Fabrication Table / Cart

[JakeD]

I don't have a lot of room in my garage, 20x20ft. But I wanted a fairly heavy steel table to support some metal projects. I got inspired by a few different projects I saw on the internet. The welding table on the Miller site, and various welding carts I saw on the Hobart site in particular.

But being limited on space I didn't have room for a table and two carts, so I drew up with this mobile design that will house both my mig and plasma, with a heavy steel top to work on. I just got started this weekend. Hopefully I will get it finished next weekend, and I'll update if anyone's interested.

I'm planning on adding a plasma chute in the area that overhangs on the front of the table, with a chimney going down to a drawer to catch slag. Also planning on adding doodads to store clamps, hoses, etc, and some strapping to secure the bottle. I have a piece of 5/16 plate for the top. Right now I'm thinking I'm going to use a truck bed liner type product on the bottom shelf, and then just paint the rest (minus the top of course). Thanks for looking.

Started with a 36"x31" frame out of 1.5"x0.125" square tube. Squared them up by matching the diagonals.

Made 2 frames this way and added some braces.

Used the frames as the bottom and top, adding some vertical supports. Ground the welds flat where the top and shelf are going to sit.

I'm making a cage at the back that will house the welding gas bottle using 1" square tubing.

Adding the supports for the cart handle, which will come off the bottle cage.

And finally got the 10 gauge (0.125) sheet notched out for the bottom shelf and the handle tacked on. The hoses for the mig and plasma are going to live in those empty corners to the left and right of the handle.

 

[nonhog]

Looking forward to more !

 

[flamewerks]

Looks really good so far! I've been looking for ideas on a welding carts and tables, so I'll definitely want to see what this turns out like.

 

[JakeD]

Thanks guys. I still need to source the casters. Any suggestions? I looked around a little and was thinking Northern Tool.

 

[ddrewyor]

Looks good so far. Try National Caster. I have bought some casters from them on a couple of occasions and they worked great. Sometimes you can get decent ones at HF, but check them out good before buying. Quick question - what's your floor coating and how does it hold up to the weld spatter? Ok, so two questions in one! Thaks

Dave
________
Honda City Turbo Specifications

 

[flamewerks]

This might not be great if you will be using that as a welding table, but a lot of people have put air filled tires instead of casters on their welding cart as it is a lot easier to get around and move it over hoses, etc. That's what I plan on doing, just a thought.

 

[JakeD]

The floor is the Quickrete 2part epoxy. I put it down before I found this site and but I haven't had any problems with it. The welding splatter doesn't seem to have done much to it, but dropping a big piece of metal definitely chips it...

I thought that it was going to leave burn marks from welding close to it, but those yellow spots you see in the pictures actually wiped off.

I'm not sure I'd go so far as to advocate buying it, but for the price I'm satisfied. I plan to abuse the **** out of it, so I don't really want a super high end floor that I'd feel bad about damaging.

As far as the pneumatics, yeah that would definitely have benefits. Some people have them go flat constantly; others don't. I have a wheelbarrow and that sumbitch is flat every time I go to use it. I'm leaning toward a heavy phenolic canvas or polyethylene caster. The garage floor is pretty mellow I think it will be fine.

 

[Vinko]

Thanks guys. I still need to source the casters. Any suggestions? I looked around a little and was thinking Northern Tool.

If you find my "custom tool cart" thread -- you'll find that I used Albion casters. Pretty heavy duty. Expensive-ish at about $20 or $25 a piece though.

 

[flamewerks]

As for the pneumatic tires, spray some tire slime in them and they'll pobably never go flat.

 

[fatboy99]

Go on to E Bay search tool box caster's there are several set's CHEAP hope this help's
Brad

 

[akdiesel]

This might not be great if you will be using that as a welding table, but a lot of people have put air filled tires instead of casters on their welding cart as it is a lot easier to get around and move it over hoses, etc. That's what I plan on doing, just a thought.

There may be an issue using air filled tires on tables for this sort.
If you have heavy items on one side it may make the table uneven, If you do a lot of heavy hammering it may absorb some of the action as well.
I went with the rubber coated casters. They are bout 4" in diameter and have excellent locks on them. I have not tried to roll over items for the fact I do not want to destroy anything I run over with the heavy table.

 

[LoneGunman]

I've bought all kinds of stuff cheap from the link below, including casters.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/wheels.asp?UID=2009050220560015&catname=wheels

 

[jessman02]

Looks good,you might want to put some hooks on it to hang your drop coards, or a metal bucket for scrap ,chipping hammer, or wire brush, just a thought, jessman

 

[35mastr]

Looks real nice so far. You are going to need some rubber style casters for that table. As it is going to be quite heavy when done.

 

[JakeD]

I had relatives in town this weekend and didn't get as much done as I hoped. I did get the casters on, ended up buying 4" diameter locking with about 300lb each rating. Not as heavy duty as I was planning but I think it should be ok. I figure this thing will weigh around 500lbs with the welder, plasma cutter and gas bottle on it. They were about 8 bucks each. There were some nice 1000lb casters but cost more like $30+ each.

Got the frame done for the plasma grate, and I got the table top rough cut and just set in place. It was a 4x4 piece of 5/16 plate scrap I cut down to about 3x3. It was real rusty so I spent some quality time with the wire cup. I'll try to remember to get another pic.

 

[russlaferrera]

Thanks guys. I still need to source the casters. Any suggestions? I looked around a little and was thinking Northern Tool.

I found them to be the cheapest. They go on sale now and then Normal price about $8 , Made in China

 

[GN4WHLN]

Your work looks really nice. I would just make sure your bottle and line is shielded from the arc and slag. I don't like to have my welder right where I am welding, but I totally understand space constraints and multitasking your work space.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[JakeD]

Your work looks really nice. I would just make sure your bottle and line is shielded from the arc and slag. I don't like to have my welder right where I am welding, but I totally understand space constraints and multitasking your work space.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

That's a good point. Indeed it's not ideal to have these things so close, but mostly the machines should be protected by the tabletop itself. I'll follow your advise and add a shield for the bottle.

I drew this thing up so that it will fit into the space that my little mig cart and shop cart take up now. We shall see how it works out. I've never seen anything else quite like it, and maybe that's because it's a dumb idea!! Haha! In the worst case scenario, I can put the welder and plasma back on their carts and store other things under the new mobile table. I think it will be pretty cool, though.

I'm a little disappointed in myself, I had the air conditioner on all weekend in the garage but never made it out there to do anything. With a 3 month old boy and a wife who was experiencing her 1st mother's day as a mom, it just didn't happen.

Thanks for your input!

 

[GN4WHLN]

A 3 month old... before you know it you will be teaching him how to weld! I was thinking about the bottle because if you get an arc gouge or a good size pit from some slag, they won't refill it. It would also **** to be in the middle of a project and burn a hole in your gas line. A welding blanket may be all that's needed.

I have had the same issue with getting some projects done for about the past 5 weeks, Mother's day, daughter's birthday, mother's birthday, neice and nephew's birthdays, sister's birthday... how's a guy suppose to build something? Anyway, this looks like a really cool project and the fab work is sweet so I'll be looking forward to more pictures.

 

[JakeD]

Well, I finally got this thing pretty much finished. I mean, there's a few more things I can think of that I want to do with it, but it's functional. Here's a few pictures.

Making up the brackets to hang the various wires etc.

After I put on those brackets and primed it, I was getting ready to finally weld the top on.

And here's how it looks after I did the truck bed liner on the bottom shelf, and the grey paint on the rest of it. I'm going to replace the bungee cords that are currently holding hte bottle, and then next thing is I'm thinking about some magnetic holsters for the guns.

 

[KCarGuy]

That is a great Idea...I never even thought of putting the welding/fabrication table and welding cart together as one!
Great idea and nice job!
Only thing to give some thought to is a "protective plate" for the Bottle during cutting and welding. Some sort of Steel Backsplash.
Wouldn't want to see any accidents.
I may have to Steal your Idea...Thanks for Sharing.

 

[JakeD]

Hey thanks Kcarguy! Until I can figure out a good "backsplash" solution, I'm going to throw a welding blanket over the regulator.

 

[mikes334]

That is a great idea thanks.

 

[AZAV8]

JakeD,
Round corners on the table top. Great idea to prevent injuries.

Phil

 

[307WYLD]

Do you seriously lift that bottle over the handle in order to get it in its cubby? That is my only criticism. Otherwise, it looks ****.

Well, I finally got this thing pretty much finished. I mean, there's a few more things I can think of that I want to do with it, but it's functional. Here's a few pictures.

Making up the brackets to hang the various wires etc.

After I put on those brackets and primed it, I was getting ready to finally weld the top on.

And here's how it looks after I did the truck bed liner on the bottom shelf, and the grey paint on the rest of it. I'm going to replace the bungee cords that are currently holding hte bottle, and then next thing is I'm thinking about some magnetic holsters for the guns.

 

[Bobby B.]

That looks really sharp!

 

[JakeD]

Do you seriously lift that bottle over the handle in order to get it in its cubby? That is my only criticism. Otherwise, it looks ****.

Nope the bottle slips up under the handle from the bottom.

Thanks for the kind words guys. I built a system to secure the bottle out of flat stock with nuts and bolts to tighten. I'll have to post a final shot of it. I've been using it quite a bit lately and it's very nice to be up off the floor.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Very nice job and great pictures!

 

[e-tek]

This is AWESOME!! Funny how lots of us need something EXACLTY like this, but didn't have the idea! Definiltey useful and smart. Thanks!

 

[jam022316]

Man! Nice work!! Looks great!!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Looks good. I was thinking of building something like this but didn't want to take up floor space.

 

[Hutch]

Great design, might have to copy this one!

 

[babzog]

One suggestion: I'd make the handle removable for re-re the bottle. Picture the vertical part of the handle being comprised of removable inner piece (x2) that slipped inside a large piece of tube that's welded to the cart. Drill a hole through the side of each pair of tubes and insert a retaining bolt/pin. Tart that up with a couple pieces of plate with a semi-circular cutout and attached to the table in the bottom area and that bottle shouldn't ever move.

 

[rsanter]

VERY NICE
I have a 3x4 steel table on wheels in my garage
one of the most used things in there and mobile is a must

bob

 

[StumpXJ]

Going to pick up the steel for a cart similar to this on Wednesday, anything you would change now that you have been using it for a while? Roughly how many feet of 1.5 tubing did you use? I am thinking two sticks should be more than enough. I have plenty of 1 inch laying around. Also, how much did the top piece run you? Do you wish you went with more than 5/16ths on it? I am going to mount a vise on mine, and I have two welders, not a plasma, but it should be really similar unless you have something to add... really liking the design of this one! Thanks


~ James

 

[rick danger]

One suggestion: I'd make the handle removable for re-re the bottle. Picture the vertical part of the handle being comprised of removable inner piece (x2) that slipped inside a large piece of tube that's welded to the cart. Drill a hole through the side of each pair of tubes and insert a retaining bolt/pin. Tart that up with a couple pieces of plate with a semi-circular cutout and attached to the table in the bottom area and that bottle shouldn't ever move.

That "telescoping" is a good idea. Be nice if the table top telescoped for taller or shorter projects. Guess it might be a PIA to lift up and down though. You might have to start with gas charged struts and all that ****...Oh well scratch that idea

 

[JakeD]

Going to pick up the steel for a cart similar to this on Wednesday, anything you would change now that you have been using it for a while? Roughly how many feet of 1.5 tubing did you use? I am thinking two sticks should be more than enough. I have plenty of 1 inch laying around. Also, how much did the top piece run you? Do you wish you went with more than 5/16ths on it? I am going to mount a vise on mine, and I have two welders, not a plasma, but it should be really similar unless you have something to add... really liking the design of this one! Thanks


~ James

Hey James,
I think that 2 sticks sounds about right. It took more than it seemed like it would. The four uprights are about 8ft total. And the top and bottom frames are each each over 10ft(30"x36"). Then there are the braces could be another ~8ft, so 40ft is not excessive at all.

The top I got for about 95 bucks, but it was 4x4ft that I cut a chunk out of. I was planning on 3/8 but they had that 1/2 sheet of 5/16" at a discount price (not scrap but not new). However, 5/16 has been plenty, and I suppose it matters most how hot you plan to get it. A thinner top would warp easier. I guess if I was going to do it again I might make provisions for a second gas tank, which would be easy enough. Also, the locking casters don't really keep it in place too well. So, I may put some of those little jack up feet on it, especially if you are going to be reefing on something in a vise.

That's really cool that you like the design!

 

[BobWarfield]

Nice fab cart!

I built one by bolting a nice piece of 1/4" on top of a rolling tool cabinet. I used firebrick spacers so it wouldn't burn the cabinet. Nice to have the drawers.

Cheers,

BW

 

[StumpXJ]

Thanks for the reply Jake, I picked up two stick of 1.5" tubing yesterday actually, and I will start on it first thing next week after the holiday. The place where I get my steel had a 'drop' peice of 3/8 thick plate that is 36" x 53" for 85 bucks, so I will probably snag that up. I think 3/8 will be more than enough for what I plan on doing.

I have 4 heavy duty caster's, two that swivel and two that dont. I think I will try it with those first, then make changes if I need to. My current welding cart has 4 casters that are undersized, and they ALL swivel which makes it a huge pain sometimes when putting it back in its place since it kind of goes where it wants to.

I have two tanks also, so I will make provisions to hold those instead of just one. I may tweak it here and there, but the overall design of yours is just what I need. Thanks again, ~ James

 

[JakeD]

One suggestion: I'd make the handle removable for re-re the bottle. Picture the vertical part of the handle being comprised of removable inner piece (x2) that slipped inside a large piece of tube that's welded to the cart. Drill a hole through the side of each pair of tubes and insert a retaining bolt/pin. Tart that up with a couple pieces of plate with a semi-circular cutout and attached to the table in the bottom area and that bottle shouldn't ever move.

This is a good idea. It's really quite easy to angle the tank under the handle. I wasn't sure how it would work out, but it's no big deal to install/remove. Who knows, if my project list runs thin I may go ahead and do as you suggest, as it would be neat.

Also, I have an incidental photo of the tank securing deal I came up with.

It's simple, just a horseshoe shaped piece of 1" flat with some ears bent onto the end, and bolts running through the handle uprights. This ***** the tank up against the center section of the handle. I put some foam tape inside to keep from rubbing on the tank. For rolling around the garage, that tank isn't going anywhere. It feels completely solid, but a semicircular cutout at the base would be smart.

Possibly also a somewhat interesting story is the torch holder prototype in the photo. I just had a kid and we were looking at some chairs for feeding babies that attach to the side of the normal table, without legs. They affect a camming action such that when you weight the chair (with the kid) it clamps tighter on the bottom of the table, making it secure. So anyway that gave me the idea for the torch holder, which is bent in such a way that when you put the torch in there, it cams it tighter on the table. It actually grips surprisingly well when weighted, probably enough to drag the table around with.

Thanks for your suggestions all, and the encouragement.