No time like the present. I was debating making a separate topic, in a different area for the table build, but I figured I might as well start the build log. Hopefully this will help keep me accountable, and provide momentum.
A week or two ago I decided to start on the base build table. Seattletom graciously donated the build top a couple months ago, but I'm tired of working on projects on the floor. So out comes the free uni-strut and other bits and pieces from around my shop.
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90 degree jig.png
A year or two ago my work was throwing out a large amount of uni-strut pieces. Each was about 5ft long, I think I got about 40 pieces. I built this 90 degree welding jig to join the pieces for various projects. So Far I've built a took cart, welding cart and an 8ft work bench.
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Legs.png
I started off building four of these leg braces. 5.5 inches of clearance to the bottom rail, hopefully enough room to to get an engine jack under it, but realistically I'm going to be using my tractor for lifting heavy things. Since I have one of those but no engine jack.
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Free Hardware.png
Work was also getting rid of about 30lbs of this hardware. Carriage bolts with washers and nuts. The carriage bolts limit my applications, but I happened to have these plates with the correct square holes from a previous project. I cut t@bs out of the plate to capture the bolts.
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Partial Assembly.png
Once I had the first two braces joined it was quick work to weld and assemble the rest. The reason I used t@bs instead of just welding the braces together is that I know I will be moving this table mid project.
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Completed Table.png
Here is the completed table with seattletom's build top on it. His torsion box is stiff enough I definitely went overkill on the base. I also had some racks around from various restaurant equipment, those were close enough to the right size to utilize as shelving.
I thought about just making joining plates that I could use to join the uni-strut; heck, you can even buy the pre-made plates. If I had a CNC plasma table I think this would have been doable, but a welder is much quicker with limited tools. Also, purchasing the plates and joinery quickly becomes prohibitively expensive.
Welding this galvanized stuff is rough, lots of sparks and smoke, I did some research and found that the best route to keep from getting sick was to use a respirator, so I bought some nice pods for my 3M mask. Worked a treat, still made sure not to breath too deep.