Using old punch press bed for fab table

[bradpac]

Out behind the shop we have an old punch press we used to use over a decade ago. The time has come to clean out the junk so I was thinking of using the bed off this punch press as a fab table or cutting the head off it and keeping the whole base. Not sure what type of steel the beds on these old things are made from, think it would make a good base for welding and grinding? I know it can take a beating. Should I even attempt cutting this sucker up?

 

[gte718p]

I would keep the whole thing. Definitely is stout and has character. I would unbolt what can be unbolted and rock it. I wouldn’t try and torch it. To much character to butcher it.

 

[kwb]

That looks like a lot of PITA structure above the table surface for a fab table.

If it has a pair of those base castings that can be removed which it looks like it does... that would make a super cool dining room table base that someone into the industrial look would pay handsomely for.

 

[bradpac]

Yea, I'm thinking it's not worth cutting up, as it will probably end up looking just that. I think I can just take off the bed and use it for a table top. The base castings are pretty cool. I think I can separate them fairly easy too, might be what I end up doing, just keeping those repurpose or sell. Those would make a pretty stout fab table base as well.

 

[Neighbor]

most likely made from cast iron. difficult to torch I think (I'm a foundry guy not a welder)

Could get a portable band saw to cut off the un-desireable portion?

Or, could be made into an arbor presss