Optical Breadboard as fab table?

[Redlunn]

I recently acquired a piece of garage furniture that I never knew existed. It is known as an Optical Breadboard. Its normal purpose is in optics experiments (lenses, lasers, mirrors) so it is designed to be extremely flat, rigid, and resistant to vibration. The top is 30" x 72" x 4.5" but it is not solid, it is a steel honeycomb construction. The holes are 1/4-20 at one inch spacing (yep, thats 1,960 holes). I'm not exactly sure what I will use it for but it seems like there is some potential. I will be picking it up after Thanksgiving. So, any suggestions on what this could be used for?

 

[dlcwent]

I recently acquired a piece of garage furniture that I never knew existed. It is known as an Optical Breadboard. Its normal purpose is in optics experiments (lenses, lasers, mirrors) so it is designed to be extremely flat, rigid, and resistant to vibration. The top is 30" x 72" x 4.5" but it is not solid, it is a steel honeycomb construction. The holes are 1/4-20 at one inch spacing (yep, thats 1,960 holes). I'm not exactly sure what I will use it for but it seems like there is some potential. I will be picking it up after Thanksgiving. So, any suggestions on what this could be used for?[/QUOTE]

Testing mirrors, lenses, and lasers.

 

[zekeymonkey]

We have one at work. And, I've thought they would make a great fab table as the tops are VERY stiff and heavy. If I could find one cheap, I would get one for fab work.

 

[shawnspeed]

I have a similar "plate" that I use in my shop...it has a 1/2"grid machined into it, no holes , and in a previous life was a base for a overarm router in a pattern shop...I currently use mine for layout, welding, and a fixture base for motorcycle frames....pretty much anything a flat stable table 2'x5' can be used for.....scored mine for 100 bucks with a stand and a free sleeve of 600 grit wet/ dry paper to clean the top with....

 

[gte718p]

They make great fab tables and or surface plates depending on the grade. 1/4-20 is a little limiting for holding force on fixtures, but you can always spread out the bases over multiple holes.

I would love to have one. Good ones run start at upwards of 20k and run into the 6 figures easily based on size and flatness.

 

[BD1]

I'll be the first to say it's good for nothing. Send me address and I'll come get it.
You could use for welding but may consider getting a piece of 1/8'' plate to lay on top to prevent spattering up those holes. Any flat surface is great for stacking more stuff on.

 

[SEV22XS]

I agree I have hundreds of these at work and never thought about them for this purpose but if the price is right I don't think you could go wrong using for welding/setup table.

They make great fab tables and or surface plates depending on the grade. 1/4-20 is a little limiting for holding force on fixtures, but you can always spread out the bases over multiple holes.

I would love to have one. Good ones run start at upwards of 20k and run into the 6 figures easily based on size and flatness.

 

[creativecars]

Very nice.. Depending on the cost of such table will determine the amount of suckage.

 

[astroracer]

Weld spatter in the holes is my first concern. It will be an issue. Covering with another plate makes them a moot point. If you are getting it for free, not bad but, buying it to use as a fab table... not so much.
Mark

 

[AmherstAndy]

First post! I'd be afraid of doing anything too dirty or causing damage to the table from welding...while it would probably hold up fine, it's just not made for heavy "abuse".

We use similar tables suspended on gas-charged cylinders for complete vibration isolation (high-magnification microscopy, intracellular physiology). Colloquially, we call them Newport tables (from the company that makes/made a lot of these). FWIW, the analytic balance (scale) in my lab sits on a granite slab with elastomeric feet. Does a nice job of suppressing vibration.

 

[Redlunn]

This all started when my uncle sent me an email with a few pictures asking if I was interested. Without knowing what it was the only response I could think of was "Absolutely!". It was located near my dad's shop so we arranged to have it dropped off there. The total investment including the purchase, fees, and shipping came to just under $0.01, I tried to talk them down or at least throw in a case of beer for me but they were pretty stubborn.

I am a little concerned about damaging the threads in those holes. I could get 2000 set screws and have my little boy install them but he would probably start eating them.

 

[creativecars]

Yep... You ****.
Keep it covered with something, screw it down in the corners for every day use and to keep weld spatter out. I would fab up a few gadgets to mount, using some of those holes.

 

[astroracer]

Agreed! You ****! You know what you have so use it accordingly. After thinking about this you could pick up a roll of aluminum flashing (easy to cut with shears) and make cover sheets as the use required...
Mark

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

You ****!

Congratulations!

 

[Defender Chassis]

Definitely **** worthy

 

[longlivepunk]

I was going to say the same as astroracer. Use anti-spatter spray as well, of course. I almost always TIG weld, so for me that would be a thing of beauty.
Congratulations, you sure do ****!

Sent from my B15 using Tapatalk

 

[bullnerd]

Yup, fab table!

You can still get a hooge amount of clamping force even with the 1/4-20s.

I wouldn't worry about splatter, spray some anti splatter and have at it. I think the chances are pretty slim you nail a hole just right to damage it. Plus, you have plenty more to choose from!

Congrats dude!

 

[spooler41]

All you need will be about a dozen 1/4-20 taps, when you find a hole that not receptive
to a bolt, just run a tap through it. Easy fix.

...................... Jack

 

[larry_g]

I personally would put it up forsale or trade for a proper fab table. You might find just the right couple of people that will bid it up to unbelievable prices. If on e-bay then start at the price of a good fab table and go from there. If it doesn't sell then proceed to use it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Redlunn]

I personally would put it up forsale or trade for a proper fab table.

Valid suggestion which I have considered. I would need to get a better feel for how this item found it's way to me before I could sell it. If it was because they thought I would use it rather than just sell it themselves, it may not be appropriate to sell for a profit. I'll know more after the family gatherings next weekend.

 

[MarkG]

Probably make a good vacuum-pressing table, if you were inclined to do any composite construction!

 

[Redlunn]

Yep... You ****.

My first ****. Pretty satisfying. Hopefully many more to come.

 

[CNGsaves]

If you got that for penny or free . . . . then indeed YOU **** !!!

+1 to keep and use for fab table. Build support jigs that clamp in multiple holes.

 

[Kensgarage]

Sell it on elBayo for big bux and use the money for materials for another welding table . Build it the way you want it.
"Someone" out there "needs" that table and can save some serious money while giving you money enough for a Super Table. Search here for ( Advanced search: welding table; member name: Duker)

 

[Nor'Easter]

Sell it and build a proper table.

Really.

Who wants to have to tighten multiple 1/4-20 bolts into it just for hold down attachment???