Noob saying hi, bench advice?

[skrall]

Hi all, just joined the forum, found a lot of invaluable help already as this site came up with a lot of my google searches, so cheers.
Recently completed an introductory course on welding with particular interest in tig, think I'm where I need to be to get on by myself and get started on some of the projects that have been festering in my head the last few years.

Need a bit of advice on a cheap welding bench, here's my plan and I want to know if it's gonna be up to the job.
One of these tables which seem pretty strong
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Heavy-Duty-Wo...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4a91da9c28
With something like this at one end for welding
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mild-steel-pl..._Metalworking_Supplies_ET&hash=item19b5808857

I know it's not ideal but would be relatively cheap and give me a good size work area. Going to be having a go at a custom motorcycle exhaust system so 99% of my welding will be done well below 100amps and just need to now it will be safe.

Any alternative sugestions welcome.
Cheers in advance
Steve

 

[bigbadbugga]

There are plenty of people on here who have made their own.

Get some 25mm x 25mm x 3mm square section and the sheet stock you are already looking at and make a bench the size you want.

A 6metre length of 25mm x 3mm square will set you back about £10-£15

Also, the price on the bench you are looking as is a bit steep considering what it is (angle and MDF), for that money you can get stainless steel catering benches like in the local chip shop.....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STAINLESS-STEEL-PREPERATION-BENCH-2-DRAWS-/330458216419?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_BOI_Restaurant_RL&hash=item4cf0d837e3#ht_500wt_1154

 

[skrall]

What do you think to making the frame out of box section and using a wooden bench top with 6mm steel plate on top at one end. My budget won't stretch to an all metal top and I already have enough 2x6 to make a solid top, plus it's easier to drill holes for vices and grinders in wood than steel.

 

[bigbadbugga]

What do you think to making the frame out of box section and using a wooden bench top with 6mm steel plate on top at one end. My budget won't stretch to an all metal top and I already have enough 2x6 to make a solid top, plus it's easier to drill holes for vices and grinders in wood than steel.

Thats pretty much what I'm going to do myself,

 

[ghound]

Go big and heavy! Here's what i use, it's 3mx2m. I have it drilled for my vice and other hand tools.

 

[skrall]

That would be a good way to fill 2/3 of my garage lol. Would love to do that kind of work bench, one day maybe.

Cheers guys, gonna get the materials and hopefully get to work next weekend.

Loving project subaru by the way.