Drilling and Bolting - A DIY Guide to Installing Welding Table Leveling Feet
A flat, stable welding table is crucial for precision work. But workshop floors are rarely perfectly level. This can lead to rocking, twisting, and uneven joints in your welds. Installing leveling feet is an easy DIY solution to get your table flat and steady.
With just some simple drilling and bolting, you can reinforce your table for accurate, professional-level welding results.
Choosing Your Leveling Feet
Not all leveling feet are created equal. Consider how much weight capacity you need. Look for feet rated for at least 150% of your table's load. This gives a good safety margin for heavy projects.
Pick feet that fit your table's legs and desired adjustability. Acme-threaded feet make precision leveling a breeze. For extreme unevenness, choose feet with over 2 inches of adjustment range.
Newer composite leveling feet offer lightweight and rust-resistant properties versus steel. This material also gives better insulation against welding heat.
Some innovative leveling feet now come with built-in smart technology. Sensors automatically adjust each foot to level the table perfectly. This saves tremendous time when setting up multiple tables.
Preparing the Table for Installation
Start by marking locations to drill the mounting holes. If your table legs have pre-tapped holes, use those. Otherwise, measure and mark hole positions along the legs and/or cross braces.
Be sure to space the feet properly for your table's size and shape. Check the dimensions between legs at different positions to determine the right overall span.
For a mobile setup, remove any existing casters first. Use jacks to lift the table and access the underside for drilling. Be sure to secure the table for safety.
Drilling the Bolt Holes
To locate the holes precisely, clamp a guide block in each marked position before drilling. This ensures all the feet will align correctly.
Use a drill press with the appropriate high-speed steel bit for metal. Take it slowly to avoid bit breakage and overheating. Cutting fluid gives cleaner holes and tool life.
Vacuum or brush away all metal shavings when finished. Burrs around the holes can prevent leveling feet from seating correctly.
Attaching the Leveling Feet
Set each foot over its matching holes. Insert grade 8 bolts with washers to loosely attach them. Then adjust the feet to bring the table perfectly level.
Use a high-quality level to check flatness on all sides. Tighten the locking jam nuts snugly against the feet to hold adjustments.
Recheck for any table rocking. Give fine turns of the feet to tweak the level if needed. Don't overtighten, as expansion can alter the adjustments.
Replacing with Casters
One beauty of leveling feet is quickly switching between fixed and mobile setups. To put your table on casters, simply unbolt the feet and bolt on heavy-duty casters instead.
Choose casters with at least double the weight rating of your table for a smooth roll. Wide casters are steadiest. Install casters and lock them in the engaged position for safely moving the table.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During installation, uneven leg height is easily fixed by adjusting the leveling feet. If the table still rocks after leveling, try tightening the feet further or shimming under any low spots.
Over time, vibration can loosen the mounting bolts. Check these periodically, and tighten if needed to maintain a level table.
With just some simple tools and DIY know-how, installing welding table leveling feet is an easy weekend project. Drilling the mounting holes and bolting on the feet lets you reinforce your table for flatness and stability.
A level table made possible by adjustable feet gives you the precision needed for professional welding results. Be sure to recheck and tweak the leveling periodically for a flawless flat work surface.