{"id":340,"date":"2021-09-19T08:51:06","date_gmt":"2021-09-19T08:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/?p=340"},"modified":"2021-10-15T15:24:27","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T15:24:27","slug":"welding-without-a-table-2-alternatives-that-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/welding-without-a-table-2-alternatives-that-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Welding Without A Table: 2 Alternatives That Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Some say a welder without a welding table is as futile as a pen without paper. However, that is not the case, because human creativity has no bounds and there are always alternatives. Now, since you clicked on this article, I\u2019ll briefly answer your concern which is-<strong> \u2018can I weld without a table?\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You can weld on the floor or you can place a metal sheet on a wooden bench and weld on that. Although it is recommended you buy a proper welding table as that will provide you the best stability when welding.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/welding-without-a-table-2-alternatives-that-work.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/welding-without-a-table-2-alternatives-that-work.jpg 900w, https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/welding-without-a-table-2-alternatives-that-work-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/welding-without-a-table-2-alternatives-that-work-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, I will try to explain if you can weld without a proper welding table, the alternatives that you can use, and why it might not be such a worthwhile idea. You\u2019ll also learn how to make your very own welding table for cheap. So, to learn more, keep on reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is A Welding Table Necessary For Welding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have seen the short answer I provided that must have given you a hint that yeah, indeed there are alternatives for it. Moreover, I still would like to argue that, despite there being ways to handle welding without a table, it still may not always be the ideal option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To think of it analogically, there\u2019s always plenty of ways to stuff a turkey during thanksgiving, and certainly using a shoehorn may not be the best way to do so even if it may be effective. Now, I also understand that money, space and many other factors may arise that might make you look for alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it is justifiable for you to look for other ways or manage other platforms to weld on. I still would like you to give it some consideration and think of things in a way that favors you into buying a welding table instead. Nevertheless, the choices will always be open to you but it still doesn\u2019t hurt to know a bit more about the much safer and wiser option out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Now let\u2019s talk about why a welding table is necessary and how having one may make things more convenient. Thus, without further ado, let\u2019s just jump into it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits To Tave Welding Table <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Welding made easier<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be quite the trouble having to stand or sit crouched for hours and hours on several instances. This can affect your back and make your muscles sore. A lot of times you will come out of your garage or workspace, sipping in a few beers and telling yourself how much a welding table could come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why a welding table is necessary as it brings in comfort and makes it less cumbersome for you to be flexible from a certain height. If you\u2019re not welding on a table it will just make you feel inconvenient and your welding performance will also get affected if there\u2019s comfort at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Personal safety at stake<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Welding tables that are sturdy and stable will not only make your welding more profound but will also keep you safe. They will also certainly keep you alert and reduce certain welding hazards. Welding on a wobbly chair\/table can certainly spell disaster if a small misstep takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, you do not want to know how disastrous and serious some welding equipment injuries can get. However, I still would suggest you give a few articles a read. Here\u2019s a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arnolditkin.com\/personal-injury-blog\/2019\/august\/flash-burn-welding-accidents\/\"><u>link<\/u><\/a>.<br><strong>Designed for welding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welding tables are exactly what their name stands for and much more. They are extremely reliable and certainly have what it takes to withstand the toughest of welding jobs without giving in. Their services will be with you for a long time with little to no maintenance or severe repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welding tables are a long-term investment that will make your welding activities a lot easier and safer. When it comes to both safety and convenience, they are surely a bang for your buck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Portability<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many welding tables are specially curated to be taken anywhere you want them to be. This makes it easier for you to weld with the same table both at work and at home anytime. They can easily fit in the back seat or perhaps the trunk of your car and you can carry them around with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, they are the perfect fit for narrower workshops where space is limited. They are indeed a lifesaver depending on situations where space is compromised. This including how lightweight and compact they can come in their shapes and size truly makes them a worthy bang for your buck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>This is a section that is entirely my personal opinion. The alternatives I have chosen are just as effective and to some extent just as safe with the right precautions. There\u2019s no stress to buying a table if you\u2019re not really up for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Alternatives Of Welding On Table <\/strong>Let\u2019s stop the chit-chat about why welding tables are necessary now. This section is for those of you who are still not convinced enough to get themselves a welding table. Although I may ask you to give welding tables a shot, you can still make do with these alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welding without a table is very much possible and to some extent extremely functional. In this section, I will be discussing the 2 other ways it can be done. These alternatives come with their respective issues as well. There is a reason why welding tables are so popular. However, I would like to discuss them anyway, in case you don\u2019t want to use a welding table or don\u2019t have access to one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Welding On The Floor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, this is something that a lot of hobbyist welders do. Welding on the floor is a cheap, effortless, and pretty effective alternative. However, there\u2019s a bit more to that rather than straight-up simplicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you see not all floors may just be suitable for you to weld on. For example, unpolished dry wood floors would be the last surface you would want to weld on. They can easily catch fire as welding requires melting to take place and much more. Now, again you wouldn\u2019t want to mess up the flooring of your own home or other\u2019s property, would you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welding on the floor can only be viable if it\u2019s done on the concrete or tiled floor with a few exceptions and adjustments made to it. Listen carefully as I proceed on this section, if you think you dig the idea of welding on the concrete floor of your garage or basement then be attentive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welding on a naked flat concrete floor may not be the wisest as concrete can explode if too much heat is transferred in an instant. This is indefinite as the steam from the <a href=\"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/is-arc-welding-hard-a-guide-for-beginners\/\">arc of your welding<\/a> unit can house a build-up of steam through holes in the concrete leading to an explosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Directly welding on concrete can cause the arc to be stuck on the concrete floor. At times your cables may even get damaged if you&#8217;re not careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best solution to fight these hazards is to use a sustainable sheet of material to put the welding materials on. You would also need to properly ground your cables and stuff as to not damage the welding kits or cause shocks. Sheets of plywood, fire bricks, and thick metal can get the job done without much harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sheets must be well insulated so as to not let the heat escape through the concrete which can result in cold welds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other than that welding on concrete, tiled floors can also be quite the alternative as it can get the job done and certainly save you a lot of money. Just make sure to properly clamp the grounding and avoid damaging your floor by using an additional proper sheet on its even surface. Try doing some more advanced research on this alternative if you\u2019re interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Welding On A Wooden Bench<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Welding on a wooden workbench can be done as long as there\u2019s proper grounding and a sheet of steel present on it. Wooden workbenches with wooden top framings can be a fire hazard as too much heat can cause fire on them and you wouldn\u2019t want to deal with fire in your garage or basement trust me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, the best way to make welding on wooden benchwork is through making some adjustments and having precautions. For starters, always have a dated fire extinguisher near you and wear respirators at all times. Sometimes the heat can be high enough to make the wood smell or smoke which isn\u2019t good to be directly inhaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In case a fire does spread you can always use an extinguisher. However, they are still not quite the solution, the best way to fool-proof your workbench is by adding a 2mm thick steel frame on top of it, a sheet where you will exclusively weld at. This will make the workbench a lot more durable and a few tweaks can indefinitely give you a proper workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just be creative and do some DIY stuff to turn your wooden workbench into a proper welding bench. You can even reach out to your local carpenters to make it for you with a little pay. Many garage welders have done it and they certainly give their word for it when it comes to its effectiveness. Do give it a shot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should You Weld Without A Welding Table?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve understood by now that welding without a welding table will cost more than what you are planning to save. They are definitely worth every penny and there is no better alternative to them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Strong-Hand-Tools-Welding-TS3020\/dp\/B000VH805Y?&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=welderacademy-20&amp;linkId=44b9b50e9d8aeeaa4454859e5e9a952e&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_il\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B000VH805Y&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=welderacademy-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\" width=\"311\" height=\"311\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you can manage the cost, go for a good quality welding table like the <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Strong-Hand-Tools-Welding-TS3020\/dp\/B000VH805Y?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=welderacademy-20&amp;linkId=51b514d0522d108ec4791acb13fb93c6&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Nomad Welding Table<\/strong><\/a><\/u><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Strong-Hand-Tools-Welding-TS3020\/dp\/B000VH805Y?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=welderacademy-20&amp;linkId=51b514d0522d108ec4791acb13fb93c6&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">. <\/a><\/strong>It is foldable, lightweight, and very portable. And it will do a lot of good for your welding and you back than welding on the floor or something as low height as a bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also go for a DIY route and build yourself a welding table for cheap. If you have the tools available and experience with building stuff then I would recommend that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Make A Welding Table?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are reading this article, then you are either just curious or don\u2019t want to spend money buying a welding table. If you\u2019re the latter then this section is for you. You can very cheaply and easily make a welding table for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First things first, I know how some of you may feel a little uneasy thinking about DIY projects but this can be a fun project. If you\u2019re a fan of welding then consider this as more of a pet project. You can gain a lot of experience and have a good practice, not to forget the satisfaction that may come with the end result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hence, if you\u2019re too stressed out, I would ask you to pull your chin up and get some adrenaline rush flowing through you to consider giving this project a shot. Hence, now I\u2019ll be simply naming the factors that you will need to consider when building your welding table and what you\u2019ll be needing. Give all these careful considerations and a thorough read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Gather your tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For starters any DIY table crafting projects usually require you to use nails, nuts, saw, hammer, level, square, grinder, screws, and your welding machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a><\/a> For cutting purposes, you can always choose plasma cutters or waterjet depending on what you\u2019re planning to cut. Most of these tools might already be present in your toolbox. You can always buy newer tools from a shop nearby or just borrow a toolbox from a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Choosing the materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What do you want your welding table to be made of? Have you researched your way into what metals you will be using? Are you planning to use wood by any chance? Think this section through according to your budget and research. Seek counsel regarding the best materials, or you can simply choose what most DIY projects do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A thick sheet of steel for the top base and iron metal for supports are usually the most common options. Any local hardware stores have these steel sheets in stock and also metals of a different variety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Choosing the dimensions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Something you\u2019ll have to decide according to your workspace size and portability. If you want a compact and small welding table then obviously you\u2019ll need smaller sheets of metal. If it\u2019s a big ridgid table you are aiming for then your dimensions will have to be a lot bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These will cost you a bit more so it\u2019s up to you to decide how you want it to be. Always decide the dimensions and the planning of the table probably in a blueprint to decide on how much metal you are willing to cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make welds you should use carbon steel as thick as 3\/8 inches and use iron metal for legs cut and welded according to the height of your table. Once the dimensions have been finalized the immediate step is to cut them. Cut the materials with close attention and caution. You can also choose to have them cut at a home center though it may cost you a bit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever you do, do it according to your budget and time limitations. After cutting, removing slags, cleaning, and grinding the edges are the next steps to be followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Choosing the number of supports<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The legs of your table are going to be an important element of providing stability and rigidity. Hence they will need to be chosen according to how much your top half of the table weighs and how big it is. You will need to cut the legs according to your height preference of the table and minus it from the height of tabletop thickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have prepared the legs, just weld them evenly and properly. Do it so in a way that holds them upright and gives them sufficient flatness. A very important aspect of whole DIY projects. Be careful on this part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>Though this is more of an optional step, you can always weld additional stuff onto your tables such as shelves or support braces. These can help add more utility factors to the table while also providing reinforced support. Something to give a thought towards<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>And that pretty much covers all that I had to say about <strong>welding without a table<\/strong>. To sum it up, buying or making a welding table of your own will be your best bet. Welding on the floor or adding a sheet to a wooden bench might work, but they still pose some discomfort or danger that make it very unnecessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, as long as you\u2019re cool with the compromises then the alternatives I mentioned will work for welding. But I\u2019d still recommend you get a decent welding table for ensuring the highest comfort while welding. I thank you for staying here in this article with me and I wish you all the best ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some say a welder without a welding table is as futile as a pen without paper. However, that is not the case, because human creativity has no bounds and there<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":393,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/340"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=340"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/340\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":508,"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/340\/revisions\/508"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/welderacademy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}