Welding Table Plans | How To Build A DIY Welding Table

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So you’ve started welding as a hobby and are now looking to do more of it? We've got the you covered with our step by step welding table plans.

A welding table is an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone who welds, no matter their level.

It is a stable, fireproof platform where you can safely complete your work. Most welding tables are simple structures, with a tabletop and legs.

Some models can have an extra shelf underneath the tabletop, for storage. Others might have a support framework of stays, which connect the legs and provide extra stability while you are working.

Before we get into our robust welding table plans, let's review the benefits of a DIY welding table

What Are the Benefits of DIY Welding Tables?

Man Standing Next To DIY Welding Table

Buying a ready-made welding table may seem tempting; after all, it is a convenient and hassle-free solution. There are numerous products on the market, many of which are relatively inexpensive.

However, do not overlook the positives of making your own welding table. After all, you have the skills, so why not use them for your benefit? 

You get to make a piece of equipment that is exactly how you want it.

Portability

Commercially made welding tables are often large and heavy. They can be difficult to maneuver and transport.

By making your own welding table, you can create a product that is much more lightweight and portable. This also means it can easily be moved around your work area.

Customize It to Suit Your Own Needs

Making your own welding table means you have the ability to build it to your own specifications. Generally, 4 feet by 6 feet is a great size, but again it really depends on your own needs.

Apart from being able to decide the size, height and weight of your table, there are many other things that you can consider.

You can add in a shelf or drawer for equipment, to make storing your tools easy and keep them accessible when you are working.

It's possible to attach wheels for mobility, so that the table can be moved around without requiring heavy lifting.

You can also design your table to fold up, or even separate, so that it can be stored more easily. This is particularly useful if you have limited workspace or need to transport your table to other sites.

Choose Which Materials to Use for Construction

When it comes to constructing the table, you can choose everything to suit your needs, from the material type to the thickness and fastenings. Again, this means that you can create a table that is perfect for its intended use.

Consider the amount of welding you will be doing and the type. Will they be light or heavier jobs? Think of the tools you will be using and the locations you will be welding in.

As well as buying your materials from a store, you may even be able to source some, or all, of what you need from scrap if you're experienced.

This may pose some challenges if the parts are uneven. However, it is a cost-effective and an environmentally friendly solution that should be considered. If you're unsure what is best for you, get the materials from a store as it will be safer and easier to make the table.

Welding Table Plans: Which Is the Best Material?

To make your own welding table, you will obviously need a strong, fireproof material for the top and frame.

Do not be tempted to use aluminum, as it is too lightweight—the melting point of this metal is much too low for it to be used safely as a welding table.

The best metals to use are either cast iron or stainless steel.

If you’re only carrying out light welding jobs, you could also use a sturdy wooden table with a sheet of metal attached to the top.

Bear in mind, however, that this is not recommended for heavy duty work. It’s safer to make a proper table, rather than causing a potential accident or injury with an unsuitable makeshift version.

welding table plans: Step by Step Guide to Building Your Own  

1. Source Your Materials

Materials For DIY Welding Table

The first thing you need to do is, of course, find your materials. As mentioned earlier, these can be found at a store or other supplier, or possibly a scrap yard.

The most expensive option is purchasing from a store, followed by a wholesale supplier who could be up to 50 percent cheaper. The most cost-effective option of all is finding yourself some scrap metal.

For a basic welding table, you will need:

  • Steel angle iron for the table legs, frame and support stays
  • Sheet metal for the tabletop, and shelf underneath, if desired
  • 4 inches of metal tubing, measuring 1½ inches diameter and ⅛ inch thick
  • Four casters with brakes
  • Four galvanized nuts to fit the casters

If you are going to paint any parts of your table, then you will need to find rust-resistant and flame-resistant paint. Make sure that the paint is suitable for metal surfaces before using.

Make sure you also have the correct safety gear before you begin, including a welding cap, helmet or goggles, gloves and protective clothing.

It is also important to ensure that your workspace is adequately ventilated, even if you are using an exhaust ventilator.

2. Gather the Correct Tools for Construction

Construction Tools

You will need a MIG welder for the bulk of the construction, and an angle grinder to grind down any rough edges.

If your materials need cutting to size, a large metal saw will also be required, ideally, with carbide teeth.

Check locally to see if you are able to hire or borrow one, as they are quite an expensive investment, especially if you won’t be using it that often.

Once you start construction, you will also need a number of clamps to hold the table in place and ensure it remains in alignment. 

On top of this, you will be using other tools, including wire cutters, a square and a tape measure.

3. Cut Your Metal to Size

Making DIY Welding Table

If materials need to be cut to size, which is often the case if they are from scrap, use a metal saw for this. Ensure that the saw is large enough, has carbide teeth, and is intended for metal, not wood.

If the blades on a miter saw are intended for wood, they spin too quickly for use on metal. This can result in damage to the saw and motor.

The dimensions of your table are of course up to you to decide, however we recommend between 25 and 32 inches square for the table top.

The height will depend a little on your height and how you prefer to work, but you will generally be wanting the table legs around 30 to 35 inches high.

After you have cut the metal pieces to the correct size, use an angle grinder to remove any sharp edges.

This will make the construction process much easier, and improve the aesthetics of your finished table.

4. Weld the Frame

Welding Table Frame

To make the frame, you need to line up a correctly-sized angle iron. Use your square to do this, to ensure that the pieces are in the exact alignment of 90 degrees.

A clamp should be used to hold the two pieces while you tack them together. Repeat with the other two pieces, and then join the two halves.

If you want to add an extra shelf below your table top, repeat this process again.

5. Attach the Tabletop

Attaching The Tabletop

You must attach the sheet metal by centering it over the square frame, and tacking it onto the frame. Ensure the corners have all been tacked, and then make a few extras along each side of the frame.

When the tacks are complete, make full welds to securely join the table top to the frame. Repeat this process with your shelf, if required, and then you are ready to attach the legs.

6. Attach the Table Legs

Putting Legs On Welding Table

Use your square again, to align the first table leg to the top and shelf. Tack it together initially before making full welds.

Repeat this process with all remaining legs. Ensure that they are all completely welded onto the sheets before attempting to stand the table up.

7. Attach Your Desired Accessories and Paint the Table

The last step is to attach any accessories or extra features. You may wish to add wheels to your table by using the casters and nuts.

Weld the metal tubing onto the frame to function as a convenient welding gun holder. You may also like to incorporate extra storage drawers or compartments.

Once the table is completely finished, you can then paint it. Ensure all surfaces are cleaned with a suitable solvent before painting.

Make sure you do not paint the top of the table. It is important that the metal is not coated, as this could cause problems while you are welding.

Homemade Welding Table

FAQs

Do you have to weld on a metal table?

You don't need to weld on a metal table. Welding on concrete can be safe, or you can weld items on the ground. However, welding on a metal table is the safest.


What is a good size for a welding table?

The ideal size for a welding table really depends on what you will be welding. Generally you'll probably want one about 6 feet by 4 feet. It can be even longer (such as 7x4), but it just really depends on what you'll be welding and how much space you have.


What is a welding table?

A welding table is a metal table that is ideal for welding for maximum safety. The metal of the surface makes sure nothing burns or catches on fire, while also providing stability.

Final Thoughts

Having the best welding table plans still means you need to find some time to build it. Building your own welding table always has a number of benefits over purchasing a commercially made product.

You get to choose the size of your table, as well as the materials it is made from and the added features.

Consider your needs and welding habits, and you will create a table that is completely customized to your preference.

About the Author Gregory

Hi, my name is Gregory! I have been welding practically all of my life and love it. As I have gotten older I have started to weld less and less, so in order to continue my love for welding I created this website. I like to write about my experiences and help you all become welders. I hope that you enjoy the site!

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