Adjustable height welding table idea

[Jawn]

I want some kind of welding/multipurpose table that I can roll outside to use, and ideally adjustable height... looking for a sanity check here, any reason the following wouldn't work?

Each leg would be a piece of 1/8 wall 2" tubing on the outside/upper (attached to table top), and the inside/lower would be 1/8 wall 1 3/4" square tubing, height to be adjusted by a piece of 3/4 threaded rod. Link the four threaded rods at each corner with sprockets/chain so they all lift in unison. Attach casters to the frame so that when the table is lowered all the way, it lands on casters and the legs retract, allowing the table to be moved easily. I was thinking of an adjustable height range of maybe 30" to 45".

Crazy height adjustment mechanism aside, I'm still thinking about what I want for a table top... I like what this guy did, but a certiflat top or even a solid steel top are still possibilities.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/new-welding-table-build.53061/

 

[dogdog]

Huh? where is the special height adjustment in that build ? just a 4 rollers and 4 screwable feet .... I think some guy build it here with a pneumatic / hydraulic mechanism of same style here....

Never the less great looking table though.

 

[Jawn]

Huh? where is the special height adjustment in that build ? just a 4 rollers and 4 screwable feet .... I think some guy build it here with a pneumatic / hydraulic mechanism of same style here....

Never the less great looking table though.

My idea for a height adjustment has nothing to do with the link - that was just an example of what style of top I was thinking about using.

 

[sberry]

There are some nice benches on this forum. But,,,,,,,,,,,, make it simple with a solid top. You don't need all that ****. Don't need every idea seen on the internet.

 

[sberry]

I like a solid top with some overhand go a guy can use common clamps along the edges, it doesn't need to be perfect flat either. I like solid, don't want a spill or all the grit thru it. A cutting grate is a good idea, prefer it at an end though. I have a couple holes in the end of my table, use them on rare occasion and wouldn't miss them if they were filled.

 

[Kaizen]

Love this one.

I have a bad back so find I like to sometimes stand and weld higher and sometimes sit. Going to make a wood torsion table for outfeed and assembly with this concept but just a manual lift

 

[Jawn]

That's a cool table!

 

[racingtadpole]

How much height adjustment do you want? You could probably get a similar amount to what you describe using a couple of scissor jacks. A lot less moving parts, and if built right would provide an angled surface as a freebie value add.

 

[txvwnut]

I've seen an under hoist transmission jack converted to a welding table.

 

[Jawn]

How much height adjustment do you want? You could probably get a similar amount to what you describe using a couple of scissor jacks. A lot less moving parts, and if built right would provide an angled surface as a freebie value add.

I had in mind 30-45 inches height range (15" adjustment), but as little as 33-42 (9" adjustment) height range would probably be acceptable.

Part of my materials choice is because some such materials (1.75" and 2" square tube and 3/4" threaded rod) are available free to me right now. I just need to figure out how to strap a couple 24 foot sticks of steel to my truck next time I'm visiting family in NC.

 

[Firstram]

If you do build one, spend the money on ACME threaded rod, don't use run of the mill TR. A few years back I built 2 set of adjustable height out-feed/in-feed saw tables for a wood shop. 4 of the 16 adjusters galled within 2 years and had to be replaced. Acme thread will be more durable around grinder dust and metal shavings.

 

[rsanter]

Love this one.

I have a bad back so find I like to sometimes stand and weld higher and sometimes sit. Going to make a wood torsion table for outfeed and assembly with this concept but just a manual lift

Live this one, this is the way to go

Bob

 

[richeyc2000]

Torched on here has a great bench which is adjustable.
I checked his thread and all the photos are held by photobucket.
Check out his thread for an idea. I asked him if he still had the photos somewhere. Fingers crossed and he could post here.

 

[A**holes Garage]

For something light duty, I would look at the Harbor Freight motorcycle or portable lift table as a the base. Modify it with a steel welding top.

I was considering modifying a HF portable lift table, just for quick, small welding jobs.

 

[Jawn]

If you do build one, spend the money on ACME threaded rod, don't use run of the mill TR. A few years back I built 2 set of adjustable height out-feed/in-feed saw tables for a wood shop. 4 of the 16 adjusters galled within 2 years and had to be replaced. Acme thread will be more durable around grinder dust and metal shavings.

While I realize Acme thread would be better, would you go that route even if the regular 3/4-10 threaded rod is free?

 

[torched]

I would strongly recommend not connecting the drive mechanisms but instead let each leg operate independently. This will allow you to level the table on any surface.

 

[torched]

Also, with the legs operating independently you can set the table at an angle. I also attached a sketch of how I built the legs. You will want to use acme thread, standard allthread will wear out very quickly.

 

[Jawn]

Good looking bench! That's pretty similar to what I had in mind. Thanks for sharing. I intend to add some means of leveling, but was thinking of doing it separately from the height adjustment.

 

[dogdog]

for legs I have thought about getting 4 of those trailer jacks from HF....

https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/92000-92999/92626.pdf

 

[BD1]

I've seen an under hoist transmission jack converted to a welding table.

Yea, another was using a lift table setup underneath lower shelf.

 

[ALWX65]

I would strongly recommend not connecting the drive mechanisms but instead let each leg operate independently. This will allow you to level the table on any surface.

How did you clean the "seam" out of the larger part of the leg or didnt you have to ???

ALW

 

[Lelandwelds]

I would strongly recommend not connecting the drive mechanisms but instead let each leg operate independently. This will allow you to level the table on any surface.

That cordless sure looks out of place in your shop. Find a Milwaukee.

Nice digs. Nice table. It is easy to take forklifts and bridge cranes for granted. Until home shop is to be your only shop, that is.

 

[mike_dmt]

I also like the adjustable leg idea and the pics posted.

While extended is there much deflection between the table leg and the post?

 

[kkroger]

How did you clean the "seam" out of the larger part of the leg or didnt you have to ???

ALW

Use Receiver tube or DOM Square Tube...