Are welding tables worth it?
Fixture table vs the welding table, ie: holy vs the unholy
You raise an excellent point about the need for accuracy.cj737 wrote: If you are going to make a "fixture table" then you need to truly contemplate the tolerance of accuracy you require.
A 1/4" to 3/8" surface with holes in it does not yield serious accuracy. It is probably good for home hobbyists, DIYers, and the general fabrication world. However, real fixture tables are incredibly precise, suited for production runs, repeatability, and more accurate layouts.
For flexibility in setups, clamping, and arrangements, I prefer my table to have bored holes. Threaded holes are better for small parts or jig plates. For smaller pieces or to prevent contamination from a carbon steel tabletop, I use a 1" block of aluminum with 1/4-20 threaded holes on top of my fixture table. My table is quite sturdy; it's a 3/4"x4'x6' on a 3x3x3/16 frame—it won’t move without significant force.
Surface maintenance is necessary, regardless of the table type. Bored 5/8" holes generally permit adequate slop for clamps to slide while enduring grime and grit.
If you decide to use a hydraulic table, ensure the riser lock is engaged to add rigidity and safety against hydraulic leaks during work.
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For my purposes and the projects I've worked on, an accurate surface-ground table is not essential.
I’m confident that whatever I create will be shop-built; this is more of a hobby item for me rather than an investment. Realistically, I have already accumulated more tools than I need but enjoy spending my free time in the shop. At least I’m not squandering money on activities like golfing.
You’re correct about securing the lift table; it tends to drift.
I also know that a lift table isn’t the ideal base, but my workspace is limited. This welding table project aims to consolidate and reclaim my space.
Thanks
I considered set screws but realized that once I removed them, they’d never go back in.Spartan wrote: You won’t regret getting a fixture table for any reason, I promise. At least, not after the initial sticker shock.
If the table has threaded holes and you’re worried about damaging them, consider buying some short set screws as slightly below-flush plugs for the unused holes. This will help maintain their condition long-term.For more 3D Welding Table Price information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
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Sticker shock won’t be an issue; I’m making my own table. I can borrow mag drills from work, so tooling and steel will be my only expenses.
My concern about damaging holes—bored or threaded—has lessened.
I need to decide if a table full of holes is more helpful or annoying, given it will also function as a workbench; a perforated table complicates rebuilding items with tiny components.
Worth buying a welding table/plate?
I found a great deal on eBay.
Fortunately, some kind forum members helped with transportation.
It’s meant to be placed on a stand, not directly on the floor—typically, the open side faces down.
I feed bolts through from inside the slots, using nuts and clamping bars like you would on a mill. I also bought F-clamps that fit through the slots.
Although it's a bit too heavy to move around during large jobs, it serves as a solid base for jigging up brackets and other tasks.
Regarding slot variety:
A bit of creativity can adapt it to clamp anything you need—just utilize available features. Remember, considerable effort went into designing the box table to enable efficient clamping.
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