# How does someone New to Fabrication use the Fireball Table System? **URL:** \ **Category:** Fixture Tables\ **Created:** [July 25, 2024, 11:47pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768 "2024-07-25T23:47:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Fireball\_Jason](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/user_avatar/fireball.discourse.group/fireball_jason/32/52_2.png) [@Fireball\_Jason](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball_Jason)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 11:47pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/1 "2024-07-25T23:47:28Z")
I recently released a [video](https://fireballtool.com/pages/exclusive-video-content) where I had the opportunity to teach my son, Jett, how to use Fireball tools. Because he’s new to fabrication, we were able to break down all the steps in using the Fireball table system (and show how easy it is to use) in order to continue working on the Sci-Fi office railing. ![I taught my son how to use Fireball Tools](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/3/3678f7f1d35c75d6e1a29391bf2ce3e0e91dabc1.jpeg) #### **Getting Started: Setting Up for Success** Our mission was to fabricate a section of guardrail, and to ensure Jett’s success, we needed to carefully plan and set up our workspace. The key is to identify and position all the necessary parts accurately. Jett’s new to the game of saw cutting, and precision isn’t guaranteed. ![Concept art of the Sci-Fi office railing](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/1/1c440a299247b83a8d98b03ee82154f427cd3211.jpeg) Fortunately, Jett has a few advantages: a fixture table and a fixture map. This fixture map leveled the playing field, and guided him through the setup process. I walked Jett through this setup, so we would end up with a perfect railing. ![The Fireball Fixture Map of this project](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/3/3327be19c536e110bdb1b503b27f0aa0d45232ac.jpeg) #### **Extending the Table Surface** We began by tackling the most complicated piece of the project: the long section of railing. To accommodate this, we needed to extend our table surface using a Dragon Wagon. It was a perfect match in width to our main Magnum table. ![Extending the Fireball Table with a Dragon Wagon](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/1/192d8c2dc25e74909e63c799da235de1b90ea3fe.jpeg) Instead of our usual method of bolting tables through the sides, we used a top-down approach for this temporary setup. With the Dragon Wagon adjusted to match the height of the Magnum table, we were ready to move forward. ![The Fireball Riser block helps align two tables and join them](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/d/d888e51c96354680fdf1842d040b5bd8536a22fc.jpeg) #### **Using the Fixture Map** With our workspace set, we turned to the fixture map. This map included a coordinate system with numbers and letters corresponding to holes on the table. By following this system, Jett was able to place the fixture components accurately. ![This is the Fireball Fence Block Fixture](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/4/448952339ee245f343385639f9b50ed5123c56d3.jpeg) For instance, a fence block was placed at row four, grid B. Jett simply needed to follow the map to position these blocks correctly. This system simplified the process, making it easier for someone new to the craft. ![Jett places the fence blocks in the Fireball table according to the fixture map](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/9/938968c634773d8ee152b8e47fbf2ab584085ae3.jpeg) #### **Advanced Techniques: Using Tooth Blocks** Next up was positioning components that didn’t align with the grid, like our offset railing parts. For these, we used tooth blocks. Each block was adjustable by eighth-inch and sixteenth-inch increments, allowing precise placement. ![The Fireball Fixture Map tells us exactly where to place the tooth block](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/a/aeb63df3b6269d9d27b9ddbd4b8e6c3a2effb716.jpeg) Jett positioned these tooth blocks based on their specific coordinates and extensions, a task made easier by the fixture map. This system proved useful because it provided detailed instructions that most other fixture tables lacked. ![The tooth block is set up in the correct place on the Fireball Dragon Wagon Table](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/2/2a6ec913fa748fe4c9135a67176288a773a29796.jpeg) #### **Fine-Tuning and Adjustments** If Jett kept all the material directly on the table, there is a risk of it getting spatter on it, plus its more difficult to weld fully around the edges. Using magnetic shim blocks of varying thicknesses, he lifted the workpiece off the table, preventing welds from being short or sticking to the table. ![The Fireball magnetic Shims are an excellent tool for elevating work off of a table](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/f/fe4661b9345a449b03709ce72ca5620adef953ae.jpeg) Jett applied clamps carefully, ensuring they were placed over the shims to prevent bending. We inspected the alignment and made necessary adjustments, such as replacing a part that was cut slightly short. This process highlighted the importance of precision in fabrication. ![With everything shimmed and clamped, Jett had some gaps in his material he would have to weld](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/5/50c1a75a51b7503cfae8620a7fc8cace576912a6.jpeg) #### **Welding: The Final Step** With everything in place, it was time for Jett to start welding. I reminded him to ground the welder correctly to avoid damaging the table and to follow a specific welding sequence. This approach minimizes spatter and ensured the welds were solid and clean. ![Placing plate steel under a weld prevents spatter and preserves the table](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/9/9754616d0017596e42d9bb38e381163e11514704.jpeg) Jett’s work on the fixture table allowed him to focus on perfecting his welding skills without worrying about parts shifting. The fixture table held everything in place, so Jett could concentrate on making strong, accurate welds. ![Precision welding on the Fireball Fixture Table](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/a/a8ca0edccc49d0927af27d4f4e2560c2e28ae693.jpeg) #### **Reflecting on the Process** As we reviewed Jett’s work, it became clear that using modern tools like fixture tables made a significant difference, especially for beginners. Jett’s ability to focus on his welding skills, rather than worrying about part alignment, demonstrated the value of these tools in both educational and professional settings. ![The welds were pretty pretty good](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/c/ced80ba3698754ae91dd0af9c052f4ec983f182e.jpeg) #### **Looking Forward** The next steps involved moving blocks and finalizing the setup for the remaining parts of the railing. Jett’s confidence grew as he followed the fixture map, and he was excited to see the finished product. ![Jett's hard work pays off in fabricating the sci-fi railing](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/uploads/fireball/original/2X/4/467b706857dd2abd786eef0131d3ec7592e7889e.jpeg) For educators and learners interested in fabrication, fixturing, and welding, I offer a [series of videos](https://fireballtool.com/pages/exclusive-video-content) to support their curriculum. I invite everyone reading this to continue the discussion, keep asking questions, and we will continue to learn more about fabrication together. Jason ---
**Author:** ![Knick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Knick](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Knick)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 1:02am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/2 "2024-07-26T01:02:02Z")
Please tell me he has been welding for awhile? ---
**Author:** ![Knick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Knick](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Knick)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 1:03am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/3 "2024-07-26T01:03:29Z")
Jason do you think you will ever do a video of using the fixture map in CAD? I would like to see how you go about it. ---
**Author:** ![Fireball\_Jason](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/user_avatar/fireball.discourse.group/fireball_jason/32/52_2.png) [@Fireball\_Jason](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball_Jason)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 1:16am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/4 "2024-07-26T01:16:30Z")
He’s just now showing interest in fabrication. ---
**Author:** ![Fireball\_Jason](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/user_avatar/fireball.discourse.group/fireball_jason/32/52_2.png) [@Fireball\_Jason](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball_Jason)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 1:17am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/5 "2024-07-26T01:17:36Z")
Yes I’ll gladly do a demonstration video on how I do a fixture map. Do you use 3D or 2d cad? ---
**Author:** ![Knick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Knick](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Knick)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 1:57am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/6 "2024-07-26T01:57:06Z")
Fusion ---
**Author:** ![Fireball\_Jason](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/user_avatar/fireball.discourse.group/fireball_jason/32/52_2.png) [@Fireball\_Jason](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball_Jason)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 2:09am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/7 "2024-07-26T02:09:50Z")
Ok great, I’ll add this topic to my long video list. ---
**Author:** ![Scratch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/user_avatar/fireball.discourse.group/scratch/32/2105_2.png) [@Scratch](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Scratch)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 2:56am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/8 "2024-07-26T02:56:20Z")
You should remind him how lucky he is to have access to your table, (and your tools) he’s definitely got a jumpstart in the fabrication game with access to your shop. I hope he stays interested in it. His welds look pretty good too! ---
**Author:** ![Knick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Knick](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Knick)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2024, 4:57pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/how-does-someone-new-to-fabrication-use-the-fireball-table-system/2768/9 "2024-07-28T16:57:03Z")
> [@Fireball\_Jason](#): > > I’ll add this topic to my long video list. Thanks I am sure you could make videos all day long if you had the time!