Founding: Laser Abridged Welding Put over Top

This is an update to the welding table I designed previously Subsequently orgasm across a better idea for the top of the table from JT_Makes_It, I decided to summate IT to my table.

The laser-cut table top seems to be the easiest, near cost-efficient right smart to create a durable, flat welding surface. It's definitely flat enough for home shop use!

This design uses 1/4" steel plate. A local shop was able to cut the pieces for a tot (materials and machine time) of $400 USD. The shop has information technology's own nesting software, so only send uncomparable of each piece in the CAD file. They volition same and nest them as needed.

Step 1: Make over CAD File

There are single free CAD applications that can be used to create the CAD file. This single file is a simple, 2D dxf file that the shop leave use to cut the worldly. I victimised QCAD. If you wishing to experiment, I highly recommend clay sculpture in a full 3D CAD surround. IT will allow you to check for mistakes before you have the pieces cut. I've attached the lodge I used.

Design notes:

For pieces that equip unitedly with a tab and slot, atomic number 4 sure to slightly over size the one-armed bandit. I added .003" to from each one side of the expansion slot. So for .250" thickset shell, I ready-made the slots .256" wide. This will ensure everything fits in collaboration comparatively easily simply is not loose.

I made the the tops of the tabs concave for welding, merely IT is not indispensable. All welds used to assemble the top should be made from the underside, every bit it is easier clamp the put over collectively piece it is upside down. There is no need to put any welds happening the top or sides of the table. If I make another table top, I volition relieve oneself the tabs flat across the top.

Last, you may want to angle the top fractional of the tabs in slenderly (10 degrees) to get them into the slots more easy.

Step 2: Get Pieces Cut Out

Phone your local shops to see if they can laser cut (or plasm cut, water jet) the pieces. If they sustain multiple cutting methods, figure out which is cheapest and which will require post-cut advert-up (if any). There was a small snatch of slag on my optical maser cut parts. I scarcely used a sandpaper saucer in my grinder to clean them up.

Send them the Hound file in the format the denounce needs and and so delay until your order is ready for pickup! This is such an easy serve, I am sure I will be using for some of my unusual projects!

Step 3: Weld Pieces Together

This is the nigh important part. The reduce surfaces should be rattling flat, so as long as you clinch everything unneurotic tightly, you should father a very flat welding opencut!

I assembled all the lengthwise and lateral pieces happening the table (upside down) before I made whatsoever welds. I past clamped apiece piece securely to the top composition and welded it in place using a series of sew together welds on some sides.

I clamped and welded all of the long (long-acting) pieces first, then recurrent the swear out for all the lateral (improvident) pieces.

In conclusion, I ready and painted the underside of the table apical.

Step 4: Mount Top to Table Base

Since I already had a welding table, I fair-minded needed to form out how to mount the new top to it. I ended heavenward removing all but three of the cross tubes. I mown the left tubes to match the width of the table. Lastly, I welded four tabs (each with a hole) to the mesa top to bolt of lightning information technology to the cross tubes.

Now I need to make few clamps that fit in the holes...

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