Ultimate garage countertop

[Aberdale]

Is this all just an exercise or are you really going to build the do-it-all table?

Personally, I think trying to build a table that does it all, fails at all the jobs. You end up with a table that does everything poorly.

+1 here. The title of this thread asks for the "Ultimate" work surface. Each task that the OP outlined has a different "ultimate" need, with the best material for one task being a compromise for a different task. The "Ultimate" solution would be a separate workstation for each task with the "Ultimate" material at each location.

Welding/metalworking: Thick steel plate
Disassembly: Drain table
Pounding: Anvil
Layout: Granite, machined steel, cast iron
Assembly: Clean room countertop
Wood working: Thick wood top
Picnicing: Plastic laminate or solid surface
Poker night: Felt covered table
Afternoon quickie: Any of the above

I believe what the OP is really asking for is "With space being limited, what is the best compromise work surface material for all these different uses?"

What about a thick steel top for heavy duty work, but then making a few separate lightweight covers that can go on top of the steel for lighter/cleaner tasks? The covers could be hardboard, plastic laminate or even cloth, depending on the need.

Dale

 

[Falcon67]

If you've seen what a jet dragster does to a concrete race track, you would not be welding on concrete. It explodes in little bits, like Rice Krispies made of rock.

 

[Bull]

If you've seen what a jet dragster does to a concrete race track, you would not be welding on concrete. It explodes in little bits, like Rice Krispies made of rock.

Aren't the floors of most shops where welding is done made of concrete?

 

[Jack Olsen]

Most welding shops have concrete floors -- but not concrete tables.

 

[Falthead]

What about the material they use for table tops in High School Science Labs?
I don't know the name of the material, but its black in color and very dense. The school I'm in has had the same table tops for over 30 years. Students use chemicals on them, heat on them pond on them and clean them off to sit and take their notes afterwards. Been waiting for them to be replaced so I could get a few as they make their way to the trash-but they are still like new!

 

[tncatadjuster]

You don't want to slag to drop on epoxy, stinks to high heaven and emits some bad stuff.

Stainless sounds the best with a separate cork top the stores out of the way, until needed. The same top can be used for the back of the dart board, unless you play poker and darts at the same time.

 

[dirttracker18]

You do not want to be welding that close to concrete. Concrete and heat equals explosions of small chuncks. same goes for the use of the torch.

 

[TONE]

I think thats soapstone

What about the material they use for table tops in High School Science Labs?
I don't know the name of the material, but its black in color and very dense. The school I'm in has had the same table tops for over 30 years. Students use chemicals on them, heat on them pond on them and clean them off to sit and take their notes afterwards. Been waiting for them to be replaced so I could get a few as they make their way to the trash-but they are still like new!

 

[Mike 47]

Just tought that hardwood wrapped in carbon sheet and wolverinne expoxy floor coat would yield carbon fibre and would probably stand up to abuse...

That would be a waste of money. In that application, CF won't provide any benefit.

 

[stricht8]

Then the 3/4" to 1" stainless is the 'ultimate' way to go.

Or you could go with 1" steel, and put a tablecloth on it when it's time to play cards.

I love my inch-thick steel bench. But then, I don't play poker.

I also love your 1 inch thick steel bench. How many guys did it take to place that on the base? I think your whole workshop is cool.

 

[Kevin54]

Aren't the floors of most shops where welding is done made of concrete?

If you look at the immediate area around where they weld a lot of the floors in that have will have a slightly rougher texture to it. I would think welding on a granite table would be a little worse as the heat would be more concentrated and with granite being made up of smaller particles I would think it would pop like concrete does. I know when I've accidently hit the flame of a torch against concrete it explodes pretty good and will leave a nickel size pocket in it.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I also love your 1 inch thick steel bench. How many guys did it take to place that on the base? I think your whole workshop is cool.

Thanks. It took one (kind of crazy) guy to move it into position.

And then the same (kind of crazy) guy to flip it like a pancake, so the better side would be facing up.

Fortunately, no (kind of crazy) guys were hurt in the construction of the bench.

 

[stricht8]

Thanks. It took one (kind of crazy) guy to move it into position.

And then the same (kind of crazy) guy to flip it like a pancake, so the better side would be facing up.

Fortunately, no (kind of crazy) guys were hurt in the construction of the bench.

OK crazy guy, so what are those ropes attached to up above? Hoist, chainfall, pulley?

 

[pawscal]

Here is the base of the project, 2 HF US general cabinets, I will cut a sheet of 1/8 aluminium diamond plate that covers both sides and that is what will hold my 2 cabinets together. Also i plan of having the countertop overhang by 12" both sides where there will be no drawers. This will provide a place to pull up a stool and sit and work or chat while having a few beers. The original plan was a birch glue up countertop but it will look worn to quickly, I think I will go the granite route if I can confirm its resistance to welding.

here is the cabinet (note this is not the space where the final project will be)

Craigslist tool find of the day! Millermatic 210 925$ almost new!

 

[Jack Olsen]

OK crazy guy, so what are those ropes attached to up above? Hoist, chainfall, pulley?

Oddly, the wall you see was originally an exterior wall -- it's covered in stucco -- and there's a venting pipe (cast iron, 4" or 5" diameter? -- go figure) that was able to support the weight, at least in brief little stretches.

I used the jack to lift it, in steps, but the rope was there to control speed and hold it in place while I stuck in blocks to prop it up. I worked very slowly.

Sorry for the thread detour, pawscal. The benches look great. But how tall is that going to make your table? It seems like you're going to need stools instead of chairs for the poker part?

Sweet welder.

 

[pawscal]

Jack,

The benches are gonna be a bit taller than the regular benches but thats fine im a little tall and yes they will be stools with a ring at the bottom where you can rest your feet.

 

[swharris]

stainless steel is the only thing close to what you are wanting
3/4" to 1" thick

bob

I agree with Bob. Stainless is by far the most versatile, but what will 1" stainless set you back??

 

[Full Size 66]

OK my .02 is that thick steel is good, mild or some alloy. NOT stainless because if I remember correctly from my 5 years in a shop that made everything you can think of out of stainless for heavy food processing. Stainless WARPS with the slightest of heat, IE; welder, plazma, grinder, cutter. Usualy it takes a bit more the thicker you go but none the less even some heavy plate, say 3/4" - 1", will warp a lot easier than mild. Ask any one in the FAB industry stainless WARPS bad....

 

[mad57]

go with steel then make a luhan green board insert with pool table type green glued to it bam instant welding table then 2 sec later poker table.

 

[ultgar]

This fiberglass top works great with the marina's salt water and salt air environment....easy to repair.

or a stainless top (honed finish) for use with a sink...