FAbrication Table Buid?

[miniyota]

i want to build a fab table. i have 1.5"x.120 square tubing for it. and then i have 4- 5" tall x2" wide solid casters.

i'm going to use the table to mount my tube bender, tube notcher, and grinder/belt sander.

i think i'll use 1/4" thick metal for the top. i'm thinking 4'x8' should be good.

what are your opinions, and can you post some ideas of your builds? thanks

[PARANOID56]

i would try to get a thicker top if you can.

[kwrangln]

1/2" minimum for the top. You want something that will stay flat, not dent, and add weight. The best table I've made used 1/2" for a base plate, 3/4" plywood on top of that, and then a 3/4" steel top plate. The wood stopped any ringing when you hit it with a hammer. Overall table weight was somewhere around 4000 lbs, perfect. Skip the castor idea unless they are lockable or removeable, you want a fab table to be like a rock. If you can budge it by hercing on something in the vice or bending something on it then it aint heavy enough. For a light duty shop bench you expect to roll around, you are on the right track, but it will quickly drive you nuts with it moving all the time when you dont want it to, and when the top ends up wavy and you are trying to keep something straight when jigging.

[Todd W]

1.5" x .120" is not that solid for legs either.

If you want to use stuff you have maybe build a smaller table for welding out of it and then in the future build a big-ass beefy one for holding alxes/engines/etc.

Sure.... 1.5"x.120" would work with a 1/4" top but be sure to brace it well, and don't just stick the top across the frame. Make the gaps between support like 8" and it shouldb ep retty beefy :)

[miniyota]

i'm just starting out in the business. i need a good table i can set my jigs on, and i want to be able to move the table when i'm finally able to build a real shop.

i'm thinking about adding screw jacks so i can level it when i need to. i need the table to be somewhat portable.

1.5" x .120" is not that solid for legs either.

If you want to use stuff you have maybe build a smaller table for welding out of it and then in the future build a big-ass beefy one for holding alxes/engines/etc.

Sure.... 1.5"x.120" would work with a 1/4" top but be sure to brace it well, and don't just stick the top across the frame. Make the gaps between support like 8" and it shouldb ep retty beefy :)

[nissancrawler]

Our welding table back home was set up so that a floor jack could lift one side, and when it did, the other side tilted on some bearings that were welded on a pipe. Set it down, and it was back on 4 legs, worked great.

[miniyota]

well, i think i'll build it this way, if the sheet metal is too thin, i'll just buy a 1/2" piece to go on top.

then under the table i'll use some milk crates to hold my grinders and other power tools

[debo75]

I remember one of the 4x4 mags doing a table build recently, but I came across this while I was looking for it. Good luck with your build!
http://www.millerwelds.com/interests/projects/welding-table/

[PTSchram]

i'm just starting out in the business.

If you are entering the fabrication business, you do not want to skimp on what is arguably the most important piece of equipment after your welder.

In business, it may be wise to husband your resources well, but it is also wiser to equip yourself with tools that will do the job.

It took me awhile to learn that there really was a difference in tool quality and I am rid of almost all of my consumer grade tools finally (yes, thank you AFIRover for forcing me to see the light).

[4x4not]

For a fab shop, get yourself an acorn table. Stupid heavy, but about as good as it gets. Possibly make a smaller flat table for welding up brackets and such.