Dukers - Welding Table Build

[souprmage]

I've been thinking of building a table for a while now, and have gone over this thread a couple times over the past year taking notes. I think I'm getting close to building my table, so I had a question before I draw up the plans.

I really like the tool box idea and was looking at the HF version for under $200 each. However, the height says it's 33 1/4". I looked over all the dimensions you provided, but I didn't see the height of the top. Perhaps I missed it though. I'd imagine the size of the tool boxes you used weren't much different than the HF version. I'm just curious how high you had to make the top to accommodate them.

I may end up going with a top toolbox lifted to the top and have a shelf below it.

 

[MrBreeze]

Damn, that's one fine fab table. Where can I place my order for one?!?!

Kudos!

 

[Duker]

I've been thinking of building a table for a while now, and have gone over this thread a couple times over the past year taking notes. I think I'm getting close to building my table, so I had a question before I draw up the plans.

I really like the tool box idea and was looking at the HF version for under $200 each. However, the height says it's 33 1/4". I looked over all the dimensions you provided, but I didn't see the height of the top. Perhaps I missed it though. I'd imagine the size of the tool boxes you used weren't much different than the HF version. I'm just curious how high you had to make the top to accommodate them.

I may end up going with a top toolbox lifted to the top and have a shelf below it.

I had the Mac slide cabinet and I found a Proto which is the same box just different hardware used locally. They are 29" tall. With my six inch casters and dropping the boxes into the frame still make my table just under 39" tall. That may be too tall for some folks but I am used to working on higher benches so it's comfortable for me.

I think you could get close to 36" with smaller casters, thinner caster pads and top etc.

 

[Duker]

Damn, that's one fine fab table. Where can I place my order for one?!?!

Kudos!

Thanks MeBreeze. However, I think I am one and done on this table!

 

[souprmage]

Thanks Duker. I was thinking it would have to be a bit on the taller side to fit those in there. Now I'm going to have to lift up my saw horses to that level and see how it feels and contemplate a bit on if the projects I normally work on will be good at that height.

I went to the local steel yard, and the size of the top I was thinking about , 4x6x.5, is not ideal. It seems a full 4x8 sheet is only going to be $20 more. So, I'll probably go that route then figure out if I want to cut it down. I'll need some of it for the caster pads, but I could just get an extra 4" bar stock for that and keep the top at the full size.

Ugh, the options are endless.

 

[Chopped_Burban]

This table is awesome. Has given me quite a few ideas for my own when I get there. All because I was looking at welding tables on YouTube and spotted the Rock Island vise. Absolutely incredible.

 

[Duker]

This table is awesome. Has given me quite a few ideas for my own when I get there. All because I was looking at welding tables on YouTube and spotted the Rock Island vise. Absolutely incredible.

Thanks. I would love to see pics of the vise especially when it's on the finished table!


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[RC000E]

Anyone ever feel it was a conflict to put casters on a worktop with a vice? When I built my two tables, the weight of them allows me to really put some energy into things and the table doesn't move. Are some of these casters good enough at locking the table in place with the weight?

 

[kazlx]

I beat the **** out of my vise on my table and it never moved.

 

[Duker]

Anyone ever feel it was a conflict to put casters on a worktop with a vice? When I built my two tables, the weight of them allows me to really put some energy into things and the table doesn't move. Are some of these casters good enough at locking the table in place with the weight?

Having a table that was solid and wouldn't budge was a big requirement of mine when I built this project. When I lock the casters it flat doesn't move. I have had to wrench rusted pipe joints with two guys on a 3 ft. cheater bar and I was more afraid of the vise going than the table moving.

I think the biggest disadvantage of casters is that it may take away some table height options if you want to incorporate some storage into your table.

 

[MoparTrucks]

I'm with Chopped Burban; I saw your Youtube video and clicked on it because I also have a Rock Island vise and discovered your awesome table. I susbscribed to your channel and just wanted to say I really appreciated your video and this thread...sure gives me some ideas to upgrade my own primitive welding table.

 

[Duker]

I'm with Chopped Burban; I saw your Youtube video and clicked on it because I also have a Rock Island vise and discovered your awesome table. I susbscribed to your channel and just wanted to say I really appreciated your video and this thread...sure gives me some ideas to upgrade my own primitive welding table.

Thanks, I appreciate the comments. As for my YouTube channel, it's rough but it has been fun. Of course, you just reminded me that I need to quit working on some current projects and try to piece together some recently completed projects!


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[led32777]

Great build. I am going to have to borrow some ideas!

 

[peelman]

Found your build via a suggested youtube video. Fantastic job!

 

[Duker]

Found your build via a suggested youtube video. Fantastic job!

Thanks for checking out the build. It you have a table or are building a table be sure to post some pics!

 

[Duker]

It has been a long time since I added something to the welding table. Since the build I added some 5/8" holes in the top to be able to use Stonghand type clamps and now the most recent addition is a hitch mount and plate for my Swag bandsaw table. After running back and forth to a bench I figured I would add to the Swiss Army weld table a spot for the Milwaukee bandsaw.

Here is where it attaches to the table.

I still have a little grinding and painting to go but it has already been used as is.

I was going to just use the existing hitch mounts where my Dry Cut saw is mounted but I found its nice to be able to to go between the two when they are both set up.

You will see some rubber tires on the table top which are for the next small project which is a cart for my Oxy/Acetylene tanks and torch. I have been doing a lot of brazing for some friends projects and I am tired of dragging my tanks back and forth. The style will be modeled after an Anthony "Load-N-Roll" cart. I will post that when completed in my garage projects thread.

 

[shortykorte]

Very nice addition. One day I'll get caught up on my projects and build a nice table like yours.

 

[Mozingo]

One day I'll have a decent enough welder to do builds like this


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[bagged89s10]

This is one of the best and nicely thought out welding/fab tables I've seen. Nice work!

 

[Duker]

Very nice addition. One day I'll get caught up on my projects and build a nice table like yours.

One day I'll have a decent enough welder to do builds like this

This is one of the best and nicely thought out welding/fab tables I've seen. Nice work!

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments.


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[st.ryder64]

Hi, Duker. I'm back looking (drooling) at this thread for about the fifteenth time in the past year. I noticed you mentioned a couple pages back about putting together some dimensions on this thing for those who might want to attempt something similar. Have you ever found time to do this?

I wish I lived closer...I'd be happy to come out with a tape measure and create an ACAD drawing of it for posterity (and myself, naturally )

 

[Duker]

Hi, Duker. I'm back looking (drooling) at this thread for about the fifteenth time in the past year. I noticed you mentioned a couple pages back about putting together some dimensions on this thing for those who might want to attempt something similar. Have you ever found time to do this?



I wish I lived closer...I'd be happy to come out with a tape measure and create an ACAD drawing of it for posterity (and myself, naturally )

Well... I had really good intentions.... However, I started to but then got caught in some other projects ( I have been clearing some property to build a new shop etc) and the table got pushed back into a corner as I was storing a tractor and a mule in my shop as well as all the implements. Now that I have all those stored at the property I just pulled the table back out to finish some projects. I need to finish an Oxy/Ac cart and weld up a few other small items. I will work on getting those dimensions posted to the thread. Thanks for the reminder.


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[RubiconAg]

Very nice table. I've enjoyed the thread and the video. I'm hoping to start my transition from woodworking to metalworking very soon and need a table. I'm sure some of your ideas will make it into mine. Being short on space, I particularly like the modularity the receiver hitches provide.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Duker]

Thanks for checking out the thread. Be sure to post your build when you get started!

 

[cvr]

Hey Duker. Just finished reading through your thread and I have to say you have created great table that brings together so many good ideas into the one package.

Just wondering how the electrical outlets have been installed and if they are energised while the table is being welded on? Do they provide power to your MIG when you are welding on the table? and is the table earthed through the outlets or is the table fully isolated from the supply?

Thanks for any info you can provide, just trying to plan out my build.

 

[Duker]

Thanks CVR, I appreciate you checking out the build especially from down under! I have not been to Melbourne but have spent quite a bit of time over in Adelaide/Victor Harbor which in Australia and Texas terms is just down the road! Hoping to get back over there next year with my wife.

In regards to the table, the electrical boxes are ABS plastic and are attached to the table with nylon bolts, washers and nuts. I wanted to isolate the boxes from the table in case a short ever developed. I only use the outlets on the table for grinders, sanders etc and not to power my welder which has its own power through a dedicated 220 grounded circuit. The outlets have their own ground (grounded plug) and the table is separately grounded. You will see some tabs on the legs where I attach a ground for the table. I am not sure if its needed but I am told by much more knowledgable welders than myself that is a good practice to follow. Hopefully that answered your questions. If you need any additional info please let me know. Also, be sure to post up your build!

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[Wanna Ride]

Love the table! Similar to mine, but yours has some good, integrated features.

Quick question for another project I'm working on; where did you get the plastic knobs with the threaded studs?

 

[Duker]

Thanks Wanna Ride. If my memory is correct (getting more questionable by the year!) I think I got the knobs from one of the companies that rolled up into what is now called Essentra. It was one of Reid Tools sister companies. I remember I got a bunch of knobs and abs threaded end caps because they were having a 50% off sale before the name change. I stumbled across them because it was one of the few places I found the 2"x3" threaded end caps I have used on some cabinets in my workbench build.

Do you have a thread of your table? I am always looking for new ideas as one of the first things I will build in my new shop will be a full size fab table. The only complaint I have about this table is that I wish it was bigger! It doesn't take long to get spoiled having a larger work surface.

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[Wanna Ride]

Thanks Wanna Ride. If my memory is correct (getting more questionable by the year!) I think I got the knobs from one of the companies that rolled up into what is now called Essentra. It was one of Reid Tools sister companies. I remember I got a bunch of knobs and abs threaded end caps because they were having a 50% off sale before the name change. I stumbled across them because it was one of the few places I found the 2"x3" threaded end caps I have used on some cabinets in my workbench build.

Do you have a thread of your table? I am always looking for new ideas as one of the first things I will build in my new shop will be a full size fab table. The only complaint I have about this table is that I wish it was bigger! It doesn't take long to get spoiled having a larger work surface.

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Yes, it's here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81821

But for some reason, all of the pictures were lost, and I didn't realize it until just now. I'll look into seeing if I can reproduce them, but I'm not sure if I even have the originals anywhere.

 

[cvr]

Thanks CVR, I appreciate you checking out the build especially from down under! I have not been to Melbourne but have spent quite a bit of time over in Adelaide/Victor Harbor which in Australia and Texas terms is just down the road! Hoping to get back over there next year with my wife.

Nice one. I grew up around that area.

In regards to the table, the electrical boxes are ABS plastic and are attached to the table with nylon bolts, washers and nuts. I wanted to isolate the boxes from the table in case a short ever developed. I only use the outlets on the table for grinders, sanders etc and not to power my welder which has its own power through a dedicated 220 grounded circuit. The outlets have their own ground (grounded plug) and the table is separately grounded. You will see some tabs on the legs where I attach a ground for the table. I am not sure if its needed but I am told by much more knowledgable welders than myself that is a good practice to follow. Hopefully that answered your questions. If you need any additional info please let me know. Also, be sure to post up your build!

Thanks for the great info, exactly what I was looking for. Like you I was mainly worried about some sort of fault or parrallel pathing through the table and electrical installation. Better to be safe than sorry here.

 

[nine4gmc]

Awesome table build!

 

[drivesitfar]

Duker: i love the table and read the entire thread (well almost) and watched the video. since you made it a couple years ago can you post up some current pictures and maybe let us know how you like it and if you did or would make any changes?

i also have a Rock Island 597 on my bench and I LOVE IT. not that your bench needed any more weight, but having 130 pound vise on it doesn't hurt in my opinion.

WELL DONE!!

 

[Duker]

Awesome table build!

Thanks Nines! You must have been sleep deprived to be perusing and reviving this thread at 4:30 in the morning! Hopefully you were taking a well deserved break from the rebuild.

Duker: i love the table and read the entire thread (well almost) and watched the video. since you made it a couple years ago can you post up some current pictures and maybe let us know how you like it and if you did or would make any changes?

i also have a Rock Island 597 on my bench and I LOVE IT. not that your bench needed any more weight, but having 130 pound vise on it doesn't hurt in my opinion.


WELL DONE!!

Thanks Drives. Since the video, the only additions have been some 5/8" holes in the top to use Strong Hand clamps etc. and a receiver hitch for my little Milwaukee bandsaw mounted on a SWAG table. I will try and post an update but it is currently buried with steel for a Headache Rack (inspired by another GJ thread) and a half assembled Ocy/Acet cart that I never seem to get back to...

As for the vise, I love mine as well. It has been great to have something solid when I have needed to wrench or beat the "you know what" out of something to get it apart.

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[HCNDM]

Duker,

Just wanted to say your welding table is the whole reason I found garage journal in the first place.

Google ultimate welding table... and yours will be all over the top of the picture results... which leads to garage journal.





Regards,

Niels


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[Duker]

Duker,

Just wanted to say your welding table is the whole reason I found garage journal in the first place.

Google ultimate welding table... and yours will be all over the top of the picture results... which leads to garage journal.

Regards,

Niels

Niels, I appreciate you checking out the YouTube site and posting here. While I am flattered that it shows up under that search, I don't think I can place my table into the category of "ultimate welding" as I hope to build a bigger Fab table when I build my new shop.

However that said, I am more stoked that the table was the catalyst for steering another new member to the GJ especially one from across the pond so pardon my late response but "welcome to the GJ!"

Duke

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[skipnay]

Just another awesome welding table. How are you liking it? Anything you would change? I'm checking all these welding table threads to get some ideas! Lots of great stuff in this thread also!

 

[Duker]

Just another awesome welding table. How are you liking it? Anything you would change? I'm checking all these welding table threads to get some ideas! Lots of great stuff in this thread also!

Thanks for checking out the build. I have only made two modifications since the build which was to add a receiver tube to hold my SWAG bandsaw table and to drill some 5/8" holes for clamping. As for changes....it's worked pretty well for the space I have. The only things I will change for my next table will be to make it bigger and have no vise on the table since I will still have this table with the vise.


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[skipnay]

Thanks for checking out the build. I have only made two modifications since the build which was to add a receiver tube to hold my SWAG bandsaw table and to drill some 5/8" holes for clamping. As for changes....it's worked pretty well for the space I have. The only things I will change for my next table will be to make it bigger and have no vise on the table since I will still have this table with the vise.


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I would love to see how you did the band saw table from Swag. I have that for my milwaukee. Last night I was actually thinking about putting some 2x2 box tubing and some 3/8 flat steel down to bolt to the holes. Though thinking that might be heavy I looked into using some 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square tubing...

 

[Duker]

Unfortunately, the only pics I have are back in the thread a page or two. The construction was pretty simple, I welded a plate to a piece of tube and attached the Swag table to the plate. I wanted to be able to move the bandsaw on and off the easily for quick fabrications.

 

[jetjoe]

Very awesome table! You mentioned earlier during the construction phase of this thread a removable tig pedal holder, but I don't see that in any of the photos or the video. Did you come up with something?