How to Weld a Cart Table
If you are creative and work well with your hands, building your own tool cart may be an option instead of buying one at a tool store. Tool carts can cost upwards of $250 but if you have the materials, equipment and know-how, you can build one yourself for a fraction of the cost. The table of the cart may be steel that can be welded to the cart with an ARC welder. ARC welders may be purchased or rented from tool supply stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- ARC welder
- Electrode
- Welding mask
- Insulated gloves
- Clamps
- Wire brush
- Shop towels
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Instructions
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Clean the flange of the cart where the table will be resting with a wire brush to remove loose dirt and grime. Wipe clean with a shop towel.
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Place the table on top of the cart. Use clamps to hold it in place.
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Attach the alligator clip of the welder ground cable to the work area. Turn on the ARC welder and set to the desired output.
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Put on the welding helmet and insulated gloves. With the electrode held at 15 degrees perpendicular to the table, start a weld pool at one of the corners of the table. A weld pool is a puddle of melted metal that will form when an arc is created by the electrode.
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Drag the weld pool along the length of the table until you reach the first corner. Stop the welding process at the corner and begin again after making the 90 degree turn. Continue to weld the remaining three sides of the table.
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Allow the table to cool. Clean your new weld seam with a wire brush to remove weld splatter and rough edges.
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Tips & Warnings
You may only want to spot weld the table into place. Make a few 2- to 3-inch welds on each side of the table.
Always weld in a ventilated area.
Do not weld near flammable materials.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
