What would you pay? THICK welding tables

[ATC]

I've been wanting to build/buy a welding/fab table for several years now. I either didn't have the money for a new sheet of steel...or couldn't find anything used that I didn't have to completely re-do. But I'm sick of working on a round metal patio table in the driveway
I found these two the other day, and they have my interest. Compared to the $700-$1000 home-build tables with 1/4"-1/2" tops I am finding on CL and FB... (some beat up pretty bad) is it worth it to step up to one of these? Yes, complete overkill for my needs...but isn't that what a welding table is supposed to be?
Or should I just **** it up and buy a new sheet of 1/2" plate and start from scratch? 3'x6'x1/2" would be ideal for me...but I don't mind finding the room for a bigger one at the right price. Both of these are listed at $1500
Do I need to be slapped back to reality?




1) 30"x70"x40" tall (I'm not sure I believe the dimensions looking at the picture below), 1.75" thick top. Square legs/base with I-beam supports. Was used in a industrial welding/fab shop


https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52136253_10218008063976169_8585464566131982336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.**&oh=0efbfc522ab8b2079a37388047466586&oe=5D1DD916



2) 4'x8', 1.25" thick top. Homemade with 6-pipe legs. I would have/want to cut the legs off and start all over with the frame.




https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/45361439_10156285375673813_5672334325387886592_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.**&oh=09e1a8a2753b3de4856bf0306ab84336&oe=5D12A05F

 

[dr_clyde]

I would pay no more than the scrap price of the steel.

$1500 is way too much.

Do you have a forklift? Those are heavier than they look.

 

[dr_clyde]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of heavy tables with thick tops. I have a couple.

But for a home shop they can be more of a curse than a blessing. They are hard to move around, even with rigging equipment and space.

Just want to make sure you've thought about all the puzzle pieces associated with a heavy fab table.

 

[ATC]

I would pay no more than the scrap price of the steel.

$1500 is way too much.

Do you have a forklift? Those are heavier than they look.

I have a friend with a skidsteer. Floor jacks, engine hoist, and machine dollies can maneuver it once off the trailer.

That second one will require some extra thought if I were to rebuild it.

No way in hell I can find steel for scrap price around here....much less a usable table. I'm ALWAYS looking for scraps for projects. 90% of the time I have to go to the drop shop (which is now closed) and pay $0.50/lb...if they have what I need.

 

[ATC]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of heavy tables with thick tops. I have a couple.

But for a home shop they can be more of a curse than a blessing. They are hard to move around, even with rigging equipment and space.

Just want to make sure you've thought about all the puzzle pieces associated with a heavy fab table.

I agree. If I get something this size, it won't be moved once in its 'home'. It will not be used as a mobile work station. (Also why I am starting to cross #2 off. Only way for me to built it is to do it upside down on the floor, then flip it when done)

I'm going to the steel supplier tomorrow (need some expanded metal anyways), so I will see what they have in either new or drops.

 

[LXCam]

I'd go for the second one. It needs a little rework but I don't think a total rebuild of the base is all that needed, maybe just some sprucing up. That first one, woof that bad boy is heeeeavy. Unless your buddy has a big boy skidsteer that thing might eat it alive.

 

[ATC]

I'd go for the second one. It needs a little rework but I don't think a total rebuild of the base is all that needed, maybe just some sprucing up. That first one, woof that bad boy is heeeeavy. Unless your buddy has a big boy skidsteer that thing might eat it alive.

It's a smaller skidsteer, but we only have to lift one end at a time
I have to rent one for work around the house this spring anyways...so I can get a bigger one if I do go this route.

I guess I wouldn't have to rebuild it...but I always wanted a toolbox under mine with receiver mounts for vise/press/bender, and a side table for my chop saw.

 

[protegeV]

I
No way in hell I can find steel for scrap price around here....much less a usable table. I'm ALWAYS looking for scraps for projects. 90% of the time I have to go to the drop shop (which is now closed) and pay $0.50/lb...if they have what I need.

I hear ya. I love it when people say "I would NEVER pay more than $xxxx for _____."

Ok then, find me IN MY AREA where _____ exists for $xxxx.

 

[RustyJunk]

Fat chance that you can even find scrap for scrap price around here anymore, anything that is useable they want a fortune for and most used tables I see are priced around what it would cost to build one yourself. If you can't find a used table that fits your needs for a price you like I would just build the one you want because you will have it for a long time. Also, you can always get your money out of a nice table, these big old industrial things you might be stuck with forever.

 

[dr_clyde]

Local markets are for sure a thing, but my point remains, those are not priced very well.

The first one is way too big for a home shop. I doubt a skid steer will pick that unless he's got a big one, and even then that's probably too much. Most skid steers are good for 2-3k, MAX and that top alone weighs 1k lbs.

They are rusty, used plates. They might be worth a bit more than scrap, but not much.

I paid 2 grand for my 1-1/4" thick 48" x 120" blanchard ground plate, delivered, brand new from Alro Steel. That guy is asking almost new price for rusty old steel, with no surface grinding.

Good deals are out there, in just about every area, for whatever you're looking for. You just need to be patient and diligent in searching. If they were commonplace, every day deals, they wouldn't be good deals.

If its worth a grand to you, then pay that. If you really want a fair market price, call the nearest steel supply house and get a quote on a new plate. Then offer the guy .50 cents on the dollar against new. He gets better than scrap, you get a better deal.

You asked what I would pay. I wouldn't pay more than scrap price.

 

[rust buster]

I'll bite. If you can swing it and maybe talk them down a bit, you'll never regret getting the first one and you'd pretty much set for life. The only downside besides cost, is mobility. I'm with you...in northern VA or MA, where I've spent my life, that's a deal.

 

[86turbodsl]

For moving it. Get a pallet jack. They are rated at 5500lbs typically. I bought my last one for like 50 bucks. I have two. The first one was 38.

 

[Bretny]

Have you priced out a piece of steel in the size/thickness you want? That may be a good starting point on price.

I highly doubt your going to pay $1500 for the top on that pipe leg one. After you cut the legs off thats really what you would end up with...just a top.

 

[kazlx]

For your #2, I did exactly that. Bought a table, cut the frame off and just kept the top. Had it water jet and blanchard ground and then built a new base for it. It's not that bad. Mine was 5/8" thick and roughly 40x70", but I did it all myself, with the moving, with basic stuff. No forklift or anything.

The first one seems much more ready to go. $1500 does seem steep for either, but like you said, it is dependent on where you are and what's available. Once you get a nice table to weld and work on you'll forget about what it cost. The top on the second one looks to calc around 1600lbs, so I can't see even new material being that much more? It's been a while since I've bought that much steel though.

 

[2oolhound]

This is one time you should ask for your wife's opinion.

Going from a round patio table to this is over the top. I'd pass on that monster in front and go for the 2nd one like others have suggested. That 2nd one is killer (and don't talk to your wife about that one either). If he wants any more than a thousand just say "that's delivered, right?"

 

[Jazz1]

Scrap yard had about 5 large steel work stations last time i was browsing their yard. Scrapper would have a premium price, maybe .65 lb.
I see items at scrapyard or just scrap that can easily made into a heavy welding table. $200 scrap metal would build a nice table.

 

[bdbecker]

If the budget is $1500, I'd be tempted to get a CertiFlat FabBlock.

https://weldtables.com/collections/fabblocks

 

[ATC]

Local markets are for sure a thing, but my point remains, those are not priced very well.....snip

I see you are in Michigan. I don't know what it is about that area, maybe the shipyards, all the old factories and industrial supply, or what....but the area you are in has always had cheap equipment. From my late nights looking on CL and FB for vises, presses, welding tables, anvils, and even machines like bobcats, mini-ex's, backhoes, etc... The MI area is always 20-40% cheaper than what we have on the east coast for the same comparable item.

I really am a bit envious

 

[sberry]

I like the size of the second one. The prices,are scary,,, if i had to buy a new plate 1/2 would be plenty for a general shop. I really don't like so thick, it can mess with clamping.
I really ain't that fussy about a bench, I should have built new a long time ago, mine is all scrap but,, size, edges and location are so good that the rest doesn't make much difference. Worked well enough I just never made new, added features as it came up and being scrap didn't mind altering it.

 

[ATC]

Have you priced out a piece of steel in the size/thickness you want? That may be a good starting point on price.

I highly doubt your going to pay $1500 for the top on that pipe leg one. After you cut the legs off thats really what you would end up with...just a top.

Alro and Midwest supply have a top like that priced at $1800 and $2200 respectively. That's before any shipping, grinding, or cutting.

This is one time you should ask for your wife's opinion.

Going from a round patio table to this is over the top. I'd pass on that monster in front and go for the 2nd one like others have suggested. That 2nd one is killer (and don't talk to your wife about that one either). If he wants any more than a thousand just say "that's delivered, right?"

I don't have a wife!

Scrap yard had about 5 large steel work stations last time i was browsing their yard. Scrapper would have a premium price, maybe .65 lb.
I see items at scrapyard or just scrap that can easily made into a heavy welding table. $200 scrap metal would build a nice table.

Our scrap yard is big enough that they don't like dealing with the little guy. Industry and safety standards/laws means they are not going to let me walk around in there to see what they have (I tried to years ago). I have a load of aluminum to haul off soon...maybe I can ask again.

 

[Farmall450]

Have you priced out a piece of steel in the size/thickness you want? That may be a good starting point on price.

I highly doubt your going to pay $1500 for the top on that pipe leg one. After you cut the legs off thats really what you would end up with...just a top.

^^^
Not priced right. First table, maybe, but too low and you aren't going to be moving that bad boy lol.

 

[OccupantRJ]

My welding table is 1/2” thick plate with 3” pipe legs and a perimeter frame of 3” angle. No frame around the bottom. Materials are the plate, about 24 feet of angle, and 12 feet of pipe, with four feet of 4x4 inches square plate. It has been in use for 38 years and served me well. I have welded two steel drawer assemblies underneath the table for metalworking tools. There is a separate steel cabinet that stores in the knee hole and rolls out for additional uses. My son is working on a project in this pic. Could you not come out for a reasonable price by building your own?

 

[Jazz1]

Our scrap yard has a area where things are put aside for retail. Generators, steel tables, all sorts of stuff scrappers haul in. I got this little tractor for $65, needed on/off switch hooked up to run, and I painted tractor
The cart tractor is sitting on I snagged on its way to scrapyard, got it for a “thank you”

 

[sberry]

I will agree with y [ur first post about the size, 4x8 is bigger than I like, can't reach fully across and it's a lot to walk around.

 

[tarmy]

I built two tables...the cost was about 600 for each for steel...and they fit where I wanted and they are mobile...









OP...If you can get a “you ****” deal on the first table...go for it...

 

[matt_i]

Just a quick tidbit, length * width * thickness * 0.283 will give you pounds in steel.

I would personally be interested in the top one, could easily be extended in capability with some matching sawhorses. I also don't think the dimensions match.

Pallet jack is a good idea if its all at ground level, the tougher part would probably be getting it off a trailer.....

Steel is different in every area, it seems like midwest there are at least lots of suppliers. One tactic is to find a busy/bustling local fab shop and see if you can buy it as a "passthrough" in otherwords, use their discount, throw them a box of beer or something as a favor for processing the paperwork and loading it on your trailer.

 

[CGT80]

If the budget is $1500, I'd be tempted to get a CertiFlat FabBlock.

https://weldtables.com/collections/fabblocks

X2


That is what I did, but I built my own height adjustable frame. It has two 30x30 inch blocks and two 12x30 inch wings. The individual blocks are manageable for me to move to a cart, if I had to move them separate from the table, which is on wheels.


I wanted something flat and square, with the ability to clamp anywhere easily. Also, I don't beat unnecessarily on **** and don't work on extremely heavy items. A section of carpet runner covers it and allows it to work as a general table top as well.


Do you need something to beat the hell out of with no precision, or do you want a fixture table...........or will you want both?


The certiflat stuff has worked very well for what I do, but beating on it would be a waste of money, so it is not the answer for all types of work.

 

[ATC]

Do you need something to beat the hell out of with no precision, or do you want a fixture table...........or will you want both?


The certiflat stuff has worked very well for what I do, but beating on it would be a waste of money, so it is not the answer for all types of work.

I mainly want a work surface I can do anything with. Pound on stuff, weld projects, set an axle/trans/t-case on to rebuild, etc...
It doesn't need to be ground flat, and I don't need it drilled or slotted for fixtures. If it's within 1/8" here and there, I'd probably be happy.

 

[Mike W.]

Personally I'd hold out for a weld platen at a local auction.I saw to go at a local auction that were 4ft by 4ft for 15 to $1,800 each

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Strouty]

Those two larger tables are heavy duty for sure, if it was $1500 for the pair, I would probably consider it, but they sure don't look like they are 40" tall, look at the fire extinguisher for scale.

I would second looking at local auctions. I bought a really nice 4 by 10 table for $500 it has a 3/4" top and heavy frame.

 

[danski0224]

Almost no one on this website would "pay" anything because most seem to have the magical hookup with a buddy at the scrapyard....

Those first two, if it is $1500 for the pair, doesn't sound too bad- especially if you value your time in building something comparable. The height seems to accommodate being used and actually building something on top of it. Desired work surface height will vary with what your intended uses are. Being able to move these around is another matter.

If the second one gives you the materials needed for a fair price, then there's nothing wrong with that, either. You would need to know what you can buy a comparable top for.

 

[BD1]

WOW ! That's crazy $$$$ for that. I have seen a ACORN table go for that .
Mine is 4'x4' and 1 1/4'' thick, for $400.00.

I would wait and keep looking .

 

[dr_clyde]

Almost no one on this website would "pay" anything because most seem to have the magical hookup with a buddy at the scrapyard....

Those first two, if it is $1500 for the pair, doesn't sound too bad- especially if you value your time in building something comparable. The height seems to accommodate being used and actually building something on top of it. Desired work surface height will vary with what your intended uses are. Being able to move these around is another matter.

If the second one gives you the materials needed for a fair price, then there's nothing wrong with that, either. You would need to know what you can buy a comparable top for.

It's not about a "magical hookup". The scrap yard is just a constant, predictable buyer of metals for a published price. No matter what, metal things are at least worth what the scrapyard will pay. It's a good way to start pricing things that COULD be scrapped.

When you run into something like these tables, there is a limited market. One garaunteed customer is the scrapper. If you use that knowledge to set a price, it can work in your favor. Especially if the stuff has been sitting unsold for a while.

Most times, things like this are being sold by a company, not an individual. If you offer scrap price or right around there, most companies are happy to sell it for what they'd get from the scrapper and save the hassle of taking it there or paying a percentage for the scrapper to pick up.

Now, I had not read the OP as $1500 for both. If that is indeed the case, that's way better than $3000, but still not a deal, IMO.

 

[ATC]

The first one is $1500 for each table.
Another problem, is that neither one is local to me. I can't just go kick tires and talk some sense into the owner one afternoon.

I think what I'm going to do is just buy a new 1/2" plate. They can cut it for me (or I can cut it at home and keep the scraps for whatever). I didn't get around to going to the steel shop on Friday...was too busy with other things. This coming Friday...I'll make myself go.

Funny thing is...using Midwest steel, a 4x8 sheet of 1/2 A36 is $955
Using Alro steel. The same sheet is $547...
I have a feeling locally will be towards the upper end.

 

[BukitCase]

My local steel supplier is in between those, most shapes currently right at $1/lb so a 4x8x1/2 plate would run near $640.

I watched CL for about a year before lucking out, guy had a 3'x7' x1" table, wanted $200 (DELIVERED !!!) - even then, new top that size would've run about $450. also had 6 3x3x.25" legs - 1 downside, somebody thought it'd be a good idea to put a CROWN in the table, midway - so for long projects, I have to shim one end up 3/8" to keep things flat when clamped to the table. Short things, not a problem.

When I finally get a flat slab surface to work on intstead of gravel, I'll do a frame similar to Dr.Clyde's, including receivers to take advantage of my growing arsenal of "tinker toys", but for now it earns its keep - once i have a real frame, the rosebud will get used to pull it flat, then probably just a few stitch welds.

Anything of mine that will EVER see a decent floor (and weighs more than 100#), gets modded to be forks/pallet jack/and/or hand truck friendly - woodworking stuff usually just gets mobile bases, unless it's REAL heavy... Steve

 

[Strouty]

If you are patient you can find deals, this is my $500 bench.

 

[gte718p]

I don't know where in VA you are, but public scrap in Newport News was always great to work with. They will let you wonder around their yard. Price is scrap +.10 + $1 a cut. They always had a great selection of plate. 3/8 and below they will sheer to size, 3/8 and up is flame cut. The guy who works the yard had about an appropriate redneck name that I have forgotten and about 1 tooth to his name, but he could drive a forklift like no ones business to get the piece you wanted out of the stack and he did a damn good job of free hand cutting.

 

[Craftfab]

https://norfolk.craigslist.org/hvo/d/newport-news-welding-tables/6845010377.html

Unsure how the price compares but I haven't seen many come up while searching.

"Large industrial welding tables.
Quantity: 5
$3,000.00 each OBO
Newport News, VA
Overall Table Dimensions:
Length: 10 ft or 120 in
Width: 5ft or 66 in
Height: 7 inch
Material: Cast Iron"

 

[ATC]

https://norfolk.craigslist.org/hvo/d/newport-news-welding-tables/6845010377.html

Unsure how the price compares but I haven't seen many come up while searching.

"Large industrial welding tables.
Quantity: 5
$3,000.00 each OBO
Newport News, VA
Overall Table Dimensions:
Length: 10 ft or 120 in
Width: 5ft or 66 in
Height: 7 inch
Material: Cast Iron"

Talk about overkill...wow!

I need a solid table...no holes. I would get so mad losing nuts, bolts, and sockets through those holes while trying to work on something

 

[sberry]

I mainly want a work surface I can do anything with. Pound on stuff, weld projects, set an axle/trans/t-case on to rebuild, etc...
It doesn't need to be ground flat, and I don't need it drilled or slotted for fixtures. If it's within 1/8" here and there, I'd probably be happy.

This,, also spills, I don't want dust, anything spelled leaking thru. So many of these,, like mine are used for general work and not just welding. I got no use for a platten, a certifiable or top full of holes that need special clamps either. A square corner, some overhang, the right size and a shelf about half way up to toss stuff out of the way, hangers for some stuff, clamps and hammers.