Tubing thickness question

[Drake9]

I am starting to get stuff around to build a kitchen table. My wife would like a square counter/bar height table. The top will be similar to this one but I am going to do a pedestal style instead of legs on the corners.

I am wondering what you guys think for tube thickness. I think I am going to go with 2x2 for the top then maybe 1.5x1.5 for the legs/pedestal. I thought about doing angle iron for the legs too any thoughts about that? Dont want to over build it and the thing weigh more then it needs to but want to make sure it is strong.

Thanks for the input.
Jake

 

[crewchief888]

go as thin as you can .090 or less

if it ends up being like a couple tables we have that are similar to the one you posted, it's gonna be friggin heavy

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd use tubing whether it be square or round for the legs. I think it would look better and resist twisting.

 

[NASTYZEN]

I make race cars out of .0625'' tubing and it works fine.
If your design is well thought out and your not gonna race it, that's where I would start.
Look at how thin gauged everything out there is anyway. all .028'' .035''****.

 

[camarotoolman]

Maybe aluminum would be the way to go. To keep it light weight. I built a coffee table out of 1-1/2 walnut wood once, the lady couldn't move it to clean!

 

[theoldwizard1]

I make race cars out of .0625'' tubing and it works fine.

Likely chrome moly, not mild steel.

 

[Outlawmws]

Keep in mind the thickness of box tubing has a direct correlation to the sharpness of the bent corners. The thicker wall will have a larger radius. What look do you want?

 

[Ign]

Better question, how good is your steel yard? If you don't want to have to special order 14ga is probably gonna be the thinnest readily available unless you have a true architectural metal source. My yard carries 16ga only in 1x3, 3/4sq and 1/2sq.

I agree w Nastyzen tho, look at excersize equipment someday like stationary bikes and treadmills - VERY thin wall stuff!

Still, your pedestal design is gonna see some leverage if big people are leaning on the table, so design accordingly.

edit: I wouldn't bother with angle for the legs. It's not as true as you might think and will twist/distort more easily when welded or tweaked. I think you'll just end up frustrated and tube will look better anyhow IMO

 

[Ign]

Here's what the wife built for our "kitchen." House is VERY small. We needed a custom size for our "dining area." And yes, the Craftsman stools are all we use, we love them and they fit our style perfectly. This was her first tiling job ever, she wanted to do something small before tackling our floors.

It's heavy as hell with tile, there's OSB under there and I don't remember if she did cement board on the OSB too.

The wife built it 100% including metal fab (and the candle holder in the center of table), so you can direct any complaints at her (but I wouldn't recommend it). Also you might just see the custom storage for the dog food bowls under table top.

 

[Drake9]

I am going to call the metal yard tomorrow and order the thinest they got. I am glas I asked because I was thinking I would need to go with .120 wall for some reason. Now I see why that was ridiculous. I do want sharp corners so good call on that to outlawmws.

I will post pictures in a few weeks when I get it completed. It will be one of the very first things on my honey do list when we get moved into the new place.

Thanks guys
Jake

 

[Deadhead]

On the 2" for the top I would go thinner wall such 16ga. (.065 wall)
But on the 1 1/2 for the legs I would go a little thicker for weight support.... Maybe 14ga (.083 wall)

 

[Boiler]

If you want truly sharp corners, aluminum sq tube usually has 1/32 outer radius or less

Really it is impossible to say without seeing a design

 

[Jack Olsen]

From a design point of view, I don't think I would use bigger (2x2) stock for the top and smaller (1.5x1.5) legs. I think it will look a little odd. But then, the best way to figure out those dimensions is to find a table you like and copy them. Or use Sketch-Up to make a picture.

 

[Drake9]

picked up several sticks of 2x2x14ga today. Should be enough to do the whole tabel then some left over for a new welding table or work bench. I am moving from the east coast to the west coast in a few days. Once I get unpacked I will get on this and post pictures.