Looking for ideas for a sheet metal table/workbench

[Too_Many_Tools]

I am looking for ideas as to how to build a table/workbench for working with sheet metal.

Thanks for any info.

 

[Smokz]

When I worked as a metal fabricator for 27 years, nothing but a wood top on my bench. Start with a solid 4x4 leg setup. Make the top 2x4's on edge like a cutting board. Clamped and glued. The top is then skinned with 1/4" tempered masonite. Replace as needed from this point on. Won't fracture under sever hammering, fairly resistant to fluids if wiped up. Will tolerate a moderate amount of heat. Smooth hard finish is kind to most materials, be sure to countersink all fasteners. Frame design will depend on size and purpose. I had tool storage underneath. I suppose one could layer up 3/4" or 1" plywood as an alternative, but still use the masonite top. Trim with a 1/4" 2"x3" angle iron on lead side long edge. 3" side on top. The rest with an appropriate lumber. You will find the angle edge very handy times over. With the wooden top I nail or screw as needed to station templates or jig something up. Just clean the surface of burrs that were raised afterwards. In all those years the top was rebuilt once. Re-skinned many times. I do believe the 2x4 table top will hold up longest under heavy use. Steel industrial bench legs will suffice if available. I have done everything from sleeping to welding on it. Welding sparks will roll of it. Direct heat is another story. A hot just welded area will cause it to smolder if it comes in contact. Soldering and torch work no problem, heavy welding needs a proper welding table. That is just across the shop.

You end up with a bench that can withstand anything thrown at it or on it. Drop a engine block on it if you need to. My bench was 4'x10', when that wasn't big enough I used the floor.

NOTE:
Be sure top surface has no projections that can snag a piece of material. Bevel edges if you must. That last thing you want when shuffling sheet metal around, is for it to come to a sudden unannounced stop. Same said for heavy items as well.

Hate when a guy doesn't clean the welding table when done. Slag and contact marks, Arggh. Learned to look first.

 

[Too_Many_Tools]

When I worked as a metal fabricator for 27 years, nothing but a wood top on my bench. Start with a solid 4x4 leg setup. Make the top 2x4's on edge like a cutting board. Clamped and glued. The top is then skinned with 1/4" tempered masonite. Replace as needed from this point on. Won't fracture under sever hammering, fairly resistant to fluids if wiped up. Will tolerate a moderate amount of heat. Smooth hard finish is kind to most materials, be sure to countersink all fasteners. Frame design will depend on size and purpose. I had tool storage underneath. I suppose one could layer up 3/4" or 1" plywood as an alternative, but still use the masonite top. Trim with a 1/4" 2"x3" angle iron on lead side long edge. 3" side on top. The rest with an appropriate lumber. You will find the angle edge very handy times over. With the wooden top I nail or screw as needed to station templates or jig something up. Just clean the surface of burrs that were raised afterwards. In all those years the top was rebuilt once. Re-skinned many times. I do believe the 2x4 table top will hold up longest under heavy use. Steel industrial bench legs will suffice if available. I have done everything from sleeping to welding on it. Welding sparks will roll of it. Direct heat is another story. A hot just welded area will cause it to smolder if it comes in contact. Soldering and torch work no problem, heavy welding needs a proper welding table. That is just across the shop.

You end up with a bench that can withstand anything thrown at it or on it. Drop a engine block on it if you need to. My bench was 4'x10', when that wasn't big enough I used the floor.

NOTE:
Be sure top surface has no projections that can snag a piece of material. Bevel edges if you must. That last thing you want when shuffling sheet metal around, is for it to come to a sudden unannounced stop. Same said for heavy items as well.

Hate when a guy doesn't clean the welding table when done. Slag and contact marks, Arggh. Learned to look first.

Thanks...excellent description.

Any ideas as to how to make it smaller (fold down leaves,extentions, etc.) so when it is not needed it can be reduced in size and moved into a corner.

I understand why 4'x10' is desirable...because of the size of sheet metal panels.

Any suggestions to mounting sheet metal tools/stakes to the bench...again to conserve floor space.

Finally anyone else...?