Advice needed on Converting Table Saw to Welding Table

[Bonz2011]

With space being at a premium and not wanting to get rid of my big cast iron table saw, which is on wheels I might add, I am thinking I should be able to make it perfrom double duty by adding a removable steel top and maybe even adding a vice. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Kev442]

Something to keep in mind: I tossed about 80 lbs on the right side web of my saw and the next thing I know, it's trying to tip over. I never would have thought that would happen with 150 lbs over dead center on them.

 

[slip knot]

I think I'd look at building a table that the saw would roll under. Most table saws aren't made for working around the edge but thru the middle of the table. They can be very unstable .

 

[Zeke]

I can't say I never used a table saw for something totally unintended, but this takes the cake. TS's are usually pretty dusty to have welding frag falling around.

 

[NitroPress]

I can't say I never used a table saw for something totally unintended, but this takes the cake. TS's are usually pretty dusty to have welding frag falling around.

Well, it'd be perfect for those who imagine themselves to be Hephaestus, forging Zeus's thunderbolts.

 

[Bonz2011]

The saw is heavy duty and would obviously have the blade retracted and a heavy enough plate sitting on the existing cast iron to protect the table surface. The base is also heavy duty with a wide stance. I would never have any need to throw anything too heavy for the table on it. I am into welding small pieces like bicycle frames etc and am only really into TIG. The saw gets used like twice a year and there would not be an issue with welding and saw dust since I would make sure there was no fire hazard.
Just a thought since is only room for one!

 

[gorilla]

I think that it's a not bad idea, two down sides come to mind. One, how would you clamp anything to the table top? Two, can you get close enough to sit down and TIG weld? If you go ahead with this idea make sure that you attach your ground to the table top not the frame of the saw. you don't want a current path through the pivot points of the saw.

 

[MoonRise]

If you are putting a big and thick enough piece of plate steel on top of a table saw to make it into a 'welding table', I -sure- don't want to get you mad!!

Woodworking is woodworking, and welding is welding.

To me, the idea of a welding table is to :

- not catch on fire while welding or grinding. So, don't make it out of wood or plastic. Steel works nicely though.

- be big and sturdy enough for welding, clamping, or BFH 'persuading' of a workpiece as needed.

Sparks, molten metal, grinding dust, oil, oil-removers such as acetone/etc, and what not really don't seem like a good thing to put or have around a table saw. YMMV.

TIG on 'small' parts? Maybe do a 'Jack' and put a fold up/down table along a wall and do the welding there. Done welding and then fold up/down the welding table/plate.

 

[kv501]

Do what Jack Olsen did in this thread. Fold away welding table.

 

[Bonz2011]

I assure you MoonRise it will not be made out of wood or plastic. The saw is old and of cast iron, the plate on top would be of cold rolled steel plate. Not much "persuading" needs doing on the projects I intend to work on. Thanks for the advice about acetone and other chemicals but the welding and woodworking would be done at totally different times. I rarely use the saw but not ready to get rid of it yet. I am a bit of a safety nut so not to worry. Jack Olsen's folding table looks great but unfortunately all my wall space has long been spoken for! Thanks for the advice though.

 

[Bonz2011]

I think that it's a not bad idea, two down sides come to mind. One, how would you clamp anything to the table top? Two, can you get close enough to sit down and TIG weld? If you go ahead with this idea make sure that you attach your ground to the table top not the frame of the saw. you don't want a current path through the pivot points of the saw.

Thanks for the pointers Gorilla. I think the height will be perfect actually since I am tall. I will be putting a good ground to the table top for sure, I would hate to mess up the saws bearings and pivot points as you say. I would also leave about a 3" overhang from the saw's cast iron table top. Not sure how I will temporarily attach it but I am sure I will figure it out. The way I see it is I have this big heavy saw with a good wheeled base w/locks, and a need for a moveable light duty welding table and not enough room for both. If I need to remove the table top to make a rare saw cut, I call a buddy over, we lift it up, push the saw outside into the driveway and make the cut! It may not be the best solution but I am hoping it will work fine. If not, I remove the steel plate, weld some legs to it and get rid of the saw, no problem!
Thanks again.....