Welding top slat question

[Shootinok]

I see a lot of welding tables with slat tops and all I've seen have the slats running in the short direction.
For those who have one, does this have an advantage over running them the length of the table?
My first thought is it gives you more latitudinal slots for clamping but wouldn't you have the same flexibility in clamping if the slots were longitudinal?


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[racingtadpole]

I don’t have a slat table, but engineering principles say that the longer the section the more prone to deflection it will be. The slats will bow under their own weight which kind of defeats the purpose of building a table like that. You would need to build in adjustable jacking into enough places across the span to eliminate or minimise the deflection.
Other than that it’s probably just down to personal preference.

 

[The Cobbler]

shorter run = lighter material required = less cost & less weight ?

 

[BD1]

Check the WELDINGWEB site out, lots of information .

http://weldingweb.com/forum.php

Here's posts on welding tables that might interest you.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?377311-Welding-table-picture-thread

 

[sqznby]

Slats aren't necessary. The majority of tables nowadays have 5/8" holes. Most people weld clamps to the table when fabricating anyway, so solid tops seem to be more popular. Catch less and easy to clean to.

If you desire slats, you can build a table like stronghands where they use flat bar spaced across the frame.

I have made a few like this. 2' x 3' x 1/2" plate with 5/8" holes 3" on center.

 

[tarmy]

The answer is that it is easier to keep the slats true flat...and adjusted correctly to clamp on.








Welding forum does have some great info...but most of the ideas employed in my build of this table I stole from here a few years ago...my table is very stout and has served me well...

 

[Shootinok]

Well, its one of those questions that once you get a few answeres, I have to think "duh - why didnt I think of that..."
Tarmy, that table is Awesome! Have you ever had to adjust the slats after the initial build?

 

[tarmy]

No actually, I weld stuff to it to hold things sometimes and grind it off. When I built it I built two extra slats for screw ups and replacement if I ground one too much...been using it a good amount and have not really needed to do anything to it.

...

 

[Shootinok]

OK so I got my question answered and got an opportunity to get my hands on a few drops from an elevator rail. The rails are T shaped 5" wide, 1/2" thick and have a 3" leg. These will handle anything I'll put on it so I ran them long ways. Shouldn't be any structural issues with these babies.
This will be a continuous project to improve as I use it, but a great improvement over the old table saw top I was using.
I'll clean the paint off the top as I need to; figured I'd leave it for now so it doesn't rust.



Top is 51" X 29" with 1" between slats.
Legs are just 3" sch40 pipes with a plate on the bottom. This thing is stout.
I chose to not put casters on it as I can move it around with my lift table.

Thanks for all the replies !


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[tarmy]

That looks stout...get some good locking casters...you will be glad you did.


These are ER Wagner...won’t flat spot like cheapo ones...locks in both rotation and rolling...about 50 each...

My table is close to 800-900 lbs full...roles fairly easy.

 

[tarbellb]

The Polyolefin version for $20- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E7E9B2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or these bad boys for $12! ea - (the other sizes are $50+) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00426CD12/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sqznby]

Nicely done. That rail is hard to come by.
You planning on adding any more supports or a bottom rail to the legs?

 

[Shootinok]

Nicely done. That rail is hard to come by.
You planning on adding any more supports or a bottom rail to the legs?

Some day - maybe.
It'd be nice to have a shelf and some rails to hang grinders and clamps too.


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[racingtadpole]

That’s cool. How did you attach the T sections?

 

[AMCguy]

The table I built, I'm happy to say, has been duplicated many times.

The big advantage to the slats is cost. You're simply buying flat bar.

Cut to the desired length and spaced the desired distance apart and you have unlimited camping options. I got eight pieces 30'' long from a 20' length.

Glenn

 

[Shootinok]

Made a few improvements

Decided I needed adjustable feet since I moved it around and found a place on the floor where it doesn’t sit solidly. Probably only rocked 1/4” but enough to be irritating.

Also added a shelf from an old grate, some places to hang clamps and girders.


Attached the receiver for the vice and squared up the bad end by adding an angle which also is a place to clamp pipe.

 

[Fyrme]

That looks awesome man! My pieces are currently acting as weight ballasts on my tractors box blade. I only put three on there though, because I was worried about the tractor doing wheelies hahaha. They are heavy SOB's. I REALLY hope I get the time to build a table with them this winter.