Need idea for a welding table.

[El Gato]

So now i need to build a welding table, before i can do anything else.
What does anyone recommend? 24x36? or 36x36?
Size, material, height? thickness of top?

After this, i can start trying to build a smoker,

Thanks ,
El

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

I started out with a 24x36 several years ago. I now have a 56x48 made out of 1/2" plate. I wouldn't want anything smaller.

[smokethis]

Bigger is better but really is a matter of how much room u have

[Tom_Heath]

36 square is good for alot of stuff.
Just starting out, I think it would serve you well.

As far as the top goes. Mine is 1/2 also but its not a true table. Kinda sucks.

Guys make them from all sorts of things but if I was gonna use a jig on the table I think that I would want 3/4 if I could afford it.

[El Gato]

how tall??
30inchs tall?? 36inchs tall?

[Blazer]

El gato, no matter what size you go with I would weld some large nut's on the bottom of the leg's and thread in some bolt's or allthread with a nut. Nothing worse than a rocking table.

[smokethis]

I agree with blazer 100percent it will also allow u to level your table where ever you end up putting it ........food for thought a shelf down low for holding jigs and also nice to kick ur feet up on while you are running those long beads. Another gd idea is to use a large washer and weld it to the corner of the table for somewhere to but your Stinger while not in use. For me the hight is all a matter of comfort. It depends on the hight of your stole or if u plan on standing most of the time the hight of the person. Hope all that helps

[Blazer]

Yea I like a table a little taller , easier on the lower back . I too like some short rings of pipe to stick a mig gun in or hang a stinger on. A vise in the corner comes in handy. Some tubes tacked up under the table to put rod in.

[Tom_Heath]

I use a magnetic holder for my mig gun. I most always run 7018 if its thick stuff and if thats the case I lay my stinger about anywhere.

CAREFULL though, I was doing a mess of stuff sitting down and started laying it across my leg so that it dangled between my legs. Well ,,,,, I'm here to tell ya a freshly burnt stub will seriously put the hurts on your nads.

I like to work at a table that is about 6 inchs lower then my elbow.

[El Gato]

wow! thats lots info to think about.
All the dang metal places were closed today, I dont even know it they are open for
presidents day on monday.

So im gussing a 36x36 table, 6in below the elbows for height,
with a shelf on the bottom,
with a small pipe area to place the stinger on, and a area for a vise.
also placing screws for adjustments on the bottoms for legs for leveling.

[Tom_Heath]

When I redo mine, there will not be a place for a vise.

I hate my vise, and its on a reciever mount where I can move it. Next vise will be a post welded to a truck wheel. That way I can move it about.

I have a hosfield bender that is reciever mount as well, but it fits in the hitch of the pickup. Gives me a 180 degree work area for bending.

I could be scaling back on the table size on mine. Now its a 4x8, but its where I want the cnc table to go.
I may have to make a small table for future use.

[maccas66]

I`d go with heavy duty castors, unless you are one of those whom suck and have heaps of room!...

[El Gato]

little room,
gonna be doin this on the back patio.

[Rodcrafter]

I have a 4'x8' sheet of 1/2" on a frame of 2"x6" tubing with 6" heavy duty casters on one end and staights on the other. I have another table with a vise and a drill press on it. My favorite grinding and welding vise is mounted on a truck wheel so I don't get all the debris on the table. I'll get some pics for you on Monday.

[Blazer]

Smoker Tom and Rod crafter I have to agree with you both on the vise on the rim. Have one myself and I can walk it around where I want, comes in handy . The last job it had was holding a driveshaft to change some U joint's . ;)

[Tom_Heath]

Changed many ah u joints in the past and I can honestly say that I wont change another without a press. Since I built my press and used it for the u joint work I will never go back.

It just makes it to to easy. The last one came close to maxing out the 20 ton jack so I got the heat out and then she came loose.

If you looking to have to move it in and out then I would think about making one of these. they have really cool clamps that go with it.

http://store.cyberweld.com/miar30weta30 ... MgodlkkA0Q

[MikeInMiami]

Before you go build log on to CraigsList! I just paid $1.25 a foot for 2" angle iron 1/4 thick. Guy was down sizing and I was real lucky and got his welder before he posted it . Hobart 175 with cart ,tank and regulator and misc "junk" for $375. some great deals out there.

[Tom_Heath]

Sweet Deal !!

[El Gato]

i had not even thought craigslist.

[El Gato]

dose anyone know how long the argon co2 tanks last??
as far as welding time,
like
20 Cubic Ft. Argon co2 Gas Cylinder
or large size tanks

[SmokinFF]

It really varies. Depends on how much wire you're burning. Make sure you turn the tank off when done, so it doesn't leak.

[smokethis]

No vise on the table .......but im sure u got that it really gets in the way. N as far as gas goes it is going to vary depending on how much burn time and also setting s .....kidda something u learn as u go. I think we have all run out of gas at the wrong time. But then again is there a right time?

[Tom_Heath]

I keep a co2 tank on hand at all times. Scuba tank size. That way when I run out of argon I can run on co2 to make it thru the weekend. Co2 is cheap too.

I started with a small argon and uped it twice, now I have a 120 argon and a 120 argon co2. And just came across a ( K ) size argon co2 mix tank.

[El Gato]

I was think about gettin the gren tank from harbor freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-cubic-f ... 92807.html

But it looks like its only for argon, not the mix.

EG

[Tom_Heath]

May I please recommend..... NOT.....

You should check a local weld shop or fab shop. Since you have to refill. All you get from HF is the tank. And no one to fill it. I bought my last co2 on Craig's list for 20 bucks. Bought 2.

The one at HF is was smaller then the scuba size. And that little thing will run out fast.