Welding Table vs. A Table To Weld On

[blalp!]

As the title says:
When I’m in the garage working on metal projects, I all too often end up working on the floor. I’ve considered getting a welding table, but darn, they are expensive. Would all the fixtures, clamps and accessories come in handy at times, yes. Are they worth the cost to a hobbyist? I’m not so sure. What are you using and/or what would you recommend for a weekend warrior? Being on wheels is big for me given the size of the garage and how I use it.

 

[ITLKSEZ]

My workbench is a piece of laminated particleboard on sawhorses.

 

[Howard Eisenhauer]

My workbench is a piece of laminated particleboard on sawhorses.

I love the smell of burning particle board in the morning, it's the smell of...

Burning Particle Board.

 

[PeteL]

I have a small work table outside with a heavily charred plywood top. For extreme heats I put a couple of firebricks on it.

 

[timsresort]

I made a moveable 72" x36" table. I too am working in and out of (usually) my side of a 2 car garage. You guys have probably seen this table in a hundred photos in the Woodstock build, alone. Sometimes I can spread out, but happy wife...blah blah, you know. This table does everything for me: all welding, rebuild a transmission, set up a differential, etc. And I move it in and out as necessary. In the summer, I can work in the driveway, in the winter, we get 200" of snow, so I'm inside. It will fit between cars inside at the end of the day, if necessary. It is 1/4" plate, which is heavy enough to pound on, but easy to roll around. Would the fixture holes be nice? I don't know, it's not like I can't clamp with vice grips. I think it's a good solution for the small garage.

 

[neohic]

My welding table covers a bunch of bases: tool storage, air circulation, power… everything in my shop is on wheels and does multiple jobs. The table top is 3’x5’ with a 3/8” steel top. Power outlets are tucked under also so I don’t have to run any more extension cords than the one tied to the table itself. It grows and changes every once in a while too, but I built the main structure a long while ago. In my current shop as of a few years ago I added the big ol’ bench vice that swings under when not in use. This also keeps it at a comfortable working height.

Then I added grinder and consumable storage.

As for air movement, the welding purifier lives underneath and I cut an uncomfortably large hole for a stainless sink. I kept the material cut out to be used as covers and added slats turning it into a down draft table. This was a big game changer since the filter is good for welding particulates, other heavy fumes, and paint.

The last update was a year or so ago. It’s small, but my little carbide chop saw has been awesome for cutting most things I’ve needed.

My favorite part of my table is the height. I made it to be 42” tall because I don’t like bending over when I don’t need to. It’s so nice to not have an aching back after a bigger project! A little more table top size would be nice from time to time, but overall my welding table kicks major butt.

 

[Warloch]

I too have a big steel table I've used for years... I also thought about a fixture table and bought a cheap HF one to see how it worked when it was on sale...

So I'll just say that now I'm watching for one of these TMR Fab Table to go on sale when I have my tool budget built back up.

 

[Fireball]

My welding table covers a bunch of bases: tool storage, air circulation, power… everything in my shop is on wheels and does multiple jobs. The table top is 3’x5’ with a 3/8” steel top. Power outlets are tucked under also so I don’t have to run any more extension cords than the one tied to the table itself. It grows and changes every once in a while too, but I built the main structure a long while ago. In my current shop as of a few years ago I added the big ol’ bench vice that swings under when not in use. This also keeps it at a comfortable working height.

Then I added grinder and consumable storage.

As for air movement, the welding purifier lives underneath and I cut an uncomfortably large hole for a stainless sink. I kept the material cut out to be used as covers and added slats turning it into a down draft table. This was a big game changer since the filter is good for welding particulates, other heavy fumes, and paint.

The last update was a year or so ago. It’s small, but my little carbide chop saw has been awesome for cutting most things I’ve needed.

My favorite part of my table is the height. I made it to be 42” tall because I don’t like bending over when I don’t need to. It’s so nice to not have an aching back after a bigger project! A little more table top size would be nice from time to time, but overall my welding table kicks major butt.

 

[Fireball]

I built this one 20+ years ago when I bought my welder. Nothing fancy, but it's been handy. The top cross bars pull out so you can plasma cut things without cutting the bars.. I'll throw a piece of metal plate on top of it when welding small things, and a piece of plywood when I want more bench space:

I also use clamps to turn it into a sheet metal brake when needed.

The bright loading dock light helps you see your welds when you aim it where you're working.

 

[Jw60]

I weld on the dirt floor with crocks and a speedo like the folks on Utube.

But I also have an 8' 14ga SS workbench screwed into my wall that my air compressor slides under.

But now that I see @neohic table I need to find someone who builds sinks and tables.

 

[Jeepenstein]

I made mine from 3/8 plate that I got at scrap price off a job site that was wrapping up, did a crappy job of welding together an angle iron frame and more recently stuck wheel son it. I've been using them for about 25 years now lol.. I have 2 of them, roughly 3' x 5'.

 

[cj2atruck]

You guys always get me thinking. I currently just use my 4x8 plywood table, but I have a huge piece of steel diamond place that came off the back of a HDT when I shortened the ramp bed for my brother, and I’ve considered using it to replace my plywood. I’ve had it laying around for years, but seeing the pictures of welding tables has me thinking its time to finally tackle that project.

 

[53A1]

I have two wood workbenches in my 2 car garage. One is 7 feet long and the other is 5 feet both heavy duty built with 4x4 legs. The 5 foot one sits next to my massive tig welder. It has a 5/8 steel plate on top. I do all my small parts on it. The other stuff I bring the mig outside to the job. This has worked great for many years.

I use a 4'x3' x5/8" flat steel plate. The blacksmith near my house has all steel heavy massive tables because he does gates and straightens large pieces like my bumpers. He needs the rigidity.

Depends what you're working on.

 

[47v6]

I built my first table out of garbage. 1/4 top, shelf under and steel casters. Works great for everything…

Then I bought this

https://www.langmuirsystems.com/arcflat

I bought 2. All the clamps and fixture stuff too. It makes set up and fit up so much better. I do this for more than a hobby these days, so it has paid for itself in time and quality work.

Any of the other brands will probably work just as well.

 

[Golden Burro]

My welding table covers a bunch of bases: tool storage, air circulation, power… everything in my shop is on wheels and does multiple jobs. The table top is 3’x5’ with a 3/8” steel top. Power outlets are tucked under also so I don’t have to run any more extension cords than the one tied to the table itself. It grows and changes every once in a while too, but I built the main structure a long while ago. In my current shop as of a few years ago I added the big ol’ bench vice that swings under when not in use. This also keeps it at a comfortable working height.

Then I added grinder and consumable storage.

As for air movement, the welding purifier lives underneath and I cut an uncomfortably large hole for a stainless sink. I kept the material cut out to be used as covers and added slats turning it into a down draft table. This was a big game changer since the filter is good for welding particulates, other heavy fumes, and paint.

The last update was a year or so ago. It’s small, but my little carbide chop saw has been awesome for cutting most things I’ve needed.

My favorite part of my table is the height. I made it to be 42” tall because I don’t like bending over when I don’t need to. It’s so nice to not have an aching back after a bigger project! A little more table top size would be nice from time to time, but overall my welding table kicks major butt.

 

[Golden Burro]

Dang, thats cool, has room all around for clamping too.

 

[givemethewillys]

I built my first table out of garbage. 1/4 top, shelf under and steel casters. Works great for everything…

Then I bought this

https://www.langmuirsystems.com/arcflat

I bought 2. All the clamps and fixture stuff too. It makes set up and fit up so much better. I do this for more than a hobby these days, so it has paid for itself in time and quality work.

Any of the other brands will probably work just as well.

I've had a fixture table on my "someday" list for years... saving this link for my future self. One of my retirement goals (God willing in 10 years or so) is to build another Jeep: a CJ6 with TJ chassis, in the spirit of the CJ66 concept.

I also really like the Fireball Tools welding table, and all the accessories that they offer. @blalp! you should check out their YouTube channel for inspiration!

 

[blalp!]

I've had a fixture table on my "someday" list for years... saving this link for my future self. One of my retirement goals (God willing in 10 years or so) is to build another Jeep: a CJ6 with TJ chassis, in the spirit of the CJ66 concept.

I also really like the Fireball Tools welding table, and all the accessories that they offer. @blalp! you should check out their YouTube channel for inspiration!

That was a dangerous video to watch! Compared to a lot of other tables out there, this kit option seems like a good deal.

 

[givemethewillys]

That was a dangerous video to watch! Compared to a lot of other tables out there, this kit option seems like a good deal.

I mean it's not like you have too many projects, right?

 

[Dave Deyton]

I like the welding tables. Good ideas. I usually end up using the HF fold out table because of space. Got the wood benches, but need another steel welding table.
The swing out vise looks handy. Got about a dozen old vices in need of a table out in the shop. Saving for a special Job! I like the idea of a mobile welding table.

Dave