sberry
Banned
I can understand the amazement but,,, how long you been fabricating? There are a dozen or so guys on this forum would have no problem with that.
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- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
I can understand the amazement but,,, how long you been fabricating? There are a dozen or so guys on this forum would have no problem with that.
OP
I’m not a fabricator at all. I work with a lot of really talented fabricators, but I wouldn’t dare call what I do serious fabrication work.
That being said, if this isn’t great - post some of your own work. I love looking at stuff like this.
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sberry
Banned
sberry
Banned
Actually I am jealous of your talent, I can do craft work if I have the inclination but academic and egghead or tech and I am pitiful. But compared to some of you I am still eating dirt. I am not very smart or smart enough and way too impulsive.
I will watch fine woodworking but I would turn it to construction given I had 1 choice.
I will watch fine woodworking but I would turn it to construction given I had 1 choice.
sberry
Banned
I was just a little late to forums as I was to the computer generation. I was going to get ahead of the curve and we had a fire that set me back enough in time that a lot of it I could had done had passed me by and I am not innovative enough to get it back.
I had a nice pic file that got lost in the fire, I tried to look for the negatives, it would have been a whole addition of forum fodder. I did a lot of neat stuff when I worked for other people. My interest though falls to production, ergonomics, maintenance and repair fall under production. My brain goes right to function first rather than craftsmanship, nothing wrong with the other case its only personal but I think, faster cheaper maybe better especially if it falls right in the area of some of my experience.
Not that I cant fuss with it but if it was my only thought for the day could and would get back from the steel yard where I ran down a cut list for the major pieces and assembled it in order off the pickup to have the good share of a real world class workbench sitting in place at the end of a work day. Adding features would add up b8ut I could get the basics right enough that good fabricators would get most of the real must haves in it and could even do it with blocks or horses and some plank for shelves to get the right feel and utility from it.
I had a nice pic file that got lost in the fire, I tried to look for the negatives, it would have been a whole addition of forum fodder. I did a lot of neat stuff when I worked for other people. My interest though falls to production, ergonomics, maintenance and repair fall under production. My brain goes right to function first rather than craftsmanship, nothing wrong with the other case its only personal but I think, faster cheaper maybe better especially if it falls right in the area of some of my experience.
Not that I cant fuss with it but if it was my only thought for the day could and would get back from the steel yard where I ran down a cut list for the major pieces and assembled it in order off the pickup to have the good share of a real world class workbench sitting in place at the end of a work day. Adding features would add up b8ut I could get the basics right enough that good fabricators would get most of the real must haves in it and could even do it with blocks or horses and some plank for shelves to get the right feel and utility from it.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
I can't tell if you're being a troll, or if you're genuinely serious. A sawzall and a drill? Seriously? How long have YOU been fabricating?
Just the top alone would burn up a few drills and at least a case of blades, if not a few sawzalls. The holes would be out of positional tolerance, crooked and out of round, and the edges would be jagged and crooked as hell. Plus you'd be at it for the better part of a couple days.
We'll nevermind trying to mill the slots and pockets and turn the bushings and sprockets.
Comments like that will get you laughed out of shops that make money.
That top was water jetted. That would burn up a ton of cash not drills. LOL. It is a beautiful piece of work, though.
Mike
casmurbax
Well-known member
Regardless of whom it was built for or the reason why, it is a beautiful piece of workmanship.
A great deal of thought had to go into it that build and the others I saw on his website.
The guy built something interesting and shared it, just like many of you have done, I for one appreciate it.
A great deal of thought had to go into it that build and the others I saw on his website.
The guy built something interesting and shared it, just like many of you have done, I for one appreciate it.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
I know, I was referencing his drill/sawzall comment.
OP
That's a nice mobile base... for a really cool old craftsman contractor's saw, but apples and oranges man.
I get why some folks would think this table was over the top and not appropriate for certain kinds of work. Seriously, I do.
But it's really hard for me personally not to be blown away by the craftsmanship and the finished product. I'm just not jaded enough I guess?
sberry
Banned
It was an exageration for sure on my behalf but it doesn't always take a lot of big stuff to do good work. It is art and proff if one tosses enough time and money at it most any thing can be done.
Same for most cars and resto work, really great work but not a mystery.
This work isn't really a hobby, been doing it since I was a kid and then shortly after I was legal to hire on, passed my first open **** 3 and 4 g.
I want to work on nuke at 21 then back to Ironwork, mostly bridge type stuff, highly inspected, hi production.
I am all about speed and production, would hire out the cutting in a heartbeat especially by the hour.
I built about 200 benches for an outfit, I certainly could have built a 1 off with a sawzall, as a hobby could have done it in reasonable time, but not 200 and another 200 other fixtures where I carry the cut list to the supplier and cut for 50 cents a piece stacked 10 at a time in a bandsaw.
The table in this thread wasn't about time or money and definately not about time is money. Although I suspect the time may not have been as great as it looks as the nature of the materials put a lot of wow in to it.
Same for most cars and resto work, really great work but not a mystery.
This work isn't really a hobby, been doing it since I was a kid and then shortly after I was legal to hire on, passed my first open **** 3 and 4 g.
I want to work on nuke at 21 then back to Ironwork, mostly bridge type stuff, highly inspected, hi production.
I am all about speed and production, would hire out the cutting in a heartbeat especially by the hour.
I built about 200 benches for an outfit, I certainly could have built a 1 off with a sawzall, as a hobby could have done it in reasonable time, but not 200 and another 200 other fixtures where I carry the cut list to the supplier and cut for 50 cents a piece stacked 10 at a time in a bandsaw.
The table in this thread wasn't about time or money and definately not about time is money. Although I suspect the time may not have been as great as it looks as the nature of the materials put a lot of wow in to it.
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sberry
Banned
It's art work. There are 3 or 4 I have seen built by guys here I like better from a user point of view. I probably worked for 50 different contractors and shops, seen a lot of ways to do it and a quite a few benches.
I seen some real gems built by mostly employees and some bought by owners that had turned in to collectors as they were hard to use.
I seen some real gems built by mostly employees and some bought by owners that had turned in to collectors as they were hard to use.
Steve from Socal
Well-known member
I am not jaded either, while it may not be what I would do, it is certainly well done. I have a shop full of big machines, I have the resources to make something like that, I don't have the desire to though. One thing several folks have commented on from a shops perspective is cost to value or ROI, it only makes sense IF the fixture makes you more productive or allows lower skilled people to do a challenging task.
That is one thing that led me to believe that this was a hobby project, the time and effort spent on this and a couple odd features like the cordless drill to power the thing. If a company needed a table that could raise and lower several scissor lift tables are commercially available and they can be operated with a pendant or local switch with out kneeling down. The choice of materials again was a clue, not many weld shops would use stainless as top, none I can think of.
The guy has made a lot of cool things that are "just right" for his needs and desires. I looked at the rolling material rack today out of curiosity, it works for him, wouldn't for many shops where the have to use a forklift or crane to access materials. That is another part of the hobby shop coming out. I have a material rack that is anything but pretty, it holds 20+ foot long pieces of steel that weigh several hundred pounds each. I need to know what is on the rack without sliding stuff off or out of the way.
That gentleman is a good craftsman and he has a flair for design, there is no doubt about that. I can see where guys with hobby shops could use some of his ideas, maybe even a small maint dept. Perhaps a few Silicon Valley types would even pony up for a table or two? That could be his target audience? Bespoke custom tables etc are fun to look at and, his videos are well produced. They are kinda like a custom suit, 99% of people can wear an off the rack suit with a bit of tailoring. That select few have to have exactly what the want.
I too have a dream project one day, I would like to build a new from scratch Alemlite style cabinet work station. I will spend way too much time and obsess with all the little details. It will be a bit larger and not a true replica but, my own personal iteration of what it should be. I understand, some of us just have to do it "our way"
Steve
That is one thing that led me to believe that this was a hobby project, the time and effort spent on this and a couple odd features like the cordless drill to power the thing. If a company needed a table that could raise and lower several scissor lift tables are commercially available and they can be operated with a pendant or local switch with out kneeling down. The choice of materials again was a clue, not many weld shops would use stainless as top, none I can think of.
The guy has made a lot of cool things that are "just right" for his needs and desires. I looked at the rolling material rack today out of curiosity, it works for him, wouldn't for many shops where the have to use a forklift or crane to access materials. That is another part of the hobby shop coming out. I have a material rack that is anything but pretty, it holds 20+ foot long pieces of steel that weigh several hundred pounds each. I need to know what is on the rack without sliding stuff off or out of the way.
That gentleman is a good craftsman and he has a flair for design, there is no doubt about that. I can see where guys with hobby shops could use some of his ideas, maybe even a small maint dept. Perhaps a few Silicon Valley types would even pony up for a table or two? That could be his target audience? Bespoke custom tables etc are fun to look at and, his videos are well produced. They are kinda like a custom suit, 99% of people can wear an off the rack suit with a bit of tailoring. That select few have to have exactly what the want.
I too have a dream project one day, I would like to build a new from scratch Alemlite style cabinet work station. I will spend way too much time and obsess with all the little details. It will be a bit larger and not a true replica but, my own personal iteration of what it should be. I understand, some of us just have to do it "our way"
Steve
zman
Well-known member
I think it's very cool. He has a great eye.
As for all the whining about his choice of tools, well I'll be looking for superior work from those members.
As for all the whining about his choice of tools, well I'll be looking for superior work from those members.
I don't see all the polished Stainless stuff, and I would probably go with Acme Thread for the risers... probably not stainless on the legs and such.. The Aluminum was probably chosen for ease of machining all the markings and so forth. Better materials available, when I build a "Clone" there may be some changes honestly, I'll make the base from regular cold rolled material, powder coat the upper frame Gray, lower legs darker gray. Top PROBABLY Aluminum... I'll get a Waterjet Bid in the morning. 1" Alu and 1" Bores...
Ya better have a build thread!
Trey T
Well-known member
It looks like it should be in a museum
ilovevocs
Well-known member
I would weld on it.......
....but only after applying light coat of cooking oil. Unless it wasn't mine, then I would load a roll of flux core and spray splatter all over it. j/j
....but only after applying light coat of cooking oil. Unless it wasn't mine, then I would load a roll of flux core and spray splatter all over it. j/j
Perrorojo
Well-known member
I wonder if this guy is distraught about the criticisms his table has gotten in this thread?
Poor guy goes out and builds an adjustable table with some drawers and some casters on it and you guys pick it apart. Meanies.
I hope you guys aren't Yelp reviewers.
I'd buy it at auction when the shop closes from of work due to cheap imports.
Poor guy goes out and builds an adjustable table with some drawers and some casters on it and you guys pick it apart. Meanies.
I hope you guys aren't Yelp reviewers.
I'd buy it at auction when the shop closes from of work due to cheap imports.
autoclassicnut
Well-known member
Thanks for posting this Ryan...
Waterjet for the top comes in at about $500... the Aluminum Plate would be in the $1800 range... depending on .75 or 1".... Just an idea on costs... Stainless for that is $$$$...
I did the CAD for the top in about 15 minutes in between putting out other fires... 4" center to center on the holes, angles at 45 degrees on the slot cuts... Half inch on the bolt holes.. Bolt holes are on 12" centers I don't plan on drawers, I'll just do the angle iron slots for the Plano boxes or Stanly Boxes or Milwaukee boxes... Just for some hardware at the table, maybe a pull out covered tray for fixtures, columns or squares etc... Do do a similar size table using the Fireball Tools Cast iron 10" Squares would be about $5k or so... About $96 for the Fireball Tool table fasteners... For adjusting the top... We shall see how what does what...
One addendum to this. if made from mild steel the numbers would be exactly opposite of aluminum. for the top. Stainless would get way more spendy quick!
I did the CAD for the top in about 15 minutes in between putting out other fires... 4" center to center on the holes, angles at 45 degrees on the slot cuts... Half inch on the bolt holes.. Bolt holes are on 12" centers I don't plan on drawers, I'll just do the angle iron slots for the Plano boxes or Stanly Boxes or Milwaukee boxes... Just for some hardware at the table, maybe a pull out covered tray for fixtures, columns or squares etc... Do do a similar size table using the Fireball Tools Cast iron 10" Squares would be about $5k or so... About $96 for the Fireball Tool table fasteners... For adjusting the top... We shall see how what does what...
One addendum to this. if made from mild steel the numbers would be exactly opposite of aluminum. for the top. Stainless would get way more spendy quick!
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks for posting this, Ryan.
The video generously documents what he designed and built, how he designed and built it, and why, in detail. The video is completely passive and his own narration delivered in the flat matter-of-fact approach of an engineer who knows that his design speaks for itself.
Is he happy with the way it turned out? Clearly.
But the source of his own admiration is not conceit, it's the successful execution of the product's design principles: portable; height adjustable without electronics or hydraulics or lockpins, and automatically maintaining 0* integrity; high weight to strength ratio; accommodating of small or large work in multiple axes with multiple work stabilizing points - central and overhang; self-contained (built-in drawers for fab essentials); and clean (stainless).
A great example of his reserve is the way he talks about the wheels being retractable, hidden by the two open drawers, and allowing the deck to drop to 26". That took three different design objectives that were met only by working seamlessly together.
That it accomplishes all that and manages to also be elegant is self-evident. He never pats himself on the back once. He never makes any claims about superiority. There are no comparisons to other designs or other welding tables.
As others have pointed it out, it is a little odd that his examples of work accomplished on the welding table are parts of the welding table itself and other shop equipment tables. There is a degree of insularity and incestuousness in his shop. (A shop to make more shop stuff.)
Except for the Jet Ski cart. Which reminded me of something.
Everything about this welding table - the beauty, the design, the materials, the engineer and his understated matter-of-fact style reminds me of the last coolest aluminum thing I saw on 4 wheels - the B1.
As ducksface said about Chappy Moody, if Rob Bollinger never builds more than the one B1 prototype, it won't diminish his achievement in the least.
^ This.
^ This. (Although I am not convinced it's impractical for all types of shops.)
^ And this.
The video generously documents what he designed and built, how he designed and built it, and why, in detail. The video is completely passive and his own narration delivered in the flat matter-of-fact approach of an engineer who knows that his design speaks for itself.
Is he happy with the way it turned out? Clearly.
But the source of his own admiration is not conceit, it's the successful execution of the product's design principles: portable; height adjustable without electronics or hydraulics or lockpins, and automatically maintaining 0* integrity; high weight to strength ratio; accommodating of small or large work in multiple axes with multiple work stabilizing points - central and overhang; self-contained (built-in drawers for fab essentials); and clean (stainless).
A great example of his reserve is the way he talks about the wheels being retractable, hidden by the two open drawers, and allowing the deck to drop to 26". That took three different design objectives that were met only by working seamlessly together.
That it accomplishes all that and manages to also be elegant is self-evident. He never pats himself on the back once. He never makes any claims about superiority. There are no comparisons to other designs or other welding tables.
As others have pointed it out, it is a little odd that his examples of work accomplished on the welding table are parts of the welding table itself and other shop equipment tables. There is a degree of insularity and incestuousness in his shop. (A shop to make more shop stuff.)
Except for the Jet Ski cart. Which reminded me of something.
Everything about this welding table - the beauty, the design, the materials, the engineer and his understated matter-of-fact style reminds me of the last coolest aluminum thing I saw on 4 wheels - the B1.
As ducksface said about Chappy Moody, if Rob Bollinger never builds more than the one B1 prototype, it won't diminish his achievement in the least.
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Bessy
Well-known member
That workbench, is a piece of engineering fit for space. Ok maybe it's not that intricate in terms of actual function, but the amount of detail and preciseness is awe-inspiring.
Here I am working off a workbench built of plywood, 2x4s and deck screws because that's what I had on hand. Probably cost me less than $100 after all was said and done and I've done plenty of modifications to it since to fit my needs. Oh and I'm not afraid to drive a screw into the top of it if need be or drip some paint or oil on it, or accidentally cut into it with a grinder or knife...
Different strokes.
Here I am working off a workbench built of plywood, 2x4s and deck screws because that's what I had on hand. Probably cost me less than $100 after all was said and done and I've done plenty of modifications to it since to fit my needs. Oh and I'm not afraid to drive a screw into the top of it if need be or drip some paint or oil on it, or accidentally cut into it with a grinder or knife...
Different strokes.
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Htscheg
Well-known member
Either way is a beautiful table
pirana
Well-known member
I wonder how many times a day he washes his hands.
jblnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I would love to get that table full of weld slag and torch boogers and get mud all over the wheels by hooking onto that shackle hook and dragging it around in the yard with the skid steer.
We have a 4x8 table with 6" angle iron legs and a 3/4" top that seems as if it was used as the anchor on the Santa Maria. It's been around FOREVER and has seems some stuff over the years. The table that guy built would serve my needs but I have no where the patience needed to construct it.
Who cares if he has cheapo tools and builds **** for fun. It looks cool and the video kept me entertained for the better part of 20 min. Helps me gain a little confidence back in mankind that someone is willing to take the time to do something like that "just because". Weather he was hired to do so or did it for himself because he needed some QST is irreverent to me.
We have a 4x8 table with 6" angle iron legs and a 3/4" top that seems as if it was used as the anchor on the Santa Maria. It's been around FOREVER and has seems some stuff over the years. The table that guy built would serve my needs but I have no where the patience needed to construct it.
Who cares if he has cheapo tools and builds **** for fun. It looks cool and the video kept me entertained for the better part of 20 min. Helps me gain a little confidence back in mankind that someone is willing to take the time to do something like that "just because". Weather he was hired to do so or did it for himself because he needed some QST is irreverent to me.
bczygan
Well-known member
Whenever I see something like that, I appreciate the Rube Goldbergness of it.
But good design and engineering, simplifies things until they can't be any simpler, and still do the job at hand.
Bill
But good design and engineering, simplifies things until they can't be any simpler, and still do the job at hand.
Bill
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
Youtube shows that video unavailable and th link to his site and s down. 
Video has been removed?
theamcguy
Well-known member
Too bad the video has been removed. After reading some of the comments on fabrication talents I am reminded by a quote from Lil John Butera (a pretty good fabricator in his own right) when asked how he fabricated a billet pair of rear view mirrors, he said he took a solid block of aluminum and cut away everything that didn't look like a rear view mirror using a band saw and a disc/belt sander.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
It appears all his Youtube videos are gone, as well as his own website. Curious.
LookMaNoHands!
New member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2018
- Messages
- 1
Never had the good fortune to see the video. Anybody have a way I could view it?
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Bummer the website and videos are gone..
SOOO Bummed i missed this. As an engineer and craftsfan, it sounds right up my alley. Seems all traces of the table have been scoured from the web.
NSA must have been worried about a foreign government seeing it and creating amazing new inventions. In all reality he is likely filing for design patents and had to pull pictures to protect his design.
NSA must have been worried about a foreign government seeing it and creating amazing new inventions. In all reality he is likely filing for design patents and had to pull pictures to protect his design.
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