Table

[JOHN1]

On a 4X8 welding table, is a 1/2" thick top overkill??

Also, most of the upper sized Mig welders are rated at 1/2".
Anything beyond that thickness, is it advisable to "Stick" weld or do you go with multiple passes (Steel)??

Thanks

[HAWK]

JOHN1,

No way! I use a 1" top for this size table. Make it heavy and sturdy so it can take the abuses of tacking up jigs, heavy vise work, and high heat input without warping or pulling. I have 2 small 18" x 24" tables with 1/8" tops for light TIG work and light MIG work. All the heavy duty spray arc, hot MIG, stick, high amp TIG, and carbon arc cutting/gouging all see the 1" tables.

[HAWK]

JOHN1,

Multi-pass with MIG is preferable as there is no slag to clean. Just bevel your joints on the thicker material: groove joints single or double sided, j bevels, v bevels, etc. Take the time to set up the joint for 100% weld penetration. It will save you the headache and time in the long run!!!

You can multi-pass with stick, but be absolutely sure to thoroughly clean the slag between passes. I prefer spray arc if in position is possible. If not, then pulsed spray is the way to go if you have the capabilities.

[JOHN1]

Hawk:

Is 1/2" then thick enough or should I go thicker??

I have the MM Vintage!

Thanks

[aametalmaster]

John, I have 2 tables with pics. The first table is 1 1/2" thick and the 2nd is 3/8". On the 3/8" one I welded up a frame from 3x3 angle to weld the legs to to keep the warpage down on the 3/8" top plate then tacked the under carriage to the top. I welded both with a MM 185. Welding the 1 1/2" was no problem. I like nice flat tables to work from...Bob

[aametalmaster]

Here's the second table...Bob

[JOHN1]

So it is safe to say I can go with the 1/2" and "brace and tack" in appropriate areas and eliminate warpage, right?

Also would it be a good idea to go 4X10 or a different size?

Space is no problem.
What is a good height. Probably depends on how tall you are I guess.




Thanks Again

[aametalmaster]

John, I wish I had a 4x10 and the space to put it in. If you can swing it go for it. Yes I would brace it maybe make a sub frame with legs and braces to take all the weight and movement then shim and tack the top to make flat. All 3 of my tables are 36" tall and I can move them around for long jobs straddle one to the other...Bob

[Steved]

I would really like to make a new table the one that I have is quite warped. (It was a hand-me-down)

Is there any good place to get cheap 1" plate steel?

Something tells me that this would cost a fortune and that is one of the things holding me back.


Thanks!

Steve

[HAWK]

Steved,

Check your local suppliers rather than a machine shop. A 4x10 or 4x8 sheet will be cheaper direct from a steel supplier. Also it will be cheaper to purchase the whole sheet rather than having a piece cut to dimension. Any way you go it will be expensive!

[Alex]

All,
Ya'll must all have forklifts available to you. I can't imagine trying to move a piece of 4'x8'x1" steel plate.

Weld on,
Alex

[Steved]

8 guys and a case of beer should do it. (The good Canadian stuff!)

[Alex]

Steve,
Eight guys and only 1 case of beer? That's only 3 apiece!! I don't know anybody in my group that's gonna lift that kind of weight for only 3 beers. Better make it 8 BIG guys and at least 4 cases of beer. Better yet, just buy a keg of Shiner Bock. You'll have more help than you know what to do with.

Weld on,
Alex

[Paul Seaman]

My workbench is 5" thick wood and 3'x7' and weighs about 600 lbs, move it all the time with a rollaway jack, move cars the same way.
I am building a new welding table out of a heavy duty landscapers wagon just have to get the reast of the projects finished first, it is down the list a bit but I'll get to it.

Peace,

[fun4now]

1" X 3 1/2' X 5'

i got a premade table that was being dicarded as a buisnes went under found it thrown out back of the warehouse. verry lucky find but i love the table at 1" you can even hammer on it if you need to and like HAWK said weld a jig on it and cut it off when your done. if you can get 1" you wont regret it.
happy welding
P.S.6 people 1 case of beer to put it in the shop. and i broke a come along putting it in the truck LOL!