Dukers - Welding Table Build

[darkk]

Duker, Nothing wrong with that weld. Better than some "pro" stuff I've seen on on mass produced tools and equipment...

^^X2 I've been welding for 50 years and I'm not a stack of dimes welder either. Then again I've never made the effort. To some guys maybe that comes natural. Then again most of my stuff is either ground smooth or covered with something else so it never mattered as long as it stuck.

 

[Duker]

^^X2 I've been welding for 50 years and I'm not a stack of dimes welder either. Then again I've never made the effort. To some guys maybe that comes natural. Then again most of my stuff is either ground smooth or covered with something else so it never mattered as long as it stuck.

Thanks Dark, it has been a good learning experience. I have had to push and pull beads vertical and horizontal as the weight of the table is making it tougher to maneuver.

 

[Duker]

It was a beautiful day to be working out in the shop on the welding table. The day started off great as I went to pick up some 2 ½” flat bar to make the rail pieces to close in the tool chests. While heading there I noticed a garage sale sign and figured why not. As I was looking around I spotted two Craftsman Block grinders one 1/3HP and one 1HP. There was no price so I ask if for sale and this little old woman said veinticinco. I tried to act calm and cool but I was fumbling to get the money out of my pocket so fast I think I scared her. So for $25 bucks I got these.

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I was afraid for that price they may be seized up but I plugged both in when I came home and both hummed right along. Another restoration project to add to the already long list.

I cut, fitted and welded the main square tubes for the sliding extension. I also cut and fitted the rail to hold in the top of the tool chest from the flat bar stock I bought. This end will serve to hold the cold cut saw bracket which I will fab up later. When the bracket is not in place they can serve as tool mounts for other tools.

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I welded the retaining brackets and nuts for the adjustable rail that fits into sliding extension.

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Here you can start to see how the sliding table extension will work. I ordered some star knobs that will replace the bolts currently in place.

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I cut but have yet to weld the cross pieces that will hold the back of the tool chests as well as serve as pieces to support the top.

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It’s slowly coming along but I should have everything fabricated in a couple of weeks and she will be ready for paint.

 

[TerryH]

Love the sliding extension and I think you **** on the grinders.

 

[Duker]

Thanks Terry. It has been awhile since I scored something at a decent price!

 

[Duker]

Time has been scarce the last couple of weekends but I was able to squeeze in a few hours today fabricating some of the storage items for the table.

I built a rack for C-clamp storage that is recessed so that I lower the chance of taking out a knee cap in the future.

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I had some dead space so I made of couple of hooks to hold extension cords etc. or whatever else I might fit there.

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I cut two pieces of ¾” square tube to hold F style and vice grip clamps. I also added a piece of flat bar stock for a grinder rack to hold a couple of grinders that I use the most. The others will be in the drawers of the on board tool chests.

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I have been debating how to attach the top as all I really need to do is keep it from shifting, as the weight will do the rest. I thought about just tacking it but after reading through the other welding table builds I saw where even ¾” thick tops warped due to heat. So I decided to use 4 – 7/16” hex head bolts counter-sunk into the top. I added some ¼” angle where I will drill down through the top into these to attach. I figure it would be easier to drill down through both to be sure they lined up versus drilling the tabs, marking the top and trying to wrestle with either flipping the top or having to drill from underneath.

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That completes the table fabrication except for the dry cut saw sled. Now begins the fun job of wire brushing all of the flux off and smoothing out some not so great looking welds to get it ready for paint. If all goes well, by next week I will have a painted rolling base ready to install the top.

 

[kazlx]

Nice job. I think the table threads are my favorite thing to read. Everyone has their own take and ideas and its the one thing you use the most when you finish it.

 

[Duker]

Thanks Kazlx,

I have been following your build and I am envious of your table top.

The versatility in clamping as well as being able to create your own jigs is a nice combo.

 

[kazlx]

I'm glad I had it ground and cut, but if I had to do one, having it squared up and the holes put in would win. It really wasn't all that much....

 

[TerryH]

Looking great, Duker!!! You have really come up with some super good ideas.

 

[wilb1976]

Great table! Very well thought out, I will definitely be borrowing some ideas to add on to my table!

 

[Duker]

Looking great, Duker!!! You have really come up with some super good ideas.

Great table! Very well thought out, I will definitely be borrowing some ideas to add on to my table!

Thanks guys. I am looking forward to getting it done so that I can actually build something on it!

 

[MillerMav]

This is a great looking table! There are some genius little additions that I am going to steal if you don't mind! lol

 

[Duker]

This is a great looking table! There are some genius little additions that I am going to steal if you don't mind! lol

LOL.... Absolutely, I think I stole about 99% of the ideas from other members here!

 

[Duker]

Project “Weld-a-beast” as it has been nick named by my friends who helped me move the base and the top a few times... is done!

Well at least until I have time to clean the top again after having one my former kids (just kidding) leave a wet towel on it overnight this weekend.

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I now have a decent table to work on versus this or the floor which is what I using before the build.

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Here are some of the final details I incorporated into the table.

In the slide out extension I added an adjustable cross bar to support longer pieces either at the table height or up to 4 inches above the table top.

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The sliding rails can be locked into place with two star knobs one on each rail. This takes out the slack that can tilt the tube when fully extended.

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I threaded the 3/16 square extention tube then welded a nut inside to brace the all thread rod when sliding it back and forth in the slot I cut in the support tube.

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I added grounding tabs on each side.

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I added a three-connector airline port so that I could have multiple tools hooked up and ready to go.

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The saw sled was made with ½” all thread so that I could adjust for the sag I would have with the difference in tube sizes. This allowed me to level out the saw to the height of the tabletop and to have some future flexibility if I have bought another saw with a different height base.

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Two electrical boxes with 4 outlets each were added to provide an easy source of power to the saw and to grinders etc.

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The C-clamp and F-clamp storage gives me quick access to a few clamps and more can be held in the side cabinet boxes.

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All in all I am pretty happy with the results. I have one spot where I can keep my welding supplies organized and where I now have a flat surface that is larger than 2’ x 2’ that I can clamp projects with some serious stability.

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My back is already thanking me for not having to build future projects on the floor.

It was a fun project. Now I have to figure out what to build next… welding cart or some Steevo inspired benches….

Thanks for coming along for the build.

 

[jhn9840]

Love it. One of the best welding tables that I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing.

Jhn9840
John

 

[KMScott]

Been welding since 1972, built many welding benches, yours is a thing of beauty. Really nice job.

Kevin

 

[Duker]

Love it. One of the best welding tables that I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing.

Jhn9840
John

Been welding since 1972, built many welding benches, yours is a thing of beauty. Really nice job.

Kevin

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments! Hopefully I can pull off making a matching welding cart!

 

[alpinewhite]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments! Hopefully I can pull off making a matching welding cart!

"Welding cart" and "welding table" are two different things? More things to spend on for me?

 

[ADSR]

wicked table! Love the pull outs and extensions.

 

[Duker]

"Welding cart" and "welding table" are two different things? More things to spend on for me?

Not sure about you west coast guys but for us simple folks down here a cart is what we put the welder on!

In all seriousness, it will allow me to claim back some floor space by having a mobile cart that will have both my mig and tig welders on it.

 

[alpinewhite]

Not sure about you west coast guys but for us simple folks down here a cart is what we put the welder on!

Oh. If that's the case, then I already have one. I thought it was like a "tool cart" where more tools are stored.

 

[Duker]

I created a short little video to walk through some of the features I incorporated into the table.

 

[krm2b2]

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[KerryH]

Fantastic welding table, this will be my benchmark for when I get around to building one!

 

[TerryH]

Awesome job!! It turned out great.

 

[Duker]

Fantastic welding table, this will be my benchmark for when I get around to building one!

Awesome job!! It turned out great.

OK, first I have to ask... are you two related because what are the odds of back to back postings form Kerry & Terry H?

Thanks Kerry, I appreciate the comment. I pulled ideas from quite a few GJ members and from other sites on the web. All I can say is that if you have been putting off building one... DONT! I have made 4 small projects so far since building the table and it has made a world of difference in not only the quality of their construction but the speed in which I got them done.

Terry, thanks for coming along for the build. Your build kept me out in the garage trying to keep up!

 

[TheReal309]

That table is truly a thing of beauty! I am just getting into welding and decided that my first project was going to be a welding table. I think I have looked at every picture of every welding table on the Internet! Rather than build something small that I would outgrow quickly and have to replace, I figured I may as well build something right from the beginning that should serve all my current and future needs. I dabble in woodworking and am going to make this table the same height as my table saw so I can use it for an infeed/outfeed table should the need arise. The size is also going to be good as an assembly table, which requires a flat surface. Any glue that makes it onto the table surface is much more easily cleaned up than on a wood surface!

I intend to shamelessly copy most of your design, with a few personalized tweaks here and there (I think I've decided on John Deere green for the color). Should I post any pics of my table I will make sure to give credit where it's due.

I have a couple of woodworking projects to complete in the next few weeks, and then I'm going to start building.

Thanks again for taking the time to build something awesome and to share it with others.

 

[Duker]

I dabble in woodworking and am going to make this table the same height as my table saw so I can use it for an infeed/outfeed table should the need arise.

I think using it as an outfeed table would be great as it saves space and increases the utilization. The only challenge you might face is how to keep the table at the same level as the saw and account for the extension of a miter gauge in the slot past the blade if you use one. I guess you could always shorten the bar to the miter gauge.

I intend to shamelessly copy most of your design, with a few personalized tweaks here and there (I think I've decided on John Deere green for the color). Should I post any pics of my table I will make sure to give credit where it's due.

You may copy any features you please. I "borrowed" many of the ideas I found on this and other sites.

Thanks again for taking the time to build something awesome and to share it with others.

Thank you for the comments. The table has been a huge help in my project building. I just wish I had built it sooner!

I am using it now to build a few Steevo (GJ member) inspired workbenches however, I am putting my own little twist on them.

 

[alpinewhite]

I think using it as an outfeed table would be great as it saves space and increases the utilization. The only challenge you might face is how to keep the table at the same level as the saw and account for the extension of a miter gauge in the slot past the blade if you use one. I guess you could always shorten the bar to the miter gauge.

The outfeed table doesn't have to be smacked butted up against the table saw. If it's placed a foot away from the table saw, it should still serve its purpose.

 

[Rawlins87]

Great looking build.

 

[Tank29]

Duker, great build!!!..Congrats on an awesome table...

Quick question, what are the basic tube sizes that you used for the main structure?...I have a pc of plate steel 40"x60"x1/2" and would like to make a table top out of it and wonder what size legs/frame I should make to hold it...Thanks

 

[archirelic]

Wow...want to come build my welding table? Haha...seriously though...very well-thought out table and excellent fab skills!

 

[Duke55]

Very cool. When I come by a top plate for a good price I might have to pirate some of your ideas.

 

[Duker]

Duker, great build!!!..Congrats on an awesome table...
Quick question, what are the basic tube sizes that you used for the main structure?...I have a pc of plate steel 40"x60"x1/2" and would like to make a table top out of it and wonder what size legs/frame I should make to hold it...Thanks

Tank, Here are the rough dimensions.

Top: 38” x 60.5” x 5/8”
Legs: 3” x 3” x ¼”

Top Rails: 4” x 1.5” x around 11-12ga*
Bottom Rails: 2.5” x 2.5” x ¼”

Top Cross supports: These sit on the sliding tube rails to support the top and give you a spot to shim if needed. 2.5” x 1.5” x 12ga*
* Cant remember exact thickness but it was what the steel supply had in stock in 20’-24’ pieces.

Saw support and sliding extension:

Primary Tubes: 2.5” x 2.5” x ¼”
Sliding Tubes: 2” x 2” x 3/16”
Saw Support stand 2" x 2" x 1/4"

3 3/4” overhang on sides and 3” on ends which makes the sub base approximately +/- 54 ½” long

At the bottom 2 1/2" rails it approximately 31 ¾” wide which means its wider at the legs.

I am sorry I cant be more exact but I am trying to clean a spot to stick my new bench I built so the table is surrounded by boxes until later this week when I can unload some boxes and continue welding.

 

[Duker]

Wow...want to come build my welding table? Haha...seriously though...very well-thought out table and excellent fab skills!

If I didn't have so many projects on the wish list I might as I enjoyed building the table!

Very cool. When I come by a top plate for a good price I might have to pirate some of your ideas.

Anything for another Duke - you can pirate as much as you like. I did!

 

[Richard D]

I used 1/4" wall thickness for my table's structure, mostly because I drilled and tapped a bunch of holes for adding on stuff.

 

[NASTYZEN]

Real nice well thought out table.

 

[GTA Matt]

Wow! Turned out excellent. I am definitely going to steal some of your ideas. Hope you don't mind!

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Wow that's awesome! Good job.