--Am in need of a table maybe 24" on a side but wanted to do something other than a slab of steel. I'm thinking of building a 'torsion box' like woodworkers use to lay out large stuff precisely. This would consist of interlocking slotted ribs at right angles, 'skinned' with thin sheets of steel. Has anyone done something like this? The goal is to wind up with something that's light enough to be moved around without a crane and a cart.
Lightweight welding table?
Feb 16, 2008
6 Replies
I made a mini welding table that I hold in a vise when in use. Just a sheet of steel and a piece of angle welded to the middle. The vise holds this angle and thus holds the mini table.
As a matter of fact, it is good for a lot of projects.
i
That's a good idea. Thanks.
Tom
Just get together the things you will use on the table........ vise ........ clamps .......... shelf underneath ........... whatever ....... and then start working on it like a puzzle. In my experience the third model usually starts to get to where I wanted to be.
Welding tables are strictly a personal preference. I like a 4' x 10', but then I do a lot of wrought iron. (ornamental metal, not the real stuff) It comes in handy for a lot of other things where I want to put something big or long on it, but is bulky when I just want to work on something small. At those times, I'd like to have one on rollers that I could put a short stool next to and work on the piece.
Like I say, just look at it as a puzzle. Take some pictures, so we can see how you're doing, and maybe steal a couple of ideas. ;-)
Steve
Not sure what you are doing, but a couple things I use for various projects are roller stands, and an accordion style roller conveyor.
Not sure what you are doing, but a couple things I use for various projects are roller stands, and an accordion style roller conveyor.
Steel saw horses made from 1" square tube, and 3/4" MDF. I have worked in many shops that had to build large things but didn't want permanent tables.
formatting link
I made stacks of folding steel sawhorses. Line them up, lay steel tube across the tops, and lay 3/4" MDF sheets across the tubes. I have used this to make enormous tables that were dead flat, and level, and could be dismantled in 30 minutes.
MDF makes a great light duty welding table. It is dead flat, cheap as dirt, easy to screw together, and doesn't burn worth a damn. I used small 4" squares of sheet steel to protect the MDF wherever I was welding.
Plus you can screw jigging blocks anywhere you need, or cut holes for clamping.
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required