Welding Table Top Question

Diddy67 · Sat Sep 21, 2019 12:52 pm

If I ad more angle supports across the top of this table frame can I use 3/16" x 4" slats for the top instead of having to go with 1/4" steel? I have to wheel this table around a lot I so want to keep the weight down.

LtBadd · Sun Sep 22, 2019 7:59 am

I can't imagine the weight difference being that much, if you use quality casters and the shop floor is clean then shouldn't be hard to move. I have a 5' x 5' acorn table that weighs ~2500lbs on castors that I occasionally move around.

Even with a 1/4" top you may find it isn't thick enough and will warp and sag, depending on what you build, JMO.

Diddy67 · Sun Sep 22, 2019 8:49 am

Thank you Lt. 1/4" might warp too? Wow. If that's the case then maybe going with slats instead of one solid piece would make more sense since I could just replace individual slats that may warp. Much more cost effective.

LtBadd · Sun Sep 22, 2019 1:22 pm

With a slat table you can use conventional clamps if you leave enough room (gap) between the slats. Depending on what you fab, 1/4" could be just right or not, I'm betting most welders would want thicker.

HERE is a link to some builds on YT

Diddy67 · Sun Sep 22, 2019 1:38 pm

I had someone suggest using angle for the top. Seems like a good idea too. Low heat transfer and should be very strong. I could slide those around too. it would like L L L L L L L What do you think about that? Very cheep too compared to plate or "slats".

LtBadd · Sun Sep 22, 2019 3:09 pm

I think you have to consider what you might be fabricating, is this for your own shop, or garage?

Is this a hobby or are you earning money?

compare the cost of 3/8" thick (or any thickness) angle vs flat bar

: Alro.jpg (30.13 KiB) Viewed 1720 times

Diddy67 · Mon Sep 23, 2019 12:34 pm

Hmmm? At MetalsDepot the angle is cheaper than the flat bar. I will look at Alro and compare prices. BTW - This is just for hobby purposes for now until I get good enough to build shit I can sell. That's the goal. Make some extra cash.

LtBadd · Mon Sep 23, 2019 1:50 pm

so you're just north of Houston, you should have plenty of local suppliers, check them first

cj737 · Mon Sep 23, 2019 3:31 pm

The problem with angle iron is the inconsistency in their flatness. I doubt they would make a good table surface as a reference for anything fabricated.

3/8”x6” sheet would be a good choice. You can mount them and level them as you go, replace if needed, extend the number of them as your table size increases.

Diddy67 · Mon Sep 23, 2019 9:09 pm

LtBadd wrote:so you're just north of Houston, you should have plenty of local suppliers, check them first

Yes. There is a place like 20 minutes from me. Nice dudes.