TIG Welding Table Height

[Flange]

I have had a search through the archive and I cant seem to find the answer to my question so apologies if this has been asked before.

I need to build a welding table for TIG welding and, not havng TIG welded before, I was wondering what are everyones thoughts are on the height for a TIG welding table?

 

[Kevin54]

Whatever is comfortable for you. Everyone's height varies, and what may be suitable for one person, may be too high or too low for the next person. Set some cardboard boxes up, or sawhorses with a plywood top, then shim it with some 2x4's to see what you feel comfortable with.

 

[dr_clyde]

My main welding table is 34" tall. I have one that's about 8" shorter for awkward and heavy weldments too. I have smaller wood top benches that are 36" tall as well. Anywhere in this range is comfortable for me to sit and bench weld.

Sit down on whatever stool you're going to use by the welder. Put your foot on the pedal, and measure from the floor to your knee. Add 2 inches and there's a starting point.

 

[nickelTwin]

For tig welding smaller things on a bench , I like a taller bench. I built my welding table with height adjustable legs. I think the table that I had was some kind of medical table with adjustable legs. I took the old top off and put a steel top on. I think it's about 30" x 72". The table height goes from about 30" to 40" high.

 

[racingtadpole]

I worked off standard house measurements. Kitchen counter tops are normally 900mm high, and dining tables are around 750. My current one is fixed midway at 810 as a compromise, my next one will be adjustable between the two, so I can weld small stuff while sitting, and bigger things while standing if necessary.

 

[kabinenroller]

The height should be whatever is comfortable for you. A heavy steel top is the best because you just clamp the ground cable to the table top and the item to be welded is grounded no matter how it is positioned. One of the nicest tables I have used has T slots in it so you can clamp things to the top in position and tack them together. The T slot top was from an old vertical mill, very heavy but it was great to use.
My table is on wheels so it can be moved for cleaning benind it.
Attached is a picture from a few years ago. The square T slot fixture on the left side of the welding table is mounted on a swivel so I can clamp my project to the fixture using the T slots and then swivel it to weld all sides.

 

[dogdog]

It's suggested for what ever you are comfortable with sitting down or standing up or lean your elbow against it (prefer welding position). Mine is from a discarded elementary / middle school kids table modified or two saw horses on a used steel door (the fireproof ones). since I have no room for a real table.
If you are sitting on a stool, it will be different height then if you are sitting on a chair.

Maybe do that golden ration thing...

take your height and devided by the ratio 1.618

(your height in inches or mm / 1.618 ) ==> and round to the closest table size if you browse a catalog of something like from Ikea or what ever your furniture store.

 

[BD1]

As mentioned about checking height of kitchen table, counter top, or a couple of saw horses. If you plan on standing and sitting, a taller height might be preferred. You will need a taller stool for sitting on.
When working on small pieces a taller table which is closer to your eyes maybe helpful.

 

[zkling]

Mine is right at 36", primarily used sitting for tig work, standing for mig. I use an older arm less computer chair that can adjust height. To me pedal to seat height is more important for comfort. Especially if you have one of the older block pedals like I do.

As mentioned above, part to weld size needs to be taken into consideration.

 

[pi_guy]

I have had a search through the archive and I cant seem to find the answer to my question so apologies if this has been asked before.

I need to build a welding table for TIG welding and, not havng TIG welded before, I was wondering what are everyones thoughts are on the height for a TIG welding table?

Before you worry about the size of a table you need. Get some experience doing some tig welding. This will give you a better idea of what you need.
Some people prefer sitting under the table like a desk, other like stools or standing.
Then it depends on what you are welding, if you welding for ten minutes standing will be fine. If you are welding 500 nuts to 125 backing plates your going to be wanting to sit in a chair and a table at desk height.

 

[Flange]

Thanks for the feedback folks, all of which is helpful.

I had pondered whether to go with leg lengths for a desk height table or something I could stand at. I have a piece of 6mm (1/4") plate that I can use for a temporary top on something like some trestles to experiment with heights in the short term.

I have a of 10mm (3/8") plate for when I come to build a table. Ideally a variable height table sounds like it might be best if I can devise something that suits my needs.

I will post a build thread when I have something to post about.

Thanks again.

 

[torched]

I recently built a table to solve this problem, best work table I've ever had. Here's a link to it.


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281866&highlight=Adjustable+welding+table

 

[doojus]

I set mine up so it comes up just above my stomach height when I'm sitting in my chair (everyone TIG welds while they're sitting right? )

 

[fergus]

I have limited experience TIG welding. I took a city college class for TIG. We had sit down stations. I'm glad for that - getting to have a steady hand is something I had to work on. Being able to sit down and rest my hands on the desk made it easier to concentrate on just getting my beads where the need to be.

 

[iajonesy]

If you had a table like the one "torched" built you would have the greatest table ever. That amount of adjustability would cover any welding position most of us would ever encounter.I would pay handsomely for a table like that one.
Keep your back in mind when building your table. You may be young and limber now but we all get older and your back will thank you in the future for taking care of it now.

Mike

 

[Flange]

I recently built a table to solve this problem, best work table I've ever had. Here's a link to it.


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281866&highlight=Adjustable+welding+table

That table is fantastic. I had pondered how to best make a table height adjustable and have seen a few examples but I must have missed yours.

Hmmm, food for thought!

You may be young and limber now

If only.

I am a fifty something and for more than 20 years I have lived with a prolapsed disc in my lumbar spine so minimising back stress is one of my priorities.

 

[APEowner]

I find myself using my motorcycle lift and a stool with adjustable height for TIG welding. That allows me to change both the table and seat height depending on what I'm working on.

 

[sanddan]

My table is at 36" and the stool I use had the legs shortened a bit to be comfortable. Most of my tig welding is done sitting if possible.