Fixture table vs the welding table, ie: holy vs the unholy

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 more than good for home hobbyist, DIYers, and the general fab world. And good enough by a long margin. But real fixture tables are incredibly precise, suited for production runs and repeatability, and faster, more accurate layout.

Threaded holes vs bored holes. I'm a fan of my table being bored for flexibility in setups, clamping, arrangements, etc. Threaded holes are great for small parts, or "jig plates". I use a 1" block of aluminum with 1/4-20 threaded holes laid atop my fixture table when I need smaller pieces, or to eliminate contamination from a carbon steel tabletop. But my table is stout. 3/4"x4'x'6' on 3x3x3/16 frame. It won't move without Hercules or a crane.

Surface maintenance is required for any type top, and surface prep/protection is also required, no matter the type. The bored 5/8" holes tend to have more than adequate slop in them for the clamps to slide in and out despite the grime and grit.

if you do use your hydraulic table as a base, be really certain you put down the riser lock when you use your table. You'll want the added rigidity and safety to prevent a hydraulic leak while you're working around it.

If you have the budget, Siegmund just release a helluva of a deal via their US Importer, Quantum. $2k gets you a 3x4 System 16 table and tooling in Imperial units. Limited to the first 200 respondents. Since it just got announced in Nov, you may still be in luck. Never has a Welder of Fabricator said, "I wish I hadn't bought a Siegmund table..." Whether you need the accuracy or not, it is still a helluva deal.

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You make a good point about the required accuracy.
For my use and what I have done in the past and probably ever will do I don't require a an accurate surface ground table.
I'm positive that whatever I end up with will be shop built, this is a convenience hobby item for me, it's not an investment so there will never be a return on the investment. The reality is I already have more stuff than I can justify, but I enjoy it and spend a lot of my free time in the shop. At least I'm not spending my money foolishly golfing or some other such reckless nonsense.

You are spot on about locking the lift table, it will drift.
I also understand that the lift table is not the idea base either, but I already have a lot of tools and equipment shoehorned into a relatively small space. This welding table project is just one of several projects I have planned to try and consolidate and reclaim some space.

Thanks

Spartan wrote:You won't regret getting a fixture table for any reason, I promise. At least not after the sticker shock wears off

If the table has threaded holes and you're concerned about boogering them up, maybe consider buying a box of short set screws to put in them as slightly below-flush "plugs" for when you are not using those particular holes. Should do a good job of keeping them in great shape long-term.

You won't regret getting a fixture table for any reason, I promise. At least not after the sticker shock wears offIf the table has threaded holes and you're concerned about boogering them up, maybe consider buying a box of short set screws to put in them as slightly below-flush "plugs" for when you are not using those particular holes. Should do a good job of keeping them in great shape long-term.

I thought about set screws too, but I'm lazy and bet once I took them out they'd never go back in again.

Sticker shock shouldn't be to bad, I'll be making my own. We have a couple mag drills at work and I can borrow one, so the tooling cost and the steel will be the only expense.

I think I'm now less concerned about screwing up holes, either bored or threaded.
I just need to decide if a table full of holes is more helpful than annoying since it will see use as a workbench too, a table full of holes makes for a bad place to rebuild something full of tiny components.

You make a good point about the required accuracy.For my use and what I have done in the past and probably ever will do I don't require a an accurate surface ground table.I'm positive that whatever I end up with will be shop built, this is a convenience hobby item for me, it's not an investment so there will never be a return on the investment. The reality is I already have more stuff than I can justify, but I enjoy it and spend a lot of my free time in the shop. At least I'm not spending my money foolishly golfing or some other such reckless nonsense.You are spot on about locking the lift table, it will drift.I also understand that the lift table is not the idea base either, but I already have a lot of tools and equipment shoehorned into a relatively small space. This welding table project is just one of several projects I have planned to try and consolidate and reclaim some space.ThanksI thought about set screws too, but I'm lazy and bet once I took them out they'd never go back in again.Sticker shock shouldn't be to bad, I'll be making my own. We have a couple mag drills at work and I can borrow one, so the tooling cost and the steel will be the only expense.I think I'm now less concerned about screwing up holes, either bored or threaded.I just need to decide if a table full of holes is more helpful than annoying since it will see use as a workbench too, a table full of holes makes for a bad place to rebuild something full of tiny components.

Investing in the right welding table is one of the most important decisions you can make for your shop. A welding table serves as the foundation for all of your welding projects, and choosing one that meets your specific needs can greatly enhance your productivity, precision, and workflow. With so many options on the market, from modular systems to static tables, it&#;s essential to understand which features are most important for your work.

In this guide, we&#;ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect welding table for your shop.

1. Table Size and Workspace Requirements

The first thing to consider when selecting a welding table is its size. Your table should comfortably fit within your shop space while allowing you to work on your projects without feeling cramped.

• Small Shops: If space is limited, a compact or portable welding table may be the best option. Consider models like Siegmund&#;s smaller System 16 tables, which offer modular flexibility without taking up too much room.

• Larger Shops: For larger operations, you may want a more expansive table that can handle bigger projects. Tables like the Siegmund System 28 provide ample space for large assemblies and complex projects.

Take measurements of your available workspace and consider the maximum size of workpieces you'll be welding to ensure your table meets these requirements.

2. Modular vs. Static Welding Tables

Modular welding tables, like the ones offered by Siegmund, allow for greater flexibility, enabling you to configure the table to fit different projects. Static tables are more rigid in their design but may be suitable for specific tasks that don&#;t require reconfiguration.

• Modular Tables: Modular tables offer a grid of pre-drilled holes, allowing for easy attachment of clamps, stops, and other fixturing accessories. This adaptability makes them ideal for shops that handle a variety of projects with different requirements. They also reduce setup times by allowing you to reuse the same fixtures in different configurations.

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• Static Tables: These tables are more suitable for shops that consistently work on the same types of projects. They are generally more affordable but lack the versatility of modular systems.

3. Surface Hardness and Durability

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Choosing a table with anti-corrosion features can save you from costly maintenance or replacements in the future.

5. Weight Capacity and Stability

Your table&#;s weight capacity is another critical factor. For heavy-duty projects, you&#;ll need a table that can support the weight of both the workpieces and any additional equipment, like fixtures and clamps. Siegmund tables are designed with high load capacities and feature reinforced frames for maximum stability.

Ensure that your table has adjustable legs or leveling feet to keep it stable, especially if your shop floor is uneven.

6. Fixturing and Accessories

Consider the range of fixturing tools and accessories that are compatible with your welding table. Siegmund&#;s modular welding tables offer a vast selection of fixturing accessories, including clamps, stops, and angle brackets. These allow for greater control over positioning and improve the precision of your welds.

The ability to quickly switch between accessories ensures your table can be adapted to different tasks with minimal downtime, making it a smart choice for busy workshops.

Conclusion

Choosing the right welding table for your shop depends on several factors, including the size of your workspace, the type of projects you handle, and your need for durability and flexibility. Siegmund welding tables, with their modular design, superior surface hardness, and corrosion-resistant coatings, are an excellent investment for professionals seeking long-term performance and precision.

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