Thinking of making a Mild steel welding bench

[paul r]

Hi,

I'm thinking of making a Mild steel welding bench. What kind of box section would you guys recommend for the frame/legs? also what thickness of sheet steel would be strong enough for the actual worktop? I wont be welding very heavy things on it, but i might want to attach a vice to it at some point....

cheers,

Paul.

 

[john224]

bench

I Would use 3" x 3" x 1/8" for the legs and 2" x 2" x 1/8" for the supports between the legs and for the top 3/8" or 1/2"plate ,,,,, But this is my way others will or might say different,,,john

 

[Sam]

Depends on what you are welding but I would not go less than 1/2 plate for the top, it does not take much heat to warp thin plate then you have a next to useless table top.

 

[hotrodder]

What size table are you wanting? In most respects the thicker the better as far as the top goes for the reasons given, table size will have an effect on the minimum thickness you can get away with. If thicker is less appealing for cost/manhandling reasons then can always build the frame with more supports for the plate to sit on. Several threads on the subject, typical theme being thicker the better within reason and to secure with short tack welds or bolts to avoid warping the plate

Obviously depends on luck (and the size of table needed) but an old surface table/plate can be cheaper than buying the materials to make a table- i px'd a 2ft square one for a 2x3 footer a little while ago, owes me around £130 ish all in iirc. Only downside is that can't tack weld things to the table

 

[JayRS4]

I used 76mm 3mm wall round for the legs, and 50x50x3 box for the horizontals, with a 15mm top, if your making a larger one you will need 6 legs, mine has taken a pounding and now i`ve got the devils own job of getting it flat again as it`s sagged 1/2" in the middle

 

[Nivag]

Have a look at the Millar Arc Station. Some neat ideas. Possibly a little on the light side for regular use.
Nivag.

 

[paul r]

Thanks for the input guys. Yes something like the Miller arc station will do me.

There was me thinking that 3mm plate would do, with supports underneath it! It will mainly be for TIG welding exhaust etc....

Well size.....maybe 1000mm by 600mm or around that size.....how much would a piece of sheet steel 15mm thick cost?

Cheers,

Paul.

 

[JayRS4]

Think I paid roughly 100 for the 15mm plate 2x1m. Where abouts are you Paul, i`ve got a nice bit of 10mm that`d be fine for a bench the size you want

 

[paul r]

Think I paid roughly 100 for the 15mm plate 2x1m. Where abouts are you Paul, i`ve got a nice bit of 10mm that`d be fine for a bench the size you want

Hi,

I live in crewe in cheshire. Bit too far to post??

Paul.

 

[JayRS4]

I doubt it`d be cost effective to post it, you could probably get a full sheet for what i`d cost for the bit i`ve got plus delivery. If Omniata decided he wanted the blast cabinet (you reading this Jim) then I wouldnt mind running it up there and splitting the fuel.

 

[paul r]

OK, let me know

Just been quoted £180 from a guy off of ebay for a 1000x600mm 15mm thick sheet! bit pricey!

Paul.

 

[JayRS4]

They can jog on then. Parkers joe public price for 2x1m 15mm is £213.46. I`ll dig out the invoice and see what i paid for mine.

 

[paul r]

Hi,

thanks for the input again,

I'm going to order some steel for this today.....cant decide wether to do a low table so I can sit at it or a tall table to stand at....

what do you guys find easier?

Paul.

 

[TheJoker]

Make tall table and buy a tall chair. IKEA has got some cheap folding "breakfast bar" chairs.

 

[Sam]

For a chassis jig I prefer a low table around 450 high for my welding table it stands 900 high and I use a wooden stool if I need to sit at that. Both have a 12mm thick plate on top.

 

[paul r]

Looks good

Anyone know where I could find some of those little feet with a thread on them, to weld to fit tot he bottom of the welding bench? (the kind you get on washing machines) Or failing that some castors with a 50x50mm plate on them?

Cheers,

Paul.

 

[Sam]

Weld a nut to a plate and then use the bolt to level the bench you could also use another nut for a locking nut. If you want more contact with the floor weld a disc to the bolt. May help give you a better "EARTH"

 

[paul r]

Were in business

Just ordered some supplies

Got 14 meters of 50x50x2.5mm box section for the legs/frame (also need some for other projects!).

And a sheet of plate, 1200x560x10mm for the top

The lot was £99 inc vat

Will I need filler rods for my TIG? or can I just weld the surfaces together without it?

Cheers,

Paul.

 

[Sam]

Yes you will need filler rod there is a rad on the corners of the box section, I would mig that if you have a mig or stick weld it would be a lot quicker.

 

[paul r]

Yes you will need filler rod there is a rad on the corners of the box section, I would mig that if you have a mig or stick weld it would be a lot quicker.

I want to practice with the TIG and figured this would be as good a time as any to do it

Paul.