TFS: Inexpensive DIY Fab Table
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Need to step up your fabrication game with a new table? Forget buying one... MAKE ONE! In this episode, Justin the Fabricator demonstrates a very useful design of a fabrication table using inexpensive and strong materials to make a table more versatile for fabrication.
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The intellectual property design contained and demonstrated in this video may not be commercially reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, broadcast or otherwise exploited in any manner without the express prior written permission of The Fabrication Series. Designs contained in this video may only be used for personal and non-commercial use.
Best DIY workbench tutorial I've found so far.
What a great idea, I wish I had thought about this when I owned my own metal fabrication business. I made my own welding table which I still own to this day. My Father in law was a welder by trade and taught me how to weld. He used to build custom doors and door frames out of steel so he had built a table frame out of 2"x 2", U shaped bar stock that's 1/8" thick. It was very light weight but quite sturdy and something he used for over 10 years before he gave it to me. It was strong enough that I used it a couple of times to hold engines with the transmission still attached when I did engine swaps. I eventually decided I needed a top of some sort on it so I put an old MDF counter top on it and used that set up for roughly 5 years before I had damaged, broken, drilled and cut holes, burnt up sections, and after the laminate started warping and pretty much became more work to keep the metal flat. So I ripped off the counter top and welded on a sheet of 4' x 8', 1/4", cold roll steel plate onto the top. Doing that made a lot of jobs easier. I still own the table after abusing the table for 15 years. I have used the table for anything and everything. I'm disabled and work out of a wheelchair and have even used the table to stand on to do engine work on a couple of lifted trucks. The table is the perfect size for me to place a chair on top while I'm standing on it so I can sit down when I need to give my leg and knee a break since I am missing my leg. Every good metal fabricator needs a good, solid, table to work on. Bad ass table bud. I know you will get quite a few years of service from this table. Thanks for sharing, maybe I'll make a smaller version for some of my smaller projects
great table justin!
i found working 6 years fabricating in germany the simplest & most universal table was 2 heavy duty saw horses with two 150mm RSJ beams laying on top. clamp them down, tack them down, scootch them over.. do what you want. simple
Neat idea! I would like to see how it looks with a big straight edge on it.
Thanks!
This is as good as it gets. I could LIVE with that table in my shop! Great thinking, great design, and great build. Ain't being a fabricator a great way to be? Glad to call myself one and glad to see the fantastic stuff my fellow guild members create.
I was building a hot rod frame and had no table. Needed something to tack down frame rails to. Went and bought a 3/8” 4x8’ slab of mild steel. Put it on the floor of my garage. Did layout on it tacked parts down. Worked great, takes up no space. You have to work on the ground but the plus side is you don’t have to lift anything up.
I needed to build a table for use at work. I need a general fab table that i could customize for a specific job.
I used this table as inspiration but built it heavier. It 5x10 with 2x4x1/4" wall tube. Turned out great. Thanks for the inspiration. Wish i could upload a picture
This is possibly the best fab table I've seen. And for the money, hands down the best! Awesome!! You got me thinking I want to build one and make the one end modular so I can attach custom work stations, like a vise or pipe vise, and reusable fixtures!!
Very nice fab table top. Only one thing I saw you missed. Unless it just was not shown in the video. The angle V on the one end. What is needed is flat stock on the bottom for a flat clamping surface. That allows pieces to be easily clamped in the V angle for welding. My dad has this feature on his portable welding rig. Works great for many things
I made something similar using "c" channel I picked up at a scrap yard for cheap. It has been incredibly handy, but I will admit, I wish I had thought or making removeable sections. That is genius! Love the channel.
Eric Newman Thanks! I was going to use C channel but figured it would annoy me when trying to clamp to it.
we had a similar table in our old manufacturing facility my guys fabbed up it was like 2 tons to move as the work surface was 18 feet long, wish i kept it when we sold the building. cool video showing the process.
Built a table like this after watching this when it came out. Everyone who comes into my shop thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread. And the amount of times I've welded things going through my table is uncountable. I've only had to replace a couple of slats because I was practicing welding and totally warped it. But so easy to maintain!
Sure beats my flat top solid table (much smaller). The price$$ is right and I think I will be making something like it in the future. Clamping has always been a problem, where the only area is the edge. I made a small table top stand that I place on the main table allowing me better access for clamping smaller things. It is a 12"x12"x 3/4" plate with three 1/2" round feet about 1.5" tall to it. This allows me at least 2 sides for clamping.
Tom Herd Sounds like you found a decent solution for it. As long as it works for you - that's all that matters. Thanks for watching!
Well, Thanks! I was just gonna build a solid steel table, then you showed me this!!! Change of plans!! Great idea!
I liked the design so much I'm building my own now. Thanks for the great idea.
cyberickus This has become the number one copied table. Theres 6 others on TH-cam that have built the exact same table as I did haha.
Thanks for the slick ideas especially the removable panel, I've been trying to decide how I will build one, the creative nature of the you tube community never ceases to amaze me. thanks again
"the whole table was less than $300 to build".....now, 4 years later, it would be "And, the whole table was less than $1,000 to build!" not quite that bad, but darn close.
I can see a plasma cutting table/catch pan, a vice pocket, tig torch holder (or two), power strip, LED lighting, wireless tool holders, beer tap, Bluetooth, power steering, navigation w/auto pilot....... ;-)
insaynbcr Now you got my brain turning...
That was my thought, too. Make a catch pan/funnel under the removable portion and a separate slat piece to drop in for cut work.
I could help out with the beer tap! But seriously, that's kinda what I do... th-cam.com/channels/5_R3sfYMc4ETML4Lc4iPDA.html
How about a "Relief Tube" like Jet Fighters have. Would be a great companion to the Beer Tap.
Is a vice pocket where you store your drugs?
Neat xylophone. All the same note, though.
I'm a big fan of Canon in Thunk, so needless to say I'm quite happy.
xylophone is wooden...
Metallophone
Monophone
@@TheSoundOfTwang 🤘
Yes!!! I built and rebuilt my tables so many times and never was happy. This design with a couple of my ideas is my next winter project.👍
I remember when i first started weling i was like "how can you get bored welding its fun" weeks later making hundreds of the same parts to spec i learned repetitive welding is mind numbing
Next video, "How to deal with flash burn"
This has to be the best idea for a welding) fabrication table I've seen to date. Beautiful work. And from welder/ fabricator to another, that's the nicest roll of dimes I've seen on TH-cam. 2 THUMBS UP 👍👍.
good deal. I appreciate it. I had this other crazy idea of reusing a electric lift/tilt drafting table to help with the odd jobs, but I like the removable slats better. static and simple.
What a fantastic idea for a table! REALLY functional and very flexible. THANKS so much for posting this!
That's a beautiful table. I like the adjustable and removable sections. Great idea.
Ben Hightower Thank you!
Stack angle/bed rails w slats cut for the rails. Removable, adjustable, and good for bending thinner metal also.
If u Fab it to a treadmill base u can adjust it up and down at an angle.
I’m using these ideas for my welding table. I built one with a flat steel top and I’ve spent 28 years with no where to clamp lol!
The one thing that I would've done differently is go get a bunch of metal shavings/chips to fill the tubes before capping the ends. I've got a table kinda like this at work and doing that really cut down the noise/harmonics.
Oliver Hall great idea - solid packed, or loose fill? I was thinking dry sand, because I haven't made enough metal chips.
@@firstmkb Dry sand would work excellently, probably better than the metal chips - 50% fill should be more than enough!
Tip for those holes if you are using a standard drill. Measure and mark 1 peice, stack and square the ends on one side, clamp throw a square on your mark and you are halfway there
Back in 2017 when I saw you present this table, I built it but it now seats in the corner waiting for the second part which I can not find anywhere for the additional features that you mentioned. I hope someday you read my comment and post a link for the second part.
Why not make the features that YOU want instead of emulating his to the letter?
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Agreed - for the most part, I'm sure Justin needs features that I don't, but I bet there's nothing I need that he doesn't (except experience and skills).
@@nickjones7737 It seems like a joke.
Nice work!
Everytime I see a Tesla in our town I look to see if its you lol No luck so far
@@tysonj3910 I'm sure once the electric hummer is on the road he'll stand out alot more... lol ☺
You just gave me a great idea for an adjustable floor boxes for my cargo van! Thanks!
Super slick looking. Definitely switching out to rectangular tube for mine now.
Acme threaded rod to bring the farthest slat in... could be used as a clamp... great table and video 👍
Great idea for the 12ft chunk of 1.5-4 I have...
like your build I've watched quite a few...there a couple like this but I think I'll with square tubing and use smaller size so I can make a slip in vice and slip it in the box tubing..on the sides..I also like the v trac...idea and the pull out leaf is good..
........
Lots of good ideas and execution, especially like the angle tray.
Just an outstanding design. Simplistic but so versatile. I might copy your design one day. Thanks for sharing.
You could make the slats retract or extend by power remote control. Use an old windshield wiper motor and threaded rod. Easy enough to link them together.
I love it! Can't say I would of capped the ends through😂😏
I was thinking of making storage in the tubes for small stock, if I actually build one. Love the design though.
@@firstmkb That is actually a good idea.
Fantastic idea for a table. Ticks a lot of boxes. 👍
This is perfect I dont want to by new clamps for the other weld table. Brilliant idea man. I'm subscribed right of now
Glad I saw this gave me great ideas for my new table. Best I've seen
Badass table. Those are some great features put into it. Seems very versatile
Chad Wike Thanks! I'm excited to put it to use and add more in the future.
Awesome build. What is a good set of metal drill bits to buy for drilling and for drill press thanks
Welding in a t-shirt 😂😂😂. Free tanning for sure
great idea, also, every artist has to sit back and ponder the art of creating
Love the idea! Just watch all those combustibles in your work area.
Very clever design. I like it. I suppose you could space the tubing so individually removable tubes could turn this into a solid surface by pressing all the slip-joints together then add the individual ones. I don't do much fab at this point so maybe this wouldn't make a practical difference. I am thinking of building a regular work bench with similar features out of wood. Once I get welding/fab going I will build your design.
I'm almost wishing I saw you before I built my table.
Lots of great ideas here
Dag your welding skills
Great table build.
Mine have roller wheel and lockup to my wall when not Welding ,also as I need to wood working I have a plywood top that lifts off to weld in seconds ( love that) for I do both Wood Working and Welding and greasy car filthy stuff
Thanks for a great video Sir
I like it. I plan to borrow a few ideas here.
Nice job, and planning was the secret ingredient.
This is great, Definitely going to use this idea. Super cheap and will get the job done for sure.
This was a awesome build very simple looks great I'm definitely going to do this for me it's just right size for what I need, Thanks for sharing 👍☺️
Awesome table. Great ideas. Look forward to your videos. I am an upcoming welder. Just graduated from Columbus technical college in ga. Can't wait to watch ur videos for inspiration
Nice work. Some different versatility that I haven't seen before.
R.J.'s workshop Thanks!
1:30 literally me right now trying to watch someone good at fabrication because I'm horrible lol.
Great job! this is where I got the inspiration for my welding/fab table top, you always have practical cost effective solutions aka (cheap) way of doing things but doing them the right way
Needs a beer holder. Otherwise top marks Justin... :)
lol he took your advice
Why would you want to set your beer down?
The whole top is a beer holder for him & his friends
Beautiful job. Darlington, South Carolina
Great job sir.
so after having both types of table, this slat design and the newest one with the 5/8 holes on 2 " centers...which do you prefer??...Thank You...Don
Excellent, nicked this idea for my own workshop, ta.
Justin - I really enjoy your videos and simple/clever solutions. You mentioned you were going to make a video of the fixtures you were making for your table. In a later video I see you using a round bar as a wrist support, and figured you probably have a creative solution to make that easily adjustable to suit the work piece. Still planning on that video?
Another idea would be drilling out and adding pins to frame make to where could sit 100% solid or gapped maybe a fun idea for another video
No gloves, shorts and short sleve shirt. Gotta love it
Wow, will be making a smaller version soon as I can. The rod underneath is just so the slats can't pull up? Where do you source your metal from?
Dude, that's a really cool table. Great idea. I'm going to implement some of your ideas in my table when I start designing mine. Thanks for making the vid and posting it.
Nice table. Great video.
Craig Fuller Thanks!
Haven't watched yet but I'm about to, and I already know the finished product will be badass... I'm a big fan Justin in the short time I've been watching your videos...
Wow very nice all I got is a 3 foot x 4 foot 1/2 plate on a hevey table that's on wheels almost like a anvil but will be adding the V iron on the end and never any rust just keep it clean and spray it with wd40
it's been 3 years, how has it performed? Would you still recommend it? I like the idea of removable/adjustable slats! Thanks for the video.
Crickets...
@@mwinner101 yeah :/
Came here to ask the same. Lol.
@@scotttreadwell3308 lol yeah I know lol
Wouldn't the clamp force bow the round bar causing all the slats to raise off of the frame? I would put more cross members in with maybe a thicker gauge round bar with less tolerance in the holes, but that would be kinda difficult to pull off without spending loads of time getting everything lined up hey!
I've been eye'n your table from the first episode I watched "8.8 narrow now I'm a junkie! Thanks for the education brother! Keep up the great work!
Nice table Dude!
awesome. wish i had the space to make a really big table but ill have to settle to like 0.9m x 2.5m
Also keep up the excellent work, love your channel!
Very nice man. I see this video is a few years old. how's this table working out for you? I love the features you worked into it.
Very cool, not just for silly rabbits. Looking for ideas, exept I have flat stock in stips so kinda flopy, but will try and copy yours as close as possible. Perhaps half that size, need room for my wood working stuff.... mucho nice, Thanks!!
Niiiiice, thanks for the inspiration ⚡😁🙏
Nice job. I will copy this.
Beautiful job👍👍👌👌
Dude thats awesome, wish youd have called me to weld those caps for you woulda jumped out of my skin for that gig
I absolutely loved seeing this i am currently training to become a welder and this has really inspired me thank you
I'm about to build similar table with 1/4" wall tube, my question to you is does the fixture tooling work on 1/4" thick material?
great guy fun to watch, smart guy
I am planning on building a similar table and was wondering if you think rectangle tubing is better to use that flat stock. My idea was to either use 1/2" x 4" flat stock or 1" x 4" 10ga rectangle tubing. Not sure which way to go for my first table. I'm just a home hobbyist. Thanks in advance
Great table!
Is this table flat enough to clamp and weld something perfectly [relative] square? Was looking at certiflat tables, but I like your design better. (and cheaper too!)
Wondering the same thing? (not that I do anything precision)
This is awesome! With regards to the end caps, I think cutting the square tubing to bend the metal over may save some time.
That would take 2 cuts, bending/hammering, 3 welds and post grinding. 1 less weld than using flat bar for end caps but more time spent in the bending/hammering phase
hie bro awesome content, I am a beginner and am trying to get my welds to hold any tips or advice for me
would it be handy/usefull to make the removable section so you could slot it in a slot so it stands upright,so you could clamp thing in the verticale position?
I really like the sliding slats, and remove-able sections. I would not have closed the tube ends-- too much trouble. I might've cut the tube ends at a receding 45 angle, so the top lip stuck beyond the bottom lip. That way crud and grinder dust wouldn't pile up in tube ends.
Duke Makedo It was a total pain, but I didn't want them to stab, cut, scrape, or ding anything easily with a sharp edge. Capping allowed me to round it.
I have been wanting to
Make a good table now I know how I’m going to do it thanks to your video my plywood is getting retired lol
Tedious or not, that’s a nice table
Beautiful welds!
Awesome table.
jarebb1 Thank you!
Awesome table. Watched it quite a few times. How long did it take you?
Great design.