Welding table (Is bigger always better?)

[haro450]

So I am collecting material for a welding table. My question is what makes a good all around table top sizes? 4' x 4'? 3' x 4'? Also rectangular or square table top? Support tubing out to the edge of the table top? One of my first projects for the welding table will be rebuilding my brush hog shroud. I know there is not really a correct answer just trying to get an idea of what would make a good all around size. My work bench is 30" so maybe 30"x 48" seems to make the most sense.

 

[sponfit]

I find my 4' x 6' to be the perfect size for me.

 

[Monza Harry]

I'm building a 36" x 48", I have a table that is going up for sale that is 30" x 48" that one isn't deep enough for my welders to fit under. A lot of money and work for six inches, (that's what she said) but I weighed my options and wants and the 36" x 48" is where I landed, will not know if I'm right until table and shop are finished, etc. Your physical size and your shops size and shape/layout will affect your optimal size and shape, as well as perceived future projects. If you're 5'6" tall a 40" tall x 60" square table to build 1/6 scale model engines will **** , especially in a 200 sq/ft. shop, but the 6'5" tall builder doing equipment trailers will find that table limiting. Perspective and balance should be your guide. How about some direction for a better answer. Harry

 

[Kaizen]

No right answer. Make a decision and live with it. I got a 4x3 and fine for some work but long stuff doesn’t work well. Get some jack things to support long stuff. I was making pull out wings but never got it working solid


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[sberry]

Depends on where it sits and a bit on how much use it will get and type of garage. I like 42 inches wide and 5 or 6 ft long depending on environment. My weldi g bench is the bench I do the welding on but used for anything else but for greasy car work.

 

[sberry]

I can make do for larger work. 95% of the stuff we do is one simple piece to another. My floor is good enough and no matter how big it is a trailer not gonna fit anyway.

 

[sberry]

I got 2. It's about the most ergonomic setup I ever use. Island tables, simple flat top on one and another smaller bench bolted to the floor with rotator vise.
As with all the shop use and tools, way different for occasional or 40 hrs a week. Does it save time and money? I have a bud who has a 12 inch x 18 inch x inch thick plate on a post stand he gets by with. Got most his real projects built, simply welds a couple pieces on occasion.
Speed and ease is everything to me, real precision rarely is and if it matters I do.

 

[larry_g]

So I am collecting material for a welding table. My question is what makes a good all around table top sizes? 4' x 4'? 3' x 4'? Also rectangular or square table top? Support tubing out to the edge of the table top? One of my first projects for the welding table will be rebuilding my brush hog shroud. I know there is not really a correct answer just trying to get an idea of what would make a good all around size. My work bench is 30" so maybe 30"x 48" seems to make the most sense.

In my opinion you need a overhang around the top to facilitate clamping. If you have no overhang then you have to have clamps that will open far enough to clamp around the frame and the table top. If you are space limited then consider a smaller table with some heavy weight stands that you can use as supports for what overhangs the tabletop. Since your first project is a brushog then obviously you have some way of lift it onto the table? The lift can also be used as a support of larger items.

below is a picture of how I use supports for larger things;

View media item 77446


lg
no neat sig line

 

[yarrum]

I suggest two identical tables that can be leveled. You never know when you have to build an airplane wing or something.

 

[Steve from Socal]

I suggest two identical tables that can be leveled. You never know when you have to build an airplane wing or something.

I like like the burn outs as the table tops. Guy I know has a fence with 5x10 burn out panels cool use.

As for table size, location and constraints are factors. As mentioned in several posts having supports for oversize work or multi tables is really best. One size doesn't fit all in most shops.

My welding table is 36X132 and I use all kinds of stuff to add flexibility.

Steve

 

[gte718p]

Is bigger always better?

If it fits you shop, your tools, and your workflow, yes.

If it is so big it gets in the way or you have to work around it, no.

We will call it a maybe.

 

[cvairwerks]

Most people should be able to do fine with a 3'x4' or two. I'm planning on one 3'x4', but I also will need a 4'x20' for some fuselage projects. Definitely need some overhang capability for clamping purposes.

 

[yarrum]

Those were paving brick molds made from iron in a steel frame. Extremely flat and stable, poor mans acorn platten.

 

[jblnut]

If you have the space bigger is better, or multiple small tables is best to be combined into one larger one. My big table has been super nice to have but it likes to collect junk. Most things I weld up could honestly be done on a 24"x24" area .... and usually are if the big table is full of junk ....

I recently acquired the smaller table up against the wall and I think it's going to get as much or more use as the larger table. I'm also in the process of redoing a smaller table that is 18"x42"x1" and am very excited to have it portable to use in all corners of the shop as a flat surface to beat the snot out of things type of table.

 

[SM Racing]

After using a 4x4 for the last ten years, I just ordered a pair of Seigmunds. Two 3x4s. I get multiple configurations as necessary. 4x6, 3x8, spacing the tables apart and get the length for long projects.

For me it always seemed like 4x4 was never long enough or wide enough, but other times it works fine. I also got tired of drilling and tapping holes for hold downs in the middle of the plate.

 

[blazemaster83]

If I had the room for a big 4x8 table that's what I would look for. Someone gave me a nice 18x40 table 2 inches thick that I have been using but its small for a lot of stuff. I prefer to have nothing under the table, and a nice over lapped edge so you can use clamps. The hardest part is keeping it clear of ****.

 

[48windsor]

I dont know about a size.
I will put this out there though. leave room on edges of table so that if you need to clamp something for welding, legs /mounts arent in the way.
I hope this is helpful.
Also when mounting a vise make sure to mount so that if you need to work on a something in vice that it can be mounted vertically without edge of table getting in the way

 

[GirlnAgarage]

What determines "better" is what works FOR YOU, not anyone else who isn't working and living in your space. Bigger isn't better if you don't have the room for it. And even if you do have the room, you now consider if it needs to be mobile or not. That might help you decide on size.

When I had a rolly table it was 2x3. I worked great in my double car garage in my old house. In this house with smaller garage and no extra space to keep a rolly table, I've been thinking of building a small metal top, tear-downable thing that I can weld on. This current project has me welding on the floor or on my ply workbench and it is not quite ideal. When I think of my uncle's shop, huge workspace and a big, not mobile steel table, while super great for his place, wouldn't work for me since my garage is a multi-use space, including parking the truck. So, better is relative.


larry_g, good photos using the stands for longer/bigger material

 

[BD1]

I dont know about a size.
I will put this out there though. leave room on edges of table so that if you need to clamp something for welding.
Also when mounting a vise make sure to mount so that if you need to work on a something in vice that it can be mounted vertically without edge of table getting in the way

As for mounting a vise , add a receiver tube and mount either vertical or horizontal. Then add the drop in part to the vise, bench grinder, ring roller, or anything else that's convenient. You can add two receivers and use those for add on table extensions using adjustable pipe stands on extended end.
4'x4'x 1 and 1/4'' thick is my main table. It will hold almost anything and is perfect for me. You can use 3' of table for work area and have one foot to set hand tools, squares,or grinders on.
I have a couple smaller ones for doing my artwork.
It really depends on what you plan on doing. Having adjustable pipe stands will work great for larger projects.
I would go with thicker top instead of larger table.

 

[haro450]

Thanks for all of the suggestions and advice. If I build a 4x8 table I just worry the size will be more of a burden do to storage or space issues than it is helpful. My shop is decent size but has filled up pretty quick. Granted i need to get it more organized. The good thing is i can get endless amounts of scrap material from work. So building a table is pretty cheap. So i will start with a smaller table than build a larger if i keep having to weld larger items on the floor. The hitch mounts and hangers for clamps will be there. I will post pictures as i build.

 

[zmotorsports]

The size of your welding table should be dependent on your specific work envelope as there really is no one size fits all.

I love the size of mine and it has worked well for nearly 20 years now but I had some experience on smaller tables and larger tables early on and custom fit mine to what I was working on in my home shop.

My fabrication/welding table measures 60" long x 32" wide and 32" tall (floor to top of surface). I really like the height of mine for either standing and welding on something or sitting and TIG welding, both of which are comfortable. Some I've welded at are at odd heights where they aren't comfortable either standing or sitting.

When I was fabrication ATV sand drag chassis I could have a full chassis sitting on it and weld comfortable from a standing position but then when I needed to build the rear swingarms or front suspension I could sit comfortable and perform the work on a jig or fixture plate sitting on the fabrication table.

I would suggest mocking up a few things and trying some different heights. Lastly, if you plan on doing much TIG welding where you will be sitting, plan to keep the top biased slightly to one side at least to allow enough room for your legs to go under the edge in the sitting position.



View media item 109291
Another topic that comes up quite a lot is fixturing holes vs. no holes. Again, this is a personal preference. For the first 18 or so years of having my table I was in the strong opinion of not having any holes in my fabrication table and liked clamping from the perimeter if/when needed. That changed last year when I had the need to clamp towards the middle on a large project and didn't have the ability to do that. I opted to take the plunge and drill some fixturing holes in the table top and really like them although I don't have many as they are on a fairly large pattern or grid. I doubt I will ever add any additional holes but like the placement of the ones I do have.

 

[FTG-05]

I want one of these two tables available on my local CL; one is 4845 lbs, the 2nd 5930 lbs.

 

[SM Racing]

Good luck getting that guy to come up with a reasonable price. I know that business. He has had them up for sale for a couple of years.

Would make a nice table though, especially if you had it ground and had some holes drilled and tapped, maybe some side holes for hanging different post dollies and forming posts.

 

[Steve from Socal]

I want one of these two tables available on my local CL; one is 4845 lbs, the 2nd 5930 lbs.

Floor plates are a good start, there are several places that had them for sale.

My table started life as an angle plate for a floor mill, it is 36X132 and about 9K total weight. At 36 high it is a good height for most work, a bit high at times.

Steve

 

[FTG-05]

Good luck getting that guy to come up with a reasonable price. I know that business. He has had them up for sale for a couple of years.

Would make a nice table though, especially if you had it ground and had some holes drilled and tapped, maybe some side holes for hanging different post dollies and forming posts.

Yea I noticed he usually doesn't put the price on his bigger items. He a couple tables with 1" magnetic SS table tops; +$2k and up.

 

[haro450]

So I figured I would start small and build another down the road if needed. I got a small piece of 3/8" Strenx/Domex from work. It 46.5" x36.5". The legs will be 4" square tube 0.25" wall. All the cross bracing will be 1.5" 0.1875" wall. I am over hanging the plate 2" all the way around. The material was all scrap or drop from work which is the main reason for using any given size. I thought about buy a whole sheet of plate for the top but decide to build a small one first and see how much i use it.

Thanks again,
Ben

 

[haro450]

I will post more pictures as the project goes along.

Ben

 

[SM Racing]

Depending on how much corner you have hanging out from the legs/frame, you will easily bend a corner if you bang on it with a hammer. I have a slight bend in my table and its .500in plate.

 

[tonyciambrone]

Floor plates are a good start, there are several places that had them for sale.

My table started life as an angle plate for a floor mill, it is 36X132 and about 9K total weight. At 36 high it is a good height for most work, a bit high at times.

Steve

man....what if that thing tips over and lands on your toe. Bummer dude

 

[haro450]

From the outer edge of tube to the outer edge of top plate will be 2". Strenx is 100 ksi yield material. Either way it will give me a excuse to up date the table down the road.

 

[haro450]

So I attached some pictures of the table as it is know. I plan on painting the base eventually. I want to use it for awhile and see what else i want to add. Hooks for common tools, a shelf for small scrap tubing things like that but it turned out pretty good over all.

 

[F-66]

I do not think bigger is necessarily better. I am also currently space challenged. I have a 24 x 36 with 5/8 holes and two slots, and overhang. My table is 42" high. It is also on wheels that lock. I have welded long and small parts and have just made it work. This year I am having a 20x30 shop built, and plan on adding a companion welding bench and I am settling in on 36x60. Here are some pics.

 

[ndnchf]

Like many, my space is limited. I built this over 25 years ago from 1/2" plate, steel pipe and a washing machine skin. It has served me well for most of what I do.