Welding table thickness

[walker]

I put 4" wheels on my 1/2" steel table that is 4 x 6 and can wheel it around the shop to my hearts content. A little WD-40 on the top keeps it from rusting. even if it does get some rust a wire wheel knocks it off fast. If you want alum for your alum projects just get a thinner sheet to clamp to the top.

[bobhdus]

Don't worry about having a steel table outside. My welding table is made completely out of steel "C" channel that used to be a steel wood rack for a fireplace. It's never had rust problems yet. Anyways, regardless you can use all the Aluminum you want but I might still suggest you consider a sheet of 12ga steel over the top and if you want you can even leave the mill scale on it. The reason is, any steel or anything that is harder than the Aluminum will get embedded into the Aluminum top. Those particles will leave awful scratches into your projects. Just my opinion. Have fun building it. There is a cool pre-fab'ed tool holder showcased on www.weldingtipsandtricks.com that holds grinders, drivers, welding accessories etc to add to the table. Later!
Ps here's the clutter catcher link
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/metalworking-hand-tools.html

[ja baudin]

All valid points, thanks guys. I completely understand the benifits of a steel top and from the opinions I'll most likely lean that way, but the frame will still have to be alum. Nothing gets me more fired up than rust on my projects that I worked hard on. I'd rather look at aluminum oxide than watch the foot pads of my table rust into the ground. Sad to say but it's going to sit outside, I don't have a concrete slab outside the shop to keep it on either. Frame will be 2x2x1/4" tubing, I figured if it wasn't heavy enough to support the top I could fill the vertical legs with sand. Anyway, I do appreciate the comments, hope you all enjoy labor day. Ja

[walker]

" Frame will be 2x2x1/4" tubing,"

4" pipe or 4X4 Sq tube will be cheaper, stouter, and last longer unprotected than aluminum. It also has the benifit of being able to weld the top on. If you don't want to watch it rust then paint the thing, or clear coat it.

[drpipe]

My table legs are 6 in sh80. 80 pipe . Top is 3/4 I wouldn't use anything lighter. I have a Wilton vise mounted on one end and a piece of 3x3 angle on one side groove up .. My table has 4x4 by 1/4 square tube frame with fork pockets it has bolts on feet to level up and down pretty classic oilfield table works well

[ihctractor]

There's nothing worse than a table that's too light and spongey and has stuff boucing all over the place when you try to bang on it. My table has a 3" tubing frame with a 4' X 5' X 1" thick top, all sitting on 6" locking casters. It's heavy but moves easily on the shop floor. After using this I'm spoiled and would hate to work on anything lighter!
You can drill and tap clamping holes, tac weld, and fabricate jigs to a steel top also. Aluminum, in my opinion has way too many downsides.

[monte55]

I think people are losing the fact that he wants an easy to move lightweight table. My welding table has a 42" x 96" x 5/8 top with 6 4x4" x 3'8 wall legs and a lower shelf with bracing and the whole nine yards. Took a forklift to put it into place. I love it but I would not recommend this to the OP because it doesn't fit his needs.. Maybe if we stay on track more and not recommend tables that do not apply to his needs ...we can offer better suggestions. just my thoughts
Nick

[ihctractor]

........is this closer to what were suposed to be talking about?.......
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cosco-Juve...-Blue/12168125

I'd probably beef up the top with some 24 guage steel sheet if it was mine

[ihctractor]

O.K. seriously.....
Have you considered getting some 1/4" plate, weld some pipe couplers to the bottom to screw pipe legs into and weld a couple brackets on one side to hold two wheels. You would have a fairly stout table that the legs could be unscrewed and the top could be rolled around like a two wheeled cart and stood up against a wall to get it out of the way.

When space and budgets are tight you gotta use a little imagination.

[ja baudin]

photo.jpg

Thanks Nick, This is about my speed. Hobbiest projects, gas grills, hinged boxes for boats, boat repairs and the small stuff. Like I said under 100 lbs. Weight is the issue. I have a step up into the shop, so I'll have to be able to pull and lift in. Dont need a massive heavy table, already have one against the wall with railroad ties as legs and 3/4 inch top, plenty stout for banging on a project. Just want something nice and light enough to move into the center of my shop and sit next to in a chair to do my projects. Thanks again guys for the replys, all good ideas.