Hi Jason, Everyone…
Sorry to bother. Jason, I love your DragonWagon Tables but they are a bit out of my price range. At the moment I am considering a Texas Metal Works vs BuildPro table. I am definitely using some of FireBall Fixtures; Amazing!
The “Texas Metal Works” table is very flat and seems like a tank but has a thinner top that they swear won’t deform from clamping, etc. (and I believe them). The TMW table allows me a bit more surface area for the price and can expand later if need be. The owners, John and Kirk have been fantastic with answering my questions.
The BuildPro looks like you can adjust the table slabs to widen if need be. Thicker top. 5/8" fixturing which is easier to find and a bit cheaper than 16mm. Thicker top. Not sure about the stability of the leg system… Trick-Tools has also been great with answering questions.
I’ve had the luxury of using and testing every welding fixture table style, I’ve even made some that I have never shown on camera before. I can tell you one thing. I wouldn’t spend my money on a 1/4 table top in this price range. Did TMW tell you how flat the table is? I didn’t see any specs in the description. I’m sure others here can chime in with their experiences with a 1/4 top. I can share more reasons why I wouldn’t if you have more questions.
I would get the Buildpro over the TMW. It’s machined and flat. Tooling fits well with the machined holes. I’ve had a table with the gaps in the plates and it was frustrating at times with parts falling through and the tooling always seems to land on a gap. You’ll be happier with a full table.
Have you thought about The Fireball Maverick DIY Table? It’s 54’‘x54’’ Full and machined ground plate with Dragon scale. The calibration screws are so handy to calibrate the table flatter then the TMW or the Buildpro. You can save some cash and assemble it yourself. Make the base or frame the way you want. Make shelves or store a toolbox under the table. At 1900.00 bucks its a cheaper and larger then both the tables listed. You can also flip the plate over if it takes damage to the surface. The Maverick table is expandable to if you desire a larger surface in the future. Ultimately having a fixture table is a game changer.
TMW is implying that it meets NASA standards the way that they construct their tables. They use A50 steel which I guess is much stronger than the Certiflat steel? The BuildPro states + - .004".
The Dragon Wagon is really appealing to me. If I were to spring for the extra $$$ I have a few questions.
I love the accessories u have created but I would imagine for sitting down u don’t want the lower shelf?
I assume it’s better to have a dedicated welding cart? But… I really love the look of everything (including welder and tanks) attached.
It would mean ordering table alone vs the accessories: I would be a little worried about the shelves, tanks, welder, etc. getting in the way? I’m new to the welding fixture table thing so I want to get it correct for the $$$.
The dragon wagon seat is awesome. The lower shelf has a 6” offset from the edge. It also can be placed higher than your shins. You can definitely sit with the shelf installed. You can get the table and workstation along with a kit 1 tooling along with the other accessories later when more money becomes available. That the idea of the dragon wagon is to customize as you go.
Sorry for the questions but what is the thought on TWO 24x36 attached together (36x48) vs ONE 30x 54 table? Usability?
Will the 2 retain its “flatness”?
should you use 8 legs or will 4 legs work fine with no “sag” in the center?
I’m really leaning towards the Dragon!
Yes you can combine any Fireball tables together with high level of flatness. I recommend a one piece table if you can. I have videos on how to combine tables together, its pretty easy.
