Plasma Cutting Tabletop - Portable

[Vegaman_Dan]

I am in need of cutting some brackets out of some plate steel with a plasma cutter and don't really fancy clamping pieces to a welding table and hanging them off the edge. I wanted a plasma cutting table top like you can see from Eastwood, Northern Tool, etc. Something with replaceable slats. But I don't want a full table with legs because I have enough tables and carts taking up space in my garage. I just wanted the table top.



It's 20" x 30", the same size as the portable welding table (it was a convenient size). Simple angle 1" angle iron and 1" 3x16 flat bar stock for the slats. I decided to make the slats removable by welding in short lengths of angle inside spaced out to form slots for the slats to fit into. I then capped the assembly with another piece of angle on top that is bolted from the side.



The end result is a solid table top with slats that can be flipped over for a new surface when they wear down or easily replaced with simple flat bar stock. The fit is good, they don't rattle, and are easy to replace.

In use, put the table top on saw horses (metal!) and cut away. I'm pondering making a stand similar to the welding table one or just buying one of those and replacing the top with the cutting top instead. That might be a better solution for a nice handy portable platform that can do double duty for cutting and welding.

 

[kkroger]

I used to use a 55 Gallon drum and such a device to cut over for hand cuts.
Now I just use my Plasma Table and hand torch it...

 

[sb7979]

...In use, put the table top on saw horses (metal!) and cut away.....

That's pretty nice.

If you were to use it on your welding table, as shown in your build pic, how much damage would the plasma cutter do to the table top? I've never used a plasma cutter, but I will be using one around the end of April (hopefully).

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

That's pretty nice.

If you were to use it on your welding table, as shown in your build pic, how much damage would the plasma cutter do to the table top? I've never used a plasma cutter, but I will be using one around the end of April (hopefully).

I would not recommend using it on top of the table as shown, not because of the slag hitting the table, but the splash back. You're shooting molten metal under pressure and having it hit the table top will make it splash very badly in different directions in a dangerous fashion.

Use it on top of some sawhorses at the minimum. I'm going to get another one of these tables and bolt it to the stand instead of the top you see there, which will resolve this issue readily.

 

[srmofo]

HF is selling those knock offs now. Seems like a perfect candidate for your table stand.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

HF is selling those knock offs now. Seems like a perfect candidate for your table stand.

That is my intention. The silly thing is actually quite nice and better than it has a reason to be.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

UPDATE:

Finally got another welding table from HF (these things sell out fast) for $59 and went to work to mount the slatted table to the base and it worked out surprisingly well.



The height was taller than the stock table, so I made a spacer for the original table to match up heights so they match side by side. This will make a good portable dual purpose setup and can still be put away when done. If / when the plastic tilt handles get damaged, I'll just replace it with a bolt with a flat bar stock handle welded to it.

 

[cspcrx]

great idea and well done. I picked one up the other weekend as well. Other than adding some extra washers in places and instructions that, to me, didn't clearly outline where hardware went. It was easily to put together and I look forward to not welding on the floor any longer.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

great idea and well done. I picked one up the other weekend as well. Other than adding some extra washers in places and instructions that, to me, didn't clearly outline where hardware went. It was easily to put together and I look forward to not welding on the floor any longer.

It's a stupid and simple table that has no right being as good as it is. I've replaced my big welding table with those smaller portable ones for my go-to work. I'll be selling my bigger table at auction later as a result.

 

[arrowhead]

UPDATE:

Finally got another welding table from HF (these things sell out fast) for $59 and went to work to mount the slatted table to the base and it worked out surprisingly well.

BRILLIANT!

 

[coma13]

That's great. I've got the stronghand version of that table that I never use since I built two solid welding tables. This would be a great modification for it.

-Eric

 

[steel 35]

That's a good one!

 

[Nermal43]

Looks great. I use a 55 gallon barrel with a rebar top but it lacks portability. May steal this idea!

 

[M@stern@ter]

Wouldn't you want a tray to catch the slag?

 

[AnEv942]

Nice!

Also in the middle of building a small portable/collapsing cut table & stand, pretty much for the same reason -just no space. I looked before starting, just prior to your original post and didnt find much, otherwise I would be copying. Probably should start a thread. Already had top done, getting ready to start the stand-saw your first posted -thats a great idea, would be easier, especially if could mod so my top would fit & table top could be used. Drove to HF with my folder of coupons...
managed to leave the $59 coupon in the shop.. errr.

no we need the coupon to scan sir... Since I was there tried to justify the extra $20 for the table, but it would be a bit short for me, top I already built wouldnt really work. Adding collection chute, my other real priority (beside as cheap as possible) to contain the mess, wouldn't be as easy as what Ive started. (and kill my budget of cheap). So justified not picking it up for this project, though likely will later. Would be a handy portable table. Now seeing your update, adding cut top as you did definitely worth copying for simple storing-portability. I like it.