Frame Table

[komelika]

I'm close to getting started on my cuda, but I still need a frame table. I intended to build it out of wood to keep cost down and just dismantle it when I no longer needed it, but then I thought why not just build a table out of Metal and keep it for a welding table when I am done. I need it to be small to keep cost down and for ease of storing. I'm thinking 3'Wx4'Lx24"T on castors with a 1/4" plate for the work surface and an expanded metal lower shelf for storage. Just called to get a price quote for the plate and I'm looking @ about $130 for the material including a $10 cut fee. So I'm guessing around $200 to build the table vs. probably $60 to build it out of wood. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[fabr]

have you decided what car you'll build? i'd suggest making it large enough to allow the entire lower cage to be on it. Orrrrr.............

[SPEC]

We have a thread for the ultimate build table


http://dtsfab.com/index/index.php?topic=208.0
 

[komelika]

Awesome table spec! Very impressive, but light years out of my league and budget.

This is along the lines of what I am thinking. Not exactly, but close enough.

http://zeroreality.com/welding/equipment/1/table.jpg

[fabr]

Just make it aslarge a your base frame.

[komelika]

I hear ya. Looking through the build logs on the barracuda I have seen some small tables. I think 3'x4' will be plenty big, but I will go through the plans and get some measurements.

[Nutz4sand]

http://dtsfab.com/index/index.php?topic=1607.msg35736#msg35736

Might ask that guy. Rumor is hes made a Cuda or two on that table.... lol

[Hammerworks]

24" seems kinda low.

To make it take a part,make a frame for the top,weld short lenghts of tube to the four corners,make legs(more tube but smaller) slide into the four corner tubes,nuts on bottom of tube,bolt in nut to allow adjustment.

[Lance-W]

Actually on a Barracuda as long as you have a way to build the base frame flat (the square tube part) you'll be ok.  After that you just build up from that frame.  The only time you reference the bottom surface is to locate things like shock mounts, etc. for that part you can just clamp a straight edge to the bottom to give you a reference where you need it.  A bigger table is nice to pile all the parts on while your building it though

[Nutz4sand]

Another idea another buggier (Names Magnum) showed me that I would copy if I already did not have a large table is pictured below. I still may change my top to be like this.

Its 2 inch square tubes with gaps so he can put "C" clamps thru it. You need to make sure this part is made flat of course.

The table top sits on one of those ATV jacks so he can raise or lower it. Then when done he can pop the table top off and lay it against the wall. A GOOD ATV jack could later be used to hold the Cuda off the ground for storage or work too.


The last pic is a good budget table. But floor level working can be tough. But it could be raised easy.

[Boostinjdm]

24" is a good height to build on.  It's only low when working on flat stuff.  So once your base frame is done, it will be just the right height for everything else.  Nobody wants to carry around a fookin step stool to reach the top of stuff.  My saw horses I work on are 24" and I love 'em.

[fabr]

I'd agree. My rotisserie is usually at approx 22-24" but I amshort of 6' by about 6".

[Doug Heim]

My table is 4' X 7'. I built it when the 1/2" steel plate on top cost me $200. That is cheap in todays steel prices. The cart in the link above is only 2.5' X 4' and I use it to finish off the Cuda chassis while making room on the main table for another chassis. I trustthat my cart alone would be big enough to build a cuda on. Use Lances advice on the flat bar clamped to the bottom.

No worries!

[Hammerworks]

24" is a good height to build on.  It's only low when working on flat stuff.  So once your base frame is done, it will be just the right height for everything else.  Nobody wants to carry around a fookin step stool to reach the top of stuff.  My saw horses I work on are 24" and I love 'em.

Yes but he wants to use it as a welding table when done,is your general work bench 24" high?

If you make the legs like i mentioned,you can have two sets of legs(which is just tubing)and switch back and forth.

[fabr]

24" is great to weld while seated. Personally I'd prefer it.