To gusset or not to gusset?

[WatchDog190]

Hi guys, I am a new member here, have been a backyard hobby welder for a number of years now (sparky by trade), and I was after some general information regarding gussets. I am making a welding/fabrication table at present, it weighs in at 380kg (~850lbs). I have built the frame using 100x50x2.5 RHS as well as using some bracing beams made from 50x50x4mm SHS. The table size is 2400mmx1200mmx12mm and stands at 1000mm.

Do I need to add gussets into the frame? If so, where would you recommend?

Kind regards

Kris

[Woznme]

Pics please

[jpump5]

I’ve built several welding tables through the years and have
never added gussets. Table is loaded in compression and
frame is made from angle giving strong joints.

I guess if your design is different, or if table is to be
frequently rolled across a rough floor maybe extra strength
at the joints would be desirable.
(Or if you’re the aesthetic type builder and feel gussets
would make the table look better).

Pics would be helpful (also we like pics of welding tables).

[WatchDog190]

Sorry, I was using the web version on my phone and it didn’t allow a photograph. Here it is, it’s upside down at present waiting for me to weld it up fully after spending the day cutting the material and tacking it up. It’s also being bolted to the top of the frame to allow a flip at a later date if the top becomes too mashed up.




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[Lis2323]

Gussets often add to the visual appeal of the project. These 3/4" pieces contributed to strength AND aesthetic "balance".




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[WatchDog190]

Sorry, I was using the web version on my phone and it didn’t allow a photograph. Here it is, it’s upside down at present waiting for me to weld it up fully after spending the day cutting the material and tacking it up. It’s also being bolted to the top of the frame to allow a flip at a later date if the top becomes too mashed up.




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[jpump5]

Looks like you’re building a nice welding table.
I wouldn’t think you’d need any gussets.
What’s going on with that LP gas burner?
Are you casting aluminum?

[WatchDog190]

Looks like you’re building a nice welding table.
I wouldn’t think you’d need any gussets.
What’s going on with that LP gas burner?
Are you casting aluminum?

Hey mate, thank you. It’ll be used fairly often as I have quite a few projects and am over doing all my welding on the floor. Ha ha. And yeah, I dabble in melting all different kinds of non-ferrous metals and knife making.


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[Lis2323]

Looks like you’re building a nice welding table.
I wouldn’t think you’d need any gussets.

I totally agree. Less is more. In your case gussets would just add a busy look with minimal structural benefit for your application.

Table looks awesome.

Don't mess too much more with the design. I've been guilty of that and regretted it.


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[WatchDog190]

I totally agree. Less is more. In your case gussets would just add a busy look with minimal structural benefit for your application.

Table looks awesome.

Don't mess too much more with the design. I've been guilty of that and regretted it.


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Thanks for that advice, I’ll definitely take that on board.


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[Sberry]

You dont need them.

[Kelvin]

I totally agree. Less is more. In your case gussets would just add a busy look with minimal structural benefit for your application.

Additional welds would also add more potential for weld shrinkage to pull things out of square/plumb/level/straight. I always try to avoid overwelding stuff. This took me a while to learn...beginners always want to overweld stuff, then tear their hair out trying to straighten pretzels.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[John T]

I would NOT put any gussets. don't need them.

I would cap the ends though...

And you really should have CLEANED the material before tacking it up.

[Welder Dave]

Gussets wouldn't offer any benefits. Gussets on the vice table make sense because there could a lot of force applied on the edge of the table. It would have been better to clean the tubing up and the open ended tubing should have been cut a little shorter to allow for end caps.

[Reebz]

No gussets

[Lis2323]

the open ended tubing should have been cut a little shorter to allow for end caps.

Handy for welding rod storage, Dave


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[Sberry]

Li9s, I like the overhang on the blue one in post 5. If I was custom building this would be a feature so to speak with any holes or notches in this end. Other end cut box.

[smithdoor]

I should work well without.
Unless you planning on putting tons of steel on top or you have a lot of bad welds.

Dave

Sorry, I was using the web version on my phone and it didn’t allow a photograph. Here it is, it’s upside down at present waiting for me to weld it up fully after spending the day cutting the material and tacking it up. It’s also being bolted to the top of the frame to allow a flip at a later date if the top becomes too mashed up.




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[N2 Welding]

Just shy of a 1/2” thick table top should serve you well. Looks good so far. You putting castors on it?

[Sberry]

It would work with tons of weight and bad welds.

Unless you planning on putting tons of steel on top or you have a lot of bad welds.

[Lis2323]

It would work with tons of weight and bad welds.

Tons of STATIC weight


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[Jodo]

Awesome table. Framework bottom requires no gussets. Unless you are placing a huge amount of sideways force to items you have clamped/welded to the table ie smashing weldments with a huge maul. Backyard stuff with light metal definately a sweet table mate!

[WatchDog190]

So it’s all finished, here’s the video for anyone interested. Thanks for all your advice guys.

Making my DREAM welding/fixture table



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[jpump5]

Beautiful welding table. Wish I had room for something that size.