I want to make a small metal workbench for my very tight garage. I want to mount a vice on it and I'll be using the bench for mig welding and cutting metal.

TO give you a visualization of what I'm thinking about, here are some pics.







I want the bench to be approx. 2'X4'. I may need to move the bench around inside my garage. I could use the extra storage, but I think I'll be better off with a bench like in the second picture to bring me closer to the work and protect my lower body when welding.

Basically what I wanted to know if you have any suggestions on the materials I should use and how I should construct it.

Is it ok to use mild steel even though it will rust? How thick should the top be so I can mount a vise to it?

The only tools I have are a mig welder and a hack saw. If I need to, I can borrow a chop saw.

 

most tables ive seen are just big aluminum plates.

ive wanted something like what you want for a long time. like a big surgical steel doctors/restaraunt kitchen table type deal.

i just want the top however to put over one of my existing benches.

i would look on craigslist local to you for something similar, instead of making it.

-derek

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dfoxengr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
i just want the top however to put over one of my existing benches.

-derek</TD></TR></TABLE>

one of the benchs i have i did this to, just bought a big sheet, and screwed it down at the corners. works great

 

I have 2 very heavy mild steel tables.

They work well, when i need to weld pieces i clamp the ground to the table, i can tack to the table (1/2" top), hammer etc...

By the looks of those tables, i would destroy them in about a week. When getting a workbench, remember. If you can move it yourself, its too light

 

If you want a stainless steel table.

Look around for any restaurants that are going out of business or moving.

Ask them if they are leaving them behind.


A while back when Ships Coffee (Culver City, CA) was shutting down, me and my dad took a bunch of stainless cabinets and tables from the kitchen. My dad was friends with the owner though.


Or you could shop around on ebay for a local seller.
http://cgi.ebay.com/USED-STAIN...wItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/RESTAURANT...wItem

 

i think my welding table weighs 500 lbs

 

I hear stainless is not good for work benches

 

Keep in mind you're going to be CUTTING, grinding, and WELDING on this table...it'd be sad to spend that much on a stainless sheet and have it get owned...mild steel top works great, and I would not recommend getting anyhting thinner than 3/8" plate.

 

why nothing thinner than 3/8"?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by supercreed2002 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why nothing thinner than 3/8"?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Because if you have a big plate with only the corners attached to the base, the heat from your welding and cutting might warp it.

Check this out, it's everything you need: http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/tools/workTable01/

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by supercreed2002 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why nothing thinner than 3/8"?</TD></TR></TABLE>

well, it is a workbench used for metal work? Or a workbench used for paperwork

 

Not true at all. I use a 3/16" table top on my table. Works perfect. Been using it for almost 4 years now. Has one cross brace underneath of it, which the top is welded to as well, but there is no way youll warp it. Your welding the parts...not the table itself. And yes I have a vise mounted to it, can tack to it for jigs, beat the livin hell out of it with a hammer, etc. Still perfectly fine.
Kyle

 

i'm planning on making a table too. we have some in our shop at work that are similar. they are 1/2" plate but i am going to look for 3/8".

the legs will be 2" pipe couplings welded to the bottom and then screwed pipe for legs into the couplings with 3" round pads under them to aid in moving if needed.

the screwed legs will let me move it around the garage and then adjust for the drainage slope or the pads on the bottom of the pipe will me shim them to keep it from wobbling. There will be some angle between them for some cross bracing.

play with the height depending on how tall you are. i will likely have it about 2-4" taller than most kitchen countertops.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blueoval557 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Not true at all. I use a 3/16" table top on my table. Works perfect. Been using it for almost 4 years now. Has one cross brace underneath of it, which the top is welded to as well, but there is no way youll warp it. Your welding the parts...not the table itself. And yes I have a vise mounted to it, can tack to it for jigs, beat the livin hell out of it with a hammer, etc. Still perfectly fine.
Kyle</TD></TR></TABLE> Well, I guess it depends on what you're fabricating...I actually weld(tack) to the table alot to build one time jigs on the table. I.E. matching bent rods for a lamp or whatever....also, if you're hammering on a big part(breaking tacks on a 6"-8" pipe for example), and you miss with the sledge, that 3/16" definitely won't hold up as well....for a welding ONLY table, even 1/8" is fine...but hey, he said workbench.

 

yeah.. a workbench/welding bench i used at school to practice my fillet welds.. it was a 3/16" plate, and was welded at the sides, from all the heat it actually warped quite badly.

 

i have a really nice table much like the one in you first pic. it about 2ft deep by 8ft wide. i got it out of a stop and shop meat department (store was closed, we were demolishing). its great. easy to clean. the only problem is when i went to drill holes to mount my vice i burnt the drill bit instantly. make sure you use the right drill bit