Small TIG table project

[D-fens]

Been playing with TIG welding for a while now, mostly using an old Syncro 250 at work.

I recently bought my own machine, and went looking for an off-the-shelf table that would fit both me (I'm tall) and the available space (corner of the garage).

Checked out the Stronghand folding table at the local supply house but didn't really like the height, and it doesn't fold up quite as compact as Stronghand claims. Not throwing off on the product at all, it just didn't fit my needs.

Since I had a stash of 1" and 1 1/4" square tube and some wheels I scrounged from work I decided to try making my own damn table.

Got a 34x36 piece of 1/4" steel from a local shop ($75) Wanted something thicker but 3/8 was almost three times as much. Then just freestyled a frame to fit the top. Facility manager at work wasn't too stoked about me building it there but he didn't ***** too much.

The wheels are a little too big for the application but they're really high quality stuff with parking brakes and all that. Plus they were very free. If I need these wheels for something else (car dolly, say) I can always replace them with something smaller.

Had to move the workbench over a couple inches, otherwise it fits where I wanted it to.

Works pretty well so far. The padded top bar stool not so much. Had to downgrade to a hardtop adjustable height stool to get it dialed in.

 

[WILD-BILL]

Nice table.

Which machine did you get. It looks to be an Everlast but alot different from ones I've seen.

I have a 225LX and it's been good for me.

 

[pepi]

Bet the stool was to tall, LOL, you can always tell a TIG welder. The welding area of the piece is always clean.

I really did not pay close attention to the metal surface when MIG welding, however after I bought a TIG machine, that practice has migrated to the MIG process also.

Nice little table you have their, if you want a handy way of keeping acetone check out a "plunger can", great accessory. Put a rag on the top push down it wets the rag, no spill no evaporation. There is a small version, will tip over foot print is to small.

Plunger can: the red can sitting on the table left side of picture

 

[bullnerd]

Very cool.

My only advice is to ground to your part if you can.Your ground clamp is on the mill scale (I think,hard to tell for sure) and your part is on the mill scale= not a good ground.

 

[D-fens]

Nice table.

Which machine did you get. It looks to be an Everlast but alot different from ones I've seen.

I have a 225LX and it's been good for me.

Mine is a Powertig 250 EX. I wasn't really down with buying a Chinese machine but this one offers a lot more features per-dollar (pulse, adjustable AC balance, water cooled torch) than a Diversion 180. Hoping it will last me long enough that when it does play out I can swing a Dynasty or some other high-capacity name brand rig.

Bet the stool was to tall, LOL, you can always tell a TIG welder. The welding area of the piece is always clean.

I really did not pay close attention to the metal surface when MIG welding, however after I bought a TIG machine, that practice has migrated to the MIG process also.

Nice little table you have their, if you want a handy way of keeping acetone check out a "plunger can", great accessory. Put a rag on the top push down it wets the rag, no spill no evaporation. There is a small version, will tip over foot print is to small.

The padded top stool was hard to stay on top of, literally. Kept sliding out from under me. The plain top stays put and while it ain't super plush it's not uncomfortable either. The height adjustment is nice too.

Thanks for the heads up, I had never heard of such thing as a plunger can, seems like it would be handy and cut down on waste / evaporation too.

Very cool.

My only advice is to ground to your part if you can.Your ground clamp is on the mill scale (I think,hard to tell for sure) and your part is on the mill scale= not a good ground.

I think it's P&O finish. Spent a few hours wearing out 60 grit stickums on both a 6" DA and a 7" grinder trying to clean it to bare metal but nope.

 

[bullnerd]

Now that I look at it,the first pic looks like bare steel, but the next ones look like they are darker. Very nice either way.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

That did come out well
Very nice

Adam

 

[WILD-BILL]

I'm by no means an experienced tig welder. I bought mine to teach myself the skill and have been very happy with it. I had seriously contemplated the 250 EX and decided that I really wouldn;t need that much power so I got the 225. After using it though I must admit that I do wish I would have gotten the 250 not becuase of the extra amps but becuase it has a greater pulse control and it has a wider AC balance control.

I like your table alot and wouldn't mind stealing your idea but I have no room to store anything like that.

 

[D-fens]

Both the Strong Hand and Miller tables fold up for storage, if that's what you're after. If these fit your particular needs then don't bother trying to re-invent the wheel.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be super difficult to engineer a version of my table that bolts together and breaks down for storage, or (not as easy) folds up.

Another option could be a fender stand, like the ones sold at body shop supply houses. Usually less than $75. Set it up with a piece of 1/4 or 3/16 plate on top and bam, instant welding table. Just wouldn't be very heavy duty.