Setting Up Garage - Need Advice on Fabrication/Welding Table

[bulletpruf]

It ain't all that much about fancy to start with but convenience, can you get around etc, a few place to set something under. Simple top spills won't go thru, huge doesn't matter as you ain't gonna build trailers on it anyway. 99% of my stuff is small and couple 3 pieces or a weld.
For a lot of guys once the place is built the welding use goes down.
The work is on the car or machine.
The use is multi purpose.

If I just use it for welding/fabricating, I think you're right -- it's fine. I just need to use my toolbox tops (6' long with stainless steel tops) for my general workbench and project area.

That's a great looking little table. I'm sure even if you outgrow it, you'll still keep it around.

When you're ready for that 30x60'', check out the link to my build below.

Glenn

Thanks, Glenn. I think it would be great to keep around as a portable table that I can wheel outside. Just needs casters.

 

[bulletpruf]

Need to a bit more work on the bench. Need to add a piece of angle to the legs to connect the 3 pieces that are there now. Then I'll get some wire mesh so I can have some shelf space.

Also need to weld some angle to the side for clamp storage.

I'll also drill some holes in the top to use for fixtures. Someone above mentioned 5/8" holes on 12" centers. I'm thinking of going with 6" centers.

I'll also mount a vise to the top or add a receiver hitch setup.

Thanks

 

[sberry]

The holes are a great idea if you want dust, dirt, spatter and anything you spill on it thru it. Also good if you want to buy special clamps. It may be fine in a specialty fab shop but not needed and don't want it in a general use garage. I have a welding shop, don't have it, use common clamps that have lots of uses.

 

[jkherd]

I retired from the military too. Now you can start accumulating what you want. Here is the one I found on Craigslist. It was cheaper than building one from scratch and can modify it if needed

 

[bulletpruf]

The holes are a great idea if you want dust, dirt, spatter and anything you spill on it thru it. Also good if you want to buy special clamps. It may be fine in a specialty fab shop but not needed and don't want it in a general use garage. I have a welding shop, don't have it, use common clamps that have lots of uses.

Ok. You convinced me.

I added some angle on both sides to hang clamps on.

Added another piece of angle below to complete the bottom (it had 3 pieces; was missing one) and then added the wire mesh.

Drilled a few holes in the top and mounted the Rock Island vise that I picked up with the bench. Looked so good after stripping the paint that I just shot it with flat clear. New jaws are from GJ member KMScott.

 

[sberry]

This I like, right size, right shelf, common clamp and hanger for them.

 

[sberry]

I like it. A lot right with this. Got a shelf, good size, plenty heavy, common clamps. I have seen them with 2 steel wheels and use a floor jack on the other end.
If you cut often a catch box is handy on the end.

 

[bulletpruf]

I like it. A lot right with this. Got a shelf, good size, plenty heavy, common clamps. I have seen them with 2 steel wheels and use a floor jack on the other end.
If you cut often a catch box is handy on the end.

Thanks, I like it too.

Speaking of clamps, it was nice to pull the clamps out of the milk crate. About 80% are vintage JH Williams that I bought on eBay when I was in Korea. I stripped, cleaned, and refurbished them one at a time on my tiny little balcony; good therapy.

Can't find my durn locking c-clamps, however. I think a batch of them got packed up with some of my chainsaws when we left Italy, and I haven't opened all the boxes yet. Guess I need to go on a treasure hunt this weekend.