Hello, so I found an insane deal for only $3000.00! Its a 6’ x 20’ x 1 1/2" welding table that was rescued from a defense manufacturing building. Its not blanchard flat but pretty dang close based on my 60" flat bar. So my question is which model fixture template should i get? I was thinking 5/8" but the lady on the phone told me their most size is 3/4"… any suggestions and why would be appreciated. The main use will be chassis building. Maybe im just being lazy and like the idea of drilling out all these holes in 5/8 instead of 3/4? Thanks
Wow that’s a lot of holes. 2" centers?
Yes 2 inch centers. Yes… a lot of holes…
3/4 is the correct choice. 5/8 has no benefit
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If your table top is 1 1/2" thick you will not be able to use the tacking bolts for the fixtures as they are made for a maximum 1" thick table. @Fireball_Jason correct me if I am wrong.
Do you run a machine shop? Do you have a Bridgeport (or equivalent) vertical milling machine?
Is the table really 1.5 inches thick all over? Or just at the edges with the middle (hopefully) just an inch?
@mbswelding Correct. The maximum clamping range is 2.125". 3/4 bolts could be substituted but bolts aren’t very convenient for everyday use.
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If you want it accurate for chassis work, send it out to have the holes put in with a CNC. You’ll still be way money ahead, and won’t have to worry about compounding errors over such a long distance.
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you could also press out the two drill bushings where you are using the tacking bolts counter bore it and press in shorter drill bushings if the clamping range is 2 1/8 and the jig is 1" and the table is 1.5" well you get the idea yes some will be lost but in the end will it render the hole lay out unusable it’s a cheap solution that you could test try either way you got a 6’x20’ surface your drilling a bunch of holes 