Work Surface

[mstaylor]

I actually go the exact opposite. Unless I am doing torch welding/cutting... its wood tables all the way. I usually like my welding table to be at least 6' wide by 24' long. Standard 2x4 construction with 3/4" OSB top. Over the OSB goes 1/4" maso. This allow you to place jig blocks on the table to hold things in place and to easily make duplicate pieces. Usually I can get 3 or 4 shows out of a sheet of maso.

Yes, its the Yalie way to weld, but it works for me.

The reason I use all metal for a welding area is you can attach the ground low, out of the way and weld anywhere on the table.

 

[Kelite]

I like to do wood work, so I built my own. I got lucky when a bowling ally closed a few years back and got my hands on big chunks of their old lanes. They are very strong and when the wear & tear gets to be too much, I sand them down and refinish.

When we bought our old farmhouse (with an assortment of 'extra' buildings), a large work bench made from a bowling alley lane was found in what we call the workshop. This rather beefy bench is strong and collects quite a few odds & ends that really should go elsewhere. But is sure made a nice bench!

 

[DiscoBoxer]

Haha, unfortunately for me it doesn't matter what type of material the bench is made out of or if it's a chair or another flat surface, I can't seem to keep the spaces clear either.

I use similar boxes to the uline ones and cabinets, etc, but there is never enough space. Maybe I can store some of my stuff in one of your old "extra buildings", LOL!

 

[Kelite]

Just be sure you make friends with our two dogs first!

(two BIG dogs!)



:shock:

 

[65535]

I just make my own, wood all the way, the ones I use now are just a ply top, masonite would be my next choice, but sometimes ply is best when you need to temp screw into it, masonite gets torn up.

 

[erichart]

Our shop has all wood benches. I topped them with masonite a year or two ago because we snagged a bunch of used pieces from the scene shop when they were replacing a deck. I too prefer being able to attach jig blocks when I'm welding, but I also like using a metal surface when welding smaller pieces where there's no place to attach the ground (or the ground will get in the way). For those instances, I keep a couple of pieces of plate steel around that I can put on top of the bench. Instant welding table!

 

[Kelite]

Absolutely, Eric. Small pieces of steel and a ground that gets in the way can become frustrating, not to mention unsafe. A plate of steel or two to attach a ground and provide a flat burn-proof surface is the way to go.
Depending upon the size and shape of the workpiece, I've found these to be a godsend Protractor - Welding Link and Clamp - Supplies - Power Tools & Metalworking : Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[len]

Built my own. Legs are 4 x 4, with a 3/4" plywood surface and then masonite on top. It's fine for most everyday stuff. It's a couple inches too short. If I ever get bored, new legs might be added.

 

[Kelite]

Len, is it worth the effort in the short-run to cut 2x6 'foot pads' to place beneath the feet, or would this be a bad idea?

 

[len]

Len, is it worth the effort in the short-run to cut 2x6 'foot pads' to place beneath the feet, or would this be a bad idea?

Thot of that. Might make it wobbly. It's for another day.