Welding Tips and Tricks

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.

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.

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.

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

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".

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

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.

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

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.

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.