Welding Surface/ Welding Table

[sxk122]

I'm looking to build a welding 'surface'. At this point I don't want to build a full size stationary table for two reasons-- I'm doing my welding outside on the back patio, and I don't really have space at this point in the garage. My thought is to either make a small folding table that can store flat behind my workbench and easily moved outside(1), or just a small tabletop surface that could store in my workbench(2). What suggestions would y'all have?

If I were to go forward with option 2, I would make it about 18"x 24" so as it could store in the workbench. It would be constructed the same as a table, but the legs would only be 3-4" tall. It would just sit on the patio, and I would squat to weld.(essentially what I've been doing to practice to this point, materials on patio, me squatting to weld) A surface to clamp to would be nice as it's dang near impossible to clamp anything directly to weld....

If I were to go forward with option 2, I have a set of metal folding table legs from a banquet table we threw out at work, and I could just add a metal top to that. Or, I could be more ambitious and build a table that folds like this
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200434325_200434325?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Welding-_-Welding%20Accessories-_-314561&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=314561&gclid=CJHTzY3p6LsCFWJo7AodtxgAgg I have about 32" of storage height, 60" of length, and 5" of depth behind the workbench. I currently store 2 folding saw horses and an outfeed roller there.


The workbench I want to store in/ Behind

 

[Tunajoe]

Go to cyberweld.com and take a look at the Miller portable welding tables.
Not too pricey and look really nice.

 

[zkling]

I better put my flack jacket on for this one. But, if you want a real portable welding on the cheap, get get an old all metal ironing board. Now it won't be great if you are welding up large or heavy assemblies, but for small brackets and the like.

I'd go with your 1st option. It is much easier to weld when you are comfortable. Have you seen Jack Olsen's fold down welding table? That may be a viable option for you. Just keep in mind you don't want a wood backing on the welding table surface. It could smolder through and case a fire after you are done welding.

Question, Is that a real working fire alarm pull in your garage?

 

[sxk122]

... get get an old all metal ironing board....for small brackets and the like.

I'd go with your 2nd option. It is much easier to weld when you are comfortable. Have you seen Jack Olsen's fold down welding table?

Question, Is that a real working fire alarm pull in your garage?

Awesome idea....We have a wire frame ironing board we never use in the laundry room.......

I have seen Jack's tables, in fact I have a fold-up work surface based loosely on his for assembly and woodwork in my garage. However, I want to weld outside for safety/ fumes/ cleanup. Don't really want a steel table bolted to my house on the patio.... or more precisely I doubt my wife does


As for the fire alarm, it is a real fire alarm, and it does 'work'. I modified the innards and it is now the light switch for the shop lights. I filed the detent and re-bent the spring, so it *pops* open like it would if you were pulling a fire alarm, but you are also able to *pop* it closed again. Didn't come with keys for the lock, so I drilled out the old lock and modified a $4 mailbox lock to work in it. New guests in our home often do a double take. If we ever sell the house it will come with me... not only because I love it, but because I have a feeling it's not code having a fire alarm switch that isn't a fire alarm switch......


These are older pictures from before I enclosed the shelves and built the new workbench ,but they show the folding workbench. I use it for assembly mainly, but it also doubles as a buffet when we entertain. I used door hinges with pop-out pins so I can remove it and put the table anywhere I want, although it is tall, sits 35" tall for the work surface. Perfect for me to stand at and work, I don't get a back-ache. In fact the rolling red worktable is built to the same height.

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/576273_790186947305_1537092552_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/529148_790181627965_1312480658_n.jpg

 

[that-guy]

i personally use this table and love it. its temporary right now until i build my large table for my large shop, but its a great starting point and is cheap/durable...i've actually toyed around with the idea of buying a second one and welding them together

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200407826_200407826

 

[JoeFin]

Here is a little "Baby Welding Table" I built with wheels so I could roll it out to the side of the garage for storage.

Don't know if you can make it out too well, but there is a handle that swings up to make moving it around a little easier

 

[WhoWhatNow]

User Stephenw made a really cool folding welding table. He did have details on his blog but they seem to be missing now. You may want to PM him and ask for details. I have a pic saved somewhere. I will post it if I can find it later.

 

[sberry]

I go for the chunk of steel and find something safe to set it on approach here too. Stand it up and slide it out of the way when not needed.

 

[mjb]

I go for the chunk of steel and find something safe to set it on approach here too. Stand it up and slide it out of the way when not needed.

I keep a couple of 2x3 sheets of .25 around just for that.