Ordering a Welding Table top - warpage, rust... need some info

[Louie1961]

Here's my 3/8ths top welding table. I used a half inch drill to countersink the holes for the countersunk bolts. I also included a cross member in the top frame of the table for shimming and rigidity purposes. With the over hang around the edge of the table I never felt the desire to clamp in the middle. This table was 3x5

[jousley]

So.. is it normal for rental places not to provide a bit? I need to find my own 5/8 annual bit. and i'm betting Home Depot is not the spot... I'll do some looking - but if anyone has ideas.
J

[Lis2323]

So.. is it normal for rental places not to provide a bit? I need to find my own 5/8 annual bit. and i'm betting Home Depot is not the spot... I'll do some looking - but if anyone has ideas.
J

*5/8” annular cutter

Just order one on line.


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[Louie1961]

Order two, just in case

[jousley]

ok will do - figuring what type of shank the rental place's drill has. looks like their is a circular one and a square one.
J

[Lis2323]

annular cutters have what is called a 3/4" Weldon shank for mag drills

[Lis2323]

ask around to see if you have a friend with a mag drill you could borrow.

then give him the two cutters when you're done. possible win/win

[psacustomcreations]

So.. is it normal for rental places not to provide a bit? I need to find my own 5/8 annual bit. and i'm betting Home Depot is not the spot... I'll do some looking - but if anyone has ideas.
J

An annular cutter is considered a consumable item. Look on Amazon for one and you can get it for $20 or so.
https://www.amazon.com/ACTOOL-Diamet.../dp/B074Z6DYF6

For that price, get two. Keep one in the package unopened and return it if not needed.

[Woznme]

Get a good brand. Cheap bamboo cutters don't last and require more force.

[John T]

If you go easy with them and also use lubrication they will last a long time.

They can also be re-sharpened.

[Lis2323]

If you go easy with them and also use lubrication they will last a long time.

They can also be re-sharpened.

Actually I would say DON’T go easy on them. DO use lube (stick or liquid coolant) but use steady relatively heavy pressure on it. Don’t baby it or take light cuts. Steady, consistent pressure.

I like putting a magnetic wand next to the cutter to contain swarf and minimize cleanup.







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[M J D]

Worst thing for an annular cutter is to " peck" drill or use too light of pressure. Good steady pressure is best. If going thru 2 layers you have to be real careful to eject the slug immediately after breaking thru the first layer. They make what's called a " stack cutter" just for the purpose of drilling multiple layers but it isnt necessarily needed. I've always used either stick wax lube or foamy cutting oil instead of coolant as that crap just makes a mess.

[whtbaron]

I've seen some discussion on heights from the related links so I will toss in my 2 cents. I think if a table is wider than your reach, it should match the height of the ball sockets in your hips (that's where you'll be bending over it from). If the table is narrower than your reach, it should match the height of your belt buckle so you don't have to bend over far. Of course if you have a big old beer belly shoving your belt buckle down, the 2 tables could end up at the same height...

[52 Ford]

Will do - should be this week - what's the best way to check? Just a ruler across the top?
J

Best? Probably mapping out the surface with an autocollimator.

Yeah a good ruler, a level, a tight (taut?) string.... heck, a laser pointer. Anything with a good straight reference. Honestly, a laser would probably work well if you could fixture it right.

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[jousley]

update: bought the annual cutters - will show up tomorrow. wasn't able to rent the drill - so that will have to be next week. Asked around - but no go.
Tomorrow i'll work on clamping down the table to get it as flat as possible. I can already see that I will have questions on how to shim some. I'll post some pics tomorrow with those ?'s.

J

[Sberry]

A mag is a tool I should have bought, just never got to it. Personally height, like it so I can put my palm flat against it while standing.

[Woznme]

Here's the Walter disc I was talking about. Makes quick work of mill scale

[jousley]

Where do u buy them? I onlu see 25 packs on amazon,
J

[Freebirdwelds]

Where do u buy them? I onlu see 25 packs on amazon,
J

Fireball tool sells 5 packs of that disk.

https://fireballtool.com/products/wa...-15l843-15l853

[jousley]

Hey all,
I wanted to thank everyone for your feedback in guiding me to get this table top taken care of. I was able to get the top "pretty" flat.. rented a mag drill.. went through 2 annular cutters, finished the top, and learned a lot. All kinds of new info I'm discovering in this realm, and very much appreciate you all.
Check out the pics to see where I'm at. It's not done, and have some more to add for storage and some functionality - but the basics are done.

J

[Freebirdwelds]

Nice job!

[whtbaron]

Looks good... I don't see any bolt heads... did you end up welding it to the frame? When you get it all done, you should post some finished pics in the welding table thread under Stickies...

[Lis2323]

Looks good jousley.

And JUST the right amount of corner radii for my liking


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[John T]

Actually I would say DON’T go easy on them. DO use lube (stick or liquid coolant) but use steady relatively heavy pressure on it. Don’t baby it or take light cuts. Steady, consistent pressure.

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Yes I totally agree.

Poor choice of words on my part.
I should have said they will last a long time if you use them properly.
Along with lubrication.

[jousley]

thanks all,
Yes, I did end up welding to the frame - I do not forsee that I will need to flip the top in the next decade - I make furniture and art - not for everyday use - and I will ensure I take care of it. Also, with that bow in it, and the way I designed it, I wouldn't have been able to get the bolts out far enough to the end to deal with the bow to my liking. I just clamped it down and welded it. For 1" welds used as sparingly as I thought would still hold the table where I wanted it.

As for the cutters John T... I broke the first one after 4 holes.. I know I was pushing it too hard. The second cutter, I took it slow and patiently, used plenty of cutting oil, and it lasted through the remaining 84 holes - no problem. I was stoked about that.
J