Welding bench mk2

[Spark plug]

I'm thinking about building a new bench as the one I made a few years back a couple of probloems.

Basically a 8'x4' 6mm sheet with a 50x50x3 SHS frame, sat on two tressles. It isn't particularly flat and the frame comes right to the edge witch sometimes makes clamping difficult. Also it is difficult to move around, especially on my own and all the space underneath is mostly wasted.

So I'm planning another, the plan at present is 70x70x5 SHS frame with a 2mx1mx10mm top plate with storage cupboards / drawers underneath. All sitting on 4 castors.

I've learnt a lot from the mistakes I made with the first one, but I'm unsure how well a bench will work on casters? has anyone tried putting a bench on casters? And any other thorts / ideas I should take into account.

 

[gav0994]

I had an 8x4 bench on casters when I shared a workshop with a neighbour. It worked well as we had a pretty smooth, level concrete floor.

Get the heaviest duty ones you can. We had cheap ones to begin with and they didn't stand much. Changed to 150kg rated ones with bearings and good rubber banded wheels - made a massive difference.

 

[500e]

Love movable bench\cupboards but found locking castors were a pain we finished up making cam bars that lifted the wheels off the ground (like the F1 quick lift jacks) this allowed you to use the vice on the bench with out it moving, some were on 6 castors others have 2 fixed 2 castor, mate has done the same with his large band saw allows him to push it back against wall in between 2 other machines. on the concrete polished floor he used 2x 4inch ball races as wheels & a single wheel at front a bit like a caravan mover thing'y

 

[Spark plug]

The chances are it won't be moved that much but will make life mutch easier, especially when working on vehicles in the workshop.

 

[Spark plug]

This is the castors that I have been looking at:

http://www.bearingboys.co.uk/100DR4...al_Castor_-_Swivel_4_Bolt_Hole_Braked-11849-p

 

[500e]

Have used these people
http://www.mendipcastors.co.uk/
Think seriously about how to stop it moving about

 

[Spark plug]

Think seriously about how to stop it moving about

I won't be putting a vice on it, it will only be used as a bench to fabricate on and assemble and disassemble on.

Done some quich maths and it looking like it will be around 500kg so don't think it will wander unintentionally. But I had a thort, if it dose prove to be a nuisance I was thinking about putting a big adjustable machine foot in each corner and jacking it up off it wheels.

 

[gav0994]

Just to add to my earlier post above. Having casters fitted was great...all 4 were locking which helped...but a real pain if using the vice for bending flat bar etc. The table would move about a bit. Consider having a vice on a separate fixed post bolted to the floor if possible.

*I didn't type quick enough...you beat me to it re the vice!

 

[Spark plug]

I know its takeing me some time to get round to the bench but I'm planning (at the moment) to go for steel next week.

I know ware I'm at with the frame but I'm pondering the best way to fab some drawers to go inside. the drawers will be approx 600mm wide and 600-800mm deep. I was thinking for simplicity useing 50x50x3mm angle to make a frame and some sheet in the bottom, possibly 2mm and maybe some 25x3mm stiffeners welded underneath. But I'm open to suggestions?

 

[Spark plug]

Just been looking at heavy duty drawer runners these thing ain't cheep for good ones like these:

http://www.eurofitdirect.co.uk/heav...e=GoogleBase&gclid=CKnE_dDSys8CFcaVGwodM2wGkw

Anyone know of any better / cheaper alternatives?

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

I've built a bench on castors, and I'd do it again with some slight changes. I'd make it so when you have the bench in position you could use leveling feet to take weight of castors, and then when you need to move you can drop it back in the castors. That may not make any sense, if I can find a picture I'll send one on here

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

Nothing to do with me. Just a similar idea to what I mention. Many ways to do the same thing. I found my castors took a beating when left in on position.

 

[Spark plug]

Yeah I think it would be wise to have screw down feet for times when there is heavy work to do.

 

[ukracer]

Love movable bench\cupboards but found locking castors were a pain we finished up making cam bars that lifted the wheels off the ground (like the F1 quick lift jacks)

You got any photos of these..

 

[dazza]

Will probably do something like this on my welding bench, only one jack on each side though as it will be smaller.

I spent ages making my workbench movable but its only only 200kg to 250kg.

 

[Kent]

I'm thinking about building a new bench as the one I made a few years back a couple of probloems.

Basically a 8'x4' 6mm sheet with a 50x50x3 SHS frame, sat on two tressles. It isn't particularly flat and the frame comes right to the edge witch sometimes makes clamping difficult. Also it is difficult to move around, especially on my own and all the space underneath is mostly wasted.

So I'm planning another, the plan at present is 70x70x5 SHS frame with a 2mx1mx10mm top plate with storage cupboards / drawers underneath. All sitting on 4 castors.

I've learnt a lot from the mistakes I made with the first one, but I'm unsure how well a bench will work on casters? has anyone tried putting a bench on casters? And any other thorts / ideas I should take into account.

I built my big fixture bench on casters but they are railed off the ground unless it has to be moved
10 mm top has worked out fine ( mine is lazercut with 16 mm holes)
One thing I like is I can level the bench to the bubble on any floor - so I raise the castors clean off the ground on m20 adjuster legs
Got some make do storage under but glad I didn't go for drawers from.the get go - because they will interfere with access to fixtures on the underside

 

[Kent]

The thread on my build with plans is on the forum some place if your interested

 

[Spark plug]

I've been steel shopping today and surprise surprise I got carried away because I don't want to do it again.

The frame is now going to be 80x80x6 , with 1mm on top. Sounds like adjustable feet to take the weight off the castors will be handy.

Hopefully cutting steel tomorrow.

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

80×80 bloody hell you'll need planning permission for it!

 

[Spark plug]

80×80 bloody hell you'll need planning permission for it!

This will be the second time I've built a welding bench and I hope it the last.