If welding is carried out “on the knee”, it is better not to think about the quality of the seams. To make them strong and neat, you need a welding table. It is more comfortable to work on it, since parts are secured with clamps or holders if necessary. For a garage where there is little space, a folding option is suitable.
Welding table
Requirements for a welding table
Before designing and manufacturing, it is useful to find out what requirements are imposed on the table. These include:
- mandatory installation of a forced exhaust system above the workplace to remove gases;
- the fan is installed on the left at a height of 1.3 - 1.5 m;
- to clean the electrodes, a copper strip edge is installed on the welder’s table;
- installation of shelves and drawers for electrodes and tools;
- mount for grounding connection;
- The use of flammable materials and harmful substances that release harmful substances when heated is prohibited;
- mandatory lighting of the work area with a 36 V lamp.
Requirements for the design of the welding table
Before you start developing a drawing of a welding table, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements that apply to this type of structure. Among them:
- mandatory presence of a hood. It should not interfere with the work and at the same time effectively remove gases generated during welding;
- a supply fan is installed on the left side of the welder at a height of about 1.3-1.5 meters;
- it is necessary to provide copper edges on the welding table. It is necessary for quick cleaning of electrodes;
- Several drawers and hanging shelves are installed for tools and components;
- grounding fixtures;
- A sufficiently powerful lamp is installed to provide good visibility in all areas of the desktop.
During installation work, it is prohibited to use flammable materials or components with a high content of harmful impurities. When heated, they will be released into the air and could cause poisoning to the welder. The design of the table can be as simple as possible (a flat surface on four legs) or more complex - with additional devices and clamps. The choice depends on the frequency of use of the workplace and the complexity of the operations performed.
Types of welding tables
Depending on the complexity and frequency of the work performed, the design of the welding table is selected. When performing simple operations periodically, a simple option is selected. To repair and manufacture complex structures, you will need a semi-professional assembly and installation option.
Simple table for welding work
Such structures are durable, easy to manufacture, and convenient to work with. The basis of the structure is a rigid frame, to which 4 racks made of a profile pipe or angle are welded. Below, at a distance of 20 cm from the floor, they are fastened with crossbars. There is a table top with grooves for clamps on top. A bracket for the welding cable is welded to the frame with the tabletop, and under it there would be a tray for collecting waste. On the side you can place a cabinet with shelves for folding large equipment. A stand for a container with water is installed next to it.
Simple welding tables are easy to manufacture and convenient to work with
Semi-professional welding table
This is a more complex design, equipped with additional equipment. In terms of ease of operation, it does not differ from the simple type, but with installed metalworking heads for drilling, milling, grinding and other operations. Installation of built-in ventilation systems and air ducts is possible. The support posts of semi-professional tables are attached to the floor using anchor bolts or embedded in concrete. The presence of a rotating tabletop allows you to weld complex structures from one place. A rotating platform is provided for installing the inverter. The kit also includes removable yews and clamps of different sizes.
In terms of ease of use, a semi-professional table does not differ from a simple one, but is equipped with additional equipment
Types of welding tables
To carry out welding work in the workshop, two types of tables are usually used - simple and semi-professional.
Simple table
This model has a simple design. Such a welding table is made from profile pipes or angles welded to each other.
At the bottom, approximately 20 cm from the floor, the racks are connected by corners, but at the top they are securely welded to the frame, with a metal tabletop located on it. There may be various grooves on the surface of the table for fixing parts.
By welding brackets for the welding wire to the frame, the welding process can be significantly simplified. At the bottom you can also install a shallow tray for collecting production waste, and on the sides of the table it will be convenient to place bedside tables for various accessories. In addition, it doesn’t hurt to weld a shelf under a container of water.
Semi-professional table
This is a more complicated type of welding table. The general purpose of such structures does not differ much from simple tables, but additional devices are installed on them for milling, drilling and other metalworking operations.
The legs of the structure, to enhance its stability, are securely fixed to the floor with bolts or a concrete screed. Additionally, the product can be equipped with built-in ventilation systems.
The main advantage of such tables is the ability to rotate the working platform, which ensures that welds are placed on workpieces from one point.
These tables are often equipped with quickly removable vices, clamps and rotating attachments for fastening workpieces and welding equipment.
Which welding table to choose
The choice depends on the available space and the tasks to be solved. In a cramped garage, occasional welding work can be done at the folding welding workbench. If space allows, a stationary or mobile table of a simple type will be more convenient. Those who love comfort are advised to purchase or make their own turntable in the shape of a circle, mounted on a rigidly fixed support. To carry out complex repairs, so that everything is at hand, it is better to choose a work table with machines installed on it. Factory models are equipped with various additional devices, so in order not to overpay, think about how important they are to you.
Expert recommendations will tell you how to choose a convenient and reliable design:
- the working area must be fenced with a protective screen made of fire-resistant material;
- to ensure reliable rigidity of the structure, its weight must be at least 180 - 200 kg;
- lighting should not create glare, therefore the use of energy-saving lamps is excluded, since their light is not absorbed by the glass of the mask;
- a rotating platform is welcome;
- If there is no built-in ventilation, a mobile fan with magnetic suction cups on the suction arm must be used.
Making a welding table with your own hands
Assembling a welding table with your own hands not only saves the family budget, but also allows you to make it for specific operating conditions.
Making a welding table with your own hands allows you to tailor it to your needs
Necessary tools and equipment
To make your own welding table you need to stock up on:
- pliers;
- tape measure;
- chalk;
- ruler;
- hammer;
- square;
- wire cutters;
- three C-shaped clamps;
- a grinder or, as a last resort, a hacksaw;
- welding machine with electrodes;
- taps with a knob for cutting threads;
- a milling or lathe machine on which the chamfers will be removed.
Deciding on the size of the table
You should not use industrial drawings of a welding table. Their implementation at home is difficult due to the impossibility of using factory technologies. But you can take it as a basis to create your own project. It indicates the general dimensions and dimensions of all parts.
In order for the table to be comfortable for work, the following ergonomic requirements must be met:
- maximum dimensions of the working area not exceeding 1×0.8 m;
- the height of the tabletop should be no lower than 0.7 m, but not higher than 0.85 m;
- the total height, taking into account the protective fence, is no more than 1.4 - 1.5 m.
We take a ready-made drawing as a basis and modify it according to our needs.
Preparation and cutting
You can make a homemade welding table from available materials: corners, profile pipes, sheet iron. First, they cut off with a grinder:
- 4 corners 25 × 25 mm, 0.46 m long with ends cut at an angle of 45⁰, sides of shelf frames;
- 2 iron sheets 3 mm thick, size 44.5x75 cm for shelves;
- 4 sections of profile pipe 30×230×21.5 mm, 76 cm long, for legs;
- 4 corners 25×225 0.76 m long with ends cut at an angle of 45⁰, longitudinal sides of the shelf frames;
- 2 sections of profile 60×240×25 1 m long and 2 0.72 m in size for the tabletop frame;
- 8 profiles 40×230×21.5, length 0.72 m per tabletop;
- 2 wheel supports with stoppers and 2 without them;
- 4 corners 30×30 for the stiffening belt.
Making a countertop
Its frame is welded from a 60×240 profile pipe. The tabletop for the welding table itself is assembled from a 40×230 profile. The sections are welded so that the distances between them are equal. The result is a table surface with gaps that are used for installing clamps and holders. If it is necessary to periodically lengthen the tabletop, folding panels are attached to its sides.
The result is a table surface with gaps that are used for installing clamps and holders
Making table legs
The legs are welded into the corners of the tabletop frame. They are first grabbed at several points and the angles are checked using a square and a ruler. In relation to the frame they should be 90⁰. If perpendicularity is not observed, the structure will be unstable. Therefore, distortions are eliminated and continuous sutures are applied. If the table is not expected to be moved frequently, square pieces of sheet steel are welded to the bottom of the legs to increase stability.
If the table is not expected to be moved frequently, square pieces of sheet steel are welded to the bottom of the legs to increase stability
Welding table stiffening belt
To give the structure maximum strength, you need to make an additional stiffening belt. It is made from a 30×30 corner, sections of which are welded to the legs at a distance of 20 - 30 cm from the floor. The supports are connected in a circle, the reinforcing elements are installed so that the acute angle is on the outside.
To give the structure maximum strength, you need to make an additional stiffening belt
Protective screen
It prevents welding spatter and particles formed when cleaning seams from flying away. The frame for the protective screen is made from lightweight corners, and it is made from a thin steel sheet. It is advisable to make such a fencing for the work area with side walls. Pins are welded to the frame, which, when installed, fit into holes drilled in the tabletop. If it is necessary to place large parts, the screen can be removed.
The protective screen prevents welding spatter and particles generated when cleaning seams from flying away.
Wheels and handle for moving
Wheels will be required for a mobile table if you plan to move it frequently. If they are placed on all 4 legs, the pair must have stoppers to securely fix the table in place. When using wheels from shopping carts, they are installed on two side supports. Fixation is carried out by another pair of legs, with rectangular metal plates welded to them. To move such a table, you will have to lift the edge where there are no wheels.
Wheels will be required for a mobile table if you plan to move it frequently
For ease of movement, one or 2 handles are welded to the tabletop frame. They are made from a rod with a diameter of 10 - 12 mm in the shape of the letter P. So that the handles do not interfere, they are welded from below.
Top brands
It is possible to weld metal workpieces without a special table, but it is very convenient. As a result, the specialist’s labor productivity decreases and the quality of the welded joint suffers. Therefore, a working surface is definitely needed. Today the market offers a large selection of such equipment from famous and unknown manufacturers. Of the total number of brands presented, several of the most popular ones should be highlighted.
Siegmund
The company supplies the market with products that fully comply with generally accepted requirements for welding tables. The manufacturer has equipped the working surface with quick-clamping devices, which helps to increase the welder’s productivity.
Forster
A company from Germany specializes in the production of modular options. The countertops are made of ferrite or cast iron and can be easily removed if necessary. This allows you to change the shape of the table in order to adapt it as much as possible to a specific workpiece. The brand supplies rotating, lifting and rotating type products.
Demmeler
The brand belongs to a German manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of welding tables and additional equipment for them. The main advantage of the products is the versatility of the solutions.
"WTO Plant"
The Ulyanovsk company produces a fairly large range of non-standard equipment and accessories. Prefabricated welding tables are practical and come with additional accessories to increase productivity and improve working conditions.
VTM
The Russian brand specializes in the production of standard welding equipment and custom-made metal structures. The main focus is the production of D16 and D28 systems, as well as the execution of individual orders. The parameters of the finished product exactly correspond to the customer's requirements. For the production of welding tables, only high-quality certified materials and components are used.
Evidence
The main direction of the company is the production of welding and installation equipment. The main advantage is the wide range of models offered, which allows you to find the option that best suits your needs.
ESAB
Perhaps the most recognizable brand on the domestic market. The Swedish brand supplies high-quality welding equipment, including tables. In addition, its assortment includes a large selection of other equipment, consumables and accessories.
Sovplym
A joint venture created by businessmen from Russia and Sweden. Production facilities are located in St. Petersburg and supply ventilation systems to the consumer market. One of the company’s areas of work is the production of filter and ventilation devices for welding tables.
TEMPUS
The German manufacturer supplies 3D tables to the domestic market. They are excellent for solving problems of welding and installation of frames, fences and a whole range of other products.
Table-Table
The Russian company specializes in the production of welding tables, the table tops of which consist of stacked plates. The typesetting elements themselves are made of cast iron and aluminum, to which molten splashes do not stick. The plates are easily removable, which allows you to transform the working surface to suit specific workpieces or structures. Production processes can be simplified. For this purpose, the table can be equipped with various hydraulic and electromechanical drives.
SIBAR
A young domestic company is creating its own range of products. takes into account the needs of customers as much as possible.
Helpful tips when working at a welding table
The specialty of a welder belongs to the category of hazardous professions, since he is exposed to:
- exposure to high temperature;
- dangers from flying splashes of molten metal;
- high-intensity ultraviolet irradiation;
- possibility of electric shock;
- risk of injury from falling parts.
To eliminate the consequences of the effects of these negative factors, you need to follow the rules developed by specialists:
- the work room must be equipped with effective supply and exhaust ventilation;
- When starting work, you need to make sure that there is no damage to the equipment and insulation, check how reliable the contact connections are;
- while performing work, use a welding mask, a respirator, protective gloves with gaiters, clothing and shoes made of fire-resistant material;
- it is unacceptable to clutter the welding table and the approaches to it with foreign objects;
- work from unsuitable supports is prohibited;
- parts intended for welding must be fastened with special devices;
- when working in rooms where fuels, lubricants and flammable materials are stored, the distance to them from the work area must be at least 5 m.
To ensure comfortable and safe working conditions, the welding assembly table must be equipped with auxiliary devices. To ensure welding accuracy, clamps are used to secure the parts. Clamps secure the workpieces at an angle to each other. If small parts cannot be fixed mechanically, then a magnetic base is used to fix them. But when using it, it is necessary to take into account its weight and the mass of the parts being welded.
