideas.