Hello neighbor, in Bellevue.
Been working on my welding table remodel.
It's been a long project, primarily because I've been waiting for that Mag Drill to come.
Since I've never used one (or even something with an annular cutter) I just practiced. The big hole is 1 1/16" and that's 1/2" thick plate. Like butter.
First "in anger" job was to fill some of the original holes that supported the welding table planks. Recall that originally the 6"x36"x1/2" planks were spaced apart with 1.5" between them. Part of this remodel is to remove those gaps and then hole "StrongHand" style 3/8" holes.
Filling these 5/8" diameter holes was not strictly needed because the 3/8" angle iron has plenty of meat, but some of the new holes were dangerously closed to overlapping. I first used the right sized bit (3/4"?) that had a 5/8" ID to generate some slugs:
Then some weldment and grinding.
With that done, I used the mag drill to drill new holes.
Math is hard.
I strategically elongated some of the holes because when I built this thing I wasn't very accurate. Each plank is slightly different. The good news is the design provides enough flexibility that I was able to get everything aligned in all axes.
This is still a test fit as I have to disassemble everything to mount the plasma grate...and I am considering painting the frame. But I'm now even more confident that I can make all this work with a table that is square enough for the type of work I'm currently doing. If I mature to the point where I need more accuracy it will trivial to either just buy a StrongHand (or other) pre-made top, or even get something laser-cut custom and then mount it using a technique that does not cause warping.
Next step in the remodel is to put my vise in a better location. Now that I have two hefty vises (and many real vices) I no longer think I need the one on the welding table to be easily removable. Also, since I made the table taller, the vise is slightly too high. The hitch receiver also puts it too far to the center.
...and, since I condensed the planks, removing the gaps, I have room for activities on this end of the table.
...and, this will make the overall length of the table about 8" shorter which will make it easier for me to store the thing.
Using some leftover 6"x1/2" plate I am fabricating a mount. Did I mention plasma cutting is fun?!?
I'll weld those two pieces together, weld the plate to the table frame, and tap holes for the bolts that hold the vise down.
After I attach the plasma grate and re-assemble the top, I'll drill the grid of 3/8" "StrongHand" style holes.
