My Welding Table Build Log (4'x4'x.5")

[madosta]

So, a couple of years ago I picked up these legs from an auction for cheap, with the intent to make a welding table.

So after welding about 10-15 projects on wood tables, and MDF, and a small 3/16" steel plate, and being irritated, I went and got me a nice plate today (for a decent price).

Legs: 2"x.1875
Table: 48"x48"+,.5'

The table legs might have come from a machine shop or something since they are drilled and tapped with socket cap screws.

The plates on the bottom of the legs are 6" square with .625" holes or so. I cant find my napkin drawing from when I was trying to find casters, but I wasn't able to find any casters in a square bolt mounting pattern.

Thoughts?

 

[madosta]

I am thinking of building a frame underneath out of 2" square 3/16" wall and then mounting the legs in a sleeve, and maybe a couple "receiver hitch" concepts to put a vice or other hold downs.

Anyone want to drill a ton of holes in it for me and then surface grind it?

 

[Nor'Easter]

A fellow I follow on instagram just built a 6x10 3/4" thick, he drilled and tapped 440 holes...

 

[kazlx]

Those legs look like they were bolted down to the floor, not to casters.

 

[dr_clyde]

I am thinking of building a frame underneath out of 2" square 3/16" wall and then mounting the legs in a sleeve, and maybe a couple "receiver hitch" concepts to put a vice or other hold downs.

Anyone want to drill a ton of holes in it for me and then surface grind it?

Depending on where you are in Michigan I may be able to help you with the holes.

Did I read the top being .5" thick? That my be too thin to grind and maintain flatness, but it can be cleaned up. I know of at least 2 shops that have grinders big enough in my area for your top.

 

[madosta]

Those legs look like they were bolted down to the floor, not to casters.

Yea now that you mention it they must've been. I still think I will try to bolt down some casters or maybe we can find some that can fit or be welded.

 

[madosta]

Depending on where you are in Michigan I may be able to help you with the holes.

Did I read the top being .5" thick? That my be too thin to grind and maintain flatness, but it can be cleaned up. I know of at least 2 shops that have grinders big enough in my area for your top.

Yes sir .5". So it might be overkill to grind it. I am in Detroit and Ann Arbor area.

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

I would look for someone with a big blanchard grinder instead of a surface grinder. It will be a lot faster than a surface grinder and you dont need the super smooth surface finish of a surface grinder for a welding table.

 

[madosta]

Alright, here's the feet. Not sure what I should do with them:

 

[dr_clyde]

Ah, detroit may be a bit far for me. If you were closer I'd say you could come use my mag drill.

 

[madosta]

Ah, detroit may be a bit far for me. If you were closer I'd say you could come use my mag drill.

I do have some friends that live in Holland. I don't know if I want to put all the holes in it or not yet. I love the strong hand tables, but I also dont want to spend hours drilling holes. We shall see what happens.

 

[Ditch digger]

A fellow I follow on instagram just built a 6x10 3/4" thick, he drilled and tapped 440 holes...

Who is it on Instagram? I want to check it out

 

[csargents1546]

There is a place in denver call Rathbun. Their specialty is casters. They have a Web page but not very user friendly so give them a call.

 

[madosta]

Ok, I'm thinking about having this quoted locally for laser cutting actually:

The holes are 4" and 2" spacing horizontal and vertical. They are .625 in diameter.

I might refine it to match where the supports will go under neath and maybe attach it with sunken socket cap screws...

Think I should leave half of it solid?
What about for an overhang/edge/lip? 1-2"?

 

[tndude]

Ok, I'm thinking about having this quoted locally for laser cutting actually:

The holes are 4" and 2" spacing horizontal and vertical. They are .625 in diameter.

I might refine it to match where the supports will go under neath and maybe attach it with sunken socket cap screws...

Think I should leave half of it solid?
What about for an overhang/edge/lip? 1-2"?

Nice. Let me know how much they quote you. I wouldn't mind building something similar. I like it.

 

[dr_clyde]

Make sure you factor in the taper on the holes. Lasers are very accurate, but holes tend to taper down on thicker metal. If you need a bang on hole size, plan on reaming the hole.

If it's just for drop in tooling, just oversize the holes .005" and call it a day.

 

[Nor'Easter]

Who is it on Instagram? I want to check it out

IG name is holeyrivet

His name is Nick Holmer.