I need a (roughly) 4’x8’ table for home brewed hot rod stuff and general fab. I’d like a fairly precession table top that ideally has a protective coating. I’m considering buying 3 of the DIY 53" x 30" plates and building a nice long frame to hold it all together. This seems like the most cost effective way to build a really high quality table. I’m thinking that the table frame may need to be beefed up a bit at that span. Like 2"x4" instead of 1"x2" Any pointers or concerns?
Yes anything is possible. One easy way to get the extra support is to add some legs. This will add the extra strength and help with frame deflection and calibration. Substituting 1x2 tubing for some solid bar could work well on the longer rib sections. That would be the simplest way to keep the overall design and keep it easy to assemble with the clip straps. But I don’t see a problem with going with larger material like 1x3 or 1x4. You’ll have to come up with something clever to attach the plate to the frame. Some longer bolts and a flat bar with 2 holes in the ends could work as a substitute.
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Thank you, Jason. I like that idea. I’ll likely go with 1"x3" or 1"x4" and make up my own straps. Is there CAD or prints of the plates available anywhere? I’d like to start modeling my frame setup while I wait for the plates.
We don’t currently have a cad model available yet. But the photo on the website can help deduct information to start your model.
Thank you! Time to make an order!
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Keep us updated on the progress
Got my order in and making my model. What size are the threaded holes? I’m guessing 5/16-18?
3/8-16
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Here’s what I’ve got so far… I’ll need to add some more beams for the bottom shelf, but you get the idea
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Looks great. It will be cool to see it finished. You might need a 3rd leg on the long side if it feels a bit bouncy.
Here’s what I came up with… 4”x1”x.125” tubing for the main frame 2”x2” and 4”x4”x.250” angle iron for the rest. Ultra sturdy, tune able with work tops that can be flipped. 54”x 90” of total work area. I’m somewhere around $4k into it. I think this is about the cheapest way possible to get something this large and flat.
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Nice Table! It turned out really professional.
Looks nice!
wow, looks great, thank you for the updates
I have also been working on building a table using three of these plates. I stuck with the 2x1 .120 wall tube and built the outsides in more of a truss style for added strength. Figured if it feels wobbly I can do the same thing to some of the inside supports as well. I cut out plates for the adjustable leg castors on the plasma table. Going to add power outlets on all 4 corners and some paint.
I also still need to add lower leg supports between each leg.
Looks great!
I wish I would have done this, I’m still drilling on mine! Just finished another big project and rounded up some rectangle tubing off that old plow, may start on the frame here before long.