A Better Workbench for Your Shop

Рет қаралды 23,043

3 ай бұрын

I have wanted to add a platen table to the shop for many years, but resisted spending the money. This year I splurged and bought a new 30" X 60" platen table from Weldsale. These are often just referred to as an Acorn table, but thats a specific brand of platen.
Links for products, suppliers and supporting the channel may be found on the main channel page.
#blacksmithing #platentable #blacksmith
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.

Пікірлер: 105

@johnlamonica1150 3 ай бұрын

i'm a 4 generation metal worker / blacksmith , my roots in iron and steel fabrication / erection, go back to 1891 in Chicago illinois , i not only only did this kind of work for a living all of my life but this was a way of life for myself and my family even after normal working hours . currently i'm practicing the craft of my ancestors Blacksmithing ) with period tools and techniques as a way to keep a tradition alive . bear forge and Essential Craftsman are by far the 2 youtubers that i can really identify with . there characteristics and the way that they carry themselves is as close to the real deal as you can get , i enjoy your videos . keep up the good work !

@johnlamonica1150 3 ай бұрын

by the way , i just turned 60 last month and im into my 50th year of " Playing with Metal "

@kenbultman8670 3 ай бұрын

Are you with the group on fb ?

@Rick-co4hm Ай бұрын

Hi John, thank you for the link , my son have the biggest for feud years and is real happy, by the way we know this company very friendly people to work with.

@olddawgdreaming5715 3 ай бұрын

Thanks John for taking us along on this purchase. That new table will provide lifetimes of pleasure for many generations to come. Glad you will still have the bigger table/workbench too. Keep up the great videos and work you do around there, us old folks really enjoy watching the great work you turn out from you piece of heaven. Stay safe and enjoy life. Fred.

@maggs131 3 ай бұрын

Place where i work has a 6x6 Acorn platen thats about 10" thick. Old timers there say theyve never seen it moved lol

@ChristCenteredIronworks 3 ай бұрын

Congratulations john on the new layout table! Looking forward to seeing all of your ideas come to fruition

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, at my current rate of production it should only take 100 years or so to get it all done 😉

@user-br3ou2cs9o 3 ай бұрын

I'm thinking a dedicated paint roller as an applicator for that table oil. The roller head in a heavy plastic bag and hanging by it's handle on a nice Blacksmith's Hook.🙂

@harrykouwen1426 3 ай бұрын

those small skids you have have small tubes welded on front and back, you can stick a piece of 16mm steel in it about 120 cm long with hook on both ends, so you can pull and steer those easily 2 at a time, would have saved you halve an hour sweating and kicking. Great table !

@billmckillip1561 3 ай бұрын

Instead of buying new clamps, forge some square plugs for the new table with Hardy holes in them that match your current clamps.

@bigredwolf6 3 ай бұрын

If anyone else is going to do something like this, it might be smart to bolt some heavy duty caster wheels onto the feet. That way you can always move it, even without help.

@mikehodges6598 3 ай бұрын

In eastern NC rust from humidity is a constant battle year round. I've had a lot of luck using Fluid Film. After cleaning up my jointer table after a couple of years of neglect, I rubbed it down w/ some FF and it's held up great.

@bconiswhattheycallme 3 ай бұрын

I have the same platen made by Acorn (Weldsale’s predecessor). They are wonderful. I use it mostly as a welding table. Weld won’t stick to the cast iron, but all of those holes let splatter fall onto whatever is beneath the table. I made my clamps by buying F clamps, cutting off the short arm, and welding a pipe with a washer as a stop collar that fits into the platen holes. I decided not to use holdfasts on mine. Probably very fast and versatile, but I think they are responsible for chipping the edges of the holes on a lot of the used platens on the market. If I was using it as a forge table that would be a different story. Congrats! These tables seem under appreciated with all the new fab tables. There is nothing as versatile in my mind. I have never been able to budge mine while working. Only wish it was a 5x8 (which I don’t have room for either)

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, I can see where the holdfasts may be an issue with chipping.

@jonas2431 3 ай бұрын

I'm no blacksmith. But I like a bit of a higher table. Easier for me to work on machines on. Saves my back. Great video sir

@magnusbergroth5319 3 ай бұрын

🎉 Congratulations on the new table! What a great addition to the shop.

@smartgorilla 3 ай бұрын

The EC and you are like my dad's at the moment. Lost mine about 10yrs. Worked with his hands as a labourer, gardner and tiler for years. Thanks for your work and effort.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that, but glad I can help out a little

@smartgorilla 3 ай бұрын

@@BlackBearForge nothing to for feel sorry about trust. Nice hear from older Guys experiences in life. I listen and learn lots.

@GypsyJvan 3 ай бұрын

we had several of those tables on the railroad..very handy to work on..we also had 2 6x6 foot forges..u wouldnt believe the anvils we had.. u have a nice table.. thanks..

@H34L5 3 ай бұрын

Looking forward to all the creative things you think to make with your new table!

@kennethsiler9503 3 ай бұрын

I like your table I don’t know if I use one like that I can weld myself up a table similar to that I am holes might be a big advantage of what I’m wanting to bail but I’m 77 years old and I’m not gonna put no big high dollar investment but it gives me some ideals

@honthirty_ 3 ай бұрын

Nice nod to EC. I cut down my 4x8, then used cut off as a leaf extension with robust support beams and temporary fastening.

@threeriversforge1997 3 ай бұрын

I've always liked platen tables. So useful in the smithy!

@user-xi1rm1py5l 3 ай бұрын

John, thank you so much for your channel and the time and energy you put into it. I just found it a couple of weeks ago and have been binging it since. I wish I had had the time and resources while I was in Colorado Springs, I would have loved to be able to pick your brain. But now I'm back in northern Michigan. And now that I have the time and resources, I don't have access to a mentor. I've seen some other channels, but few do you justice. Keep up the great work, I look forward to (eventually) getting through your older lessons and seeing your new ones.

@danbreyfogle8486 3 ай бұрын

That looks like a great table and getting it in the shop was a bit of trouble. But it looks like you got it in without hurting yourself of you friend that helped with the move.

@stevelambert6404 3 ай бұрын

Always a good day when you get new toys 👍

@springwoodcottage4248 3 ай бұрын

Such a useful & convenient addition that having struggled without one I could lust after. Pity governments don’t invest like this in making things better for their tax payers. Thanks for sharing!

@adroaldoribeiro4529 3 ай бұрын

I'm so used to your regular videos, 15 minutes felt like the blink of an eye

@user-ow5nv3un8g 3 ай бұрын

Would just like to say sir you are amazing got the 66lb vevor because of your help. Thank you for your videos.

@RyanBarnes 3 ай бұрын

Tomorrow i have a guy coming by to build my blacksmith foundation in my backyard. I'm totally looking forward to having a dedicated spot to do some work!

@richardsurber8226 3 ай бұрын

Like daddygroot post Thanks for the video ol' Boy. Thanks to the neighbor too.

@davidsimons9132 3 ай бұрын

A great addition to the shop.

@matthewchapman6309 3 ай бұрын

Very cool to see your workshop evolve. I'm very far from needing anything like that

@vincentlunemannflatfarmer7822 3 ай бұрын

. Cool tools

@multicoloredwiz 3 ай бұрын

Gratedul the neighbor was there to help! Thats a big beauty!

@FarmsteadForge 3 ай бұрын

Looks like a very handy table for the shop, you'll get a lot of use out of it!

@ronthacker211 3 ай бұрын

Rule: Any horizontal surface that is empty, is like a magnet for storing various and sundry items.

@glencrandall7051 3 ай бұрын

That's quite a table. I hope it works out well for you.🙂🙂

@patuxentvalleyforge1291 3 ай бұрын

Nice table. I also have one in my shop. The money weldsale wants for their tooling is just ludicrous imo. If you want the screw down clamps, I would suggest buying some F style clamps and welding them to some round stock instead of paying the 180$ per clamp weldsale wants. I did just that and they work great. I much prefer the screw down clamps because the holdfasts can easily mar the corners of the square holes, thereby ruining the perfectly flat surface you just paid good money for. Might I suggest fabbing up some leveling feet. Super nice to have a perfectly level welding table.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Their clamps are a bit pricey.

@SchysCraftCo. 3 ай бұрын

Awesome

@Mrme-rl6je 3 ай бұрын

I work construction and we often get companies that specialize in moving large,heavy,weird things. The equipment rollers are great but they always roll on plywood and 1/8" metal plates that they leap frog along the route. It may seem to take longer but after moving things the way you did too many times I have changed my mind. Haha.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

I have used plywood to roll over the dirt sections before and will in the future for the brick. I was a bit over optimistic.

@rpower1401 3 ай бұрын

Great setup. I have something a bit similar but just for my welding work. I modified a rolling cabinet with a height adjustable top by adding a steel 1x2 square tubing perimeter and welded 1/2" plate on top with regularly spaced 1/2" holes for my various holding tools. Works great but certainly not immovable as is yours and not nearly as strong for forge work. Probably cost a lot less and might be a suitable project for hobbyists.

@cwccharters 3 ай бұрын

Marvelous addition to your shop! Happy forging!

@FallenAnvilForge 3 ай бұрын

Good Morning John, table looks great for doing large projects. Have a good one :)

@dadegroot 3 ай бұрын

Very nice table indeed, and those are monster hold-fasts!

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

The largest I've ever made.

@rustybow7293 3 ай бұрын

Nice vid, Blackbear. Thanks for posting this. Kudos for handling all the pita!

@ga5743 3 ай бұрын

Sweet table and if it doesn’t work out you could fill the holes with epoxy and then you would have a new style River Table 😄. Glad you got it to fit like a glove in the shop John. Enjoy the day

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

😂that would be a lot of epoxy

@comancherocha7013 3 ай бұрын

Man i would love a table like that

@user-nm6eg7uy7t 3 ай бұрын

Hi love your videos you got me into black smithing is it too late at the age of 50 thanks 🙏

@SSSmithing 3 ай бұрын

Great bit of kit

@MASI_forging 3 ай бұрын

Great work dude 👏👏

@JasonCollinsAnim8 3 ай бұрын

Yikes! I had sympathy pains for that plate glass window. 😖😜

@TalRohan 3 ай бұрын

investment like that benefits your business and work style...excellent idea...and Awesome neighbour, offering some back strength and putting back the rollers so many times...I think I would have bolted them on somehow but when you need to get something indoors quickly you have to do it the inconvenient way sometimes . I'd be interested to hear how the oil works thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Mike is an old friend and fellow blacksmith

@virtusleather 3 ай бұрын

Beauty table. will come in handy. Those are the biggest holdfasts I've ever seen. 😂

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Certainly the largest I've ever made

@kawian 3 ай бұрын

Great Sir ❤

@jackshadow325 3 ай бұрын

That’s a good investment 👍

@onesaltyzombie 3 ай бұрын

I flew up from south Mississippi. I was tempted to reach out to invite you for coffee.

@antheaxe7340 3 ай бұрын

good work keep it up

@LlZARD25 3 ай бұрын

well made video

@johnn404 3 ай бұрын

pallet jacks can lift up 5000lbs, turning radius might not be great in a small shop. Just need to stack wood up to the under side of the table.

@AtholIronworks 3 ай бұрын

Nice upgrade!

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@jackpledger8118 3 ай бұрын

If you put a bar across the legs and use 3 equipment skates instead of 4 they won't drop out on the uneven floor surfaces.

@stevesalles6047 3 ай бұрын

cocl tablle great ideaa

@garrettshadbolt6443 3 ай бұрын

Should have gotten a fireball table I want one so bad

@RRINTHESHOP 3 ай бұрын

Very new tool for your shop. You will use it often I am sure.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

I hope so!

@skilletborne 3 ай бұрын

It's a lovely bit of kit, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous Meanwhile I don't even have a safe place to weld at all at the minute, I'd be liable to blind passersby

@joseronaldo3761 3 ай бұрын

Essa aí e Chow 👍👍

@demos235 3 ай бұрын

Adding a few strong magnets to the machine skate, or some strong doublesided tape to keep the skate on the leg until it's in place may help in future.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Great idea

@MOHAMADFETHANI5171. 3 ай бұрын

👍👍👍👍👍

@user-xo5vw9gk3x 3 ай бұрын

I saw the kanca leg vise in the background and was wondering how well it was holding up ……. But nice table that sure will come in handy with all that weight behind it 👍🏻

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

The vise is working great so far, no issues

@notsofresh8563 3 ай бұрын

Put a horizontal tube/beam under one end and put the skate in the middle, only using 3 skates. 3 legged stool never rocks.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Great idea

@ulfhedtyrsson 3 ай бұрын

Do you have a channel for your basement wood shop?

@fishisyum 3 ай бұрын

Love the videos! I had a question though: I took a blacksmithing class a while ago and I think I've permanently damaged my wrist, which sacks because I loved smiting (I had the hammer in a death grip the whole time over the course of a summer). Is there a way to work around this or something I can do to either strengthen my wrist or help it more fully heal? I wanna make things, if not for a living as a hobby, and I want to stay safe while I do so.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

Some of that may be answered in this older video - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n9ydi9hmz9iRen0.htmlsi=7G0fohpryyd4LCxw A relaxed grip on the hammer handle and using a lighter hammer help prevent injury. But talking to your doctor and seeing a physical therapist would be a good idea.

@melgross 3 ай бұрын

These are nice tables, John. But why get such a heavy one? Do you need the large, non standard square holes in the top, or do you think it can take more pounding? I have a Siegmund and it’s heavy enough. The good thing about a five sided table is that l, like you, don’t have enough for a bigger table (mine is an imperial 3 x 4 foot). But these tables have holes on the sides and they have cast iron extensions so that you can add to the length or width temporarily as you need it. So if it needed to, I could extend this to seven by eight feet.

@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын

For forging the bigger and heavier the better and this will often be used for hot work. The 1 3/4" hole size is actually the common hole size for a platen table. The table with round holes on top and sides are great for welding and fabrication, but I wouldn't want to forge on one.

@patuxentvalleyforge1291 3 ай бұрын

I bought mine because it was a good enough deal not to pass up (scrap value). I will agree with Mel here though, the hole layout is super inconvenient for one off projects. A round hole table is much better for that. These weldsale type tables excel at one fixture set up for long periods (production work). I'm not sure you'll want to use the table much like a swage block, if that is what you're thinking John. For bending it may come in handy, but the table being webbed cast iron it may not like aggressive upsetting too much. You already have better tools for that anyway. At a minimum you may damage its flat surface. Which is a main reason to have one of these things. The holes on mine are rather sharp cornered as well, but I suppose it could be modified. Honestly these tables are simply antiquated these days when compared to something from say fireball tool. But I get it, they do look the part in a blacksmith shop.

@melgross 3 ай бұрын

@@patuxentvalleyforge1291 yeah, I get it too. I was just wondering why that particular table type was bought. The problem with using it as an upsetting device is that cast iron is resistant to bending. But at some point, unlike steel, it will break. Twisting and bending heavy, hot iron and steel, isn’t what it’s made for. The idea of pounding on it, to me, isn’t great. It’s a welding table, not an anvil. Companies that buy these, or any other welding table, are careful in using it. I’m not selling them, but as an example of heavy tables, the 28mm Siegmund is an inch thick with inch thick ribs. The big ones can hold 4 tons. They show a car dropping on it. I wouldn’t want to do that to a 2 inch thick cast iron table, it would shatter.

@patuxentvalleyforge1291 3 ай бұрын

@@melgross agreed. These tables shine in an industrial setting making one part over and over again. For one off projects fixturing simply takes too long in comparison to the competition . Not to mention the insane prices weldsale wants for tooling. Using one as a metal shaping tool is a poor choice for the reasons you mentioned. However, blacksmithing in general can be just as much about aesthetic as functionality. For that purpose, I think one of these tables fits the mold quite well. I'll wager that was the driving factor behind John's purchase. Honestly, for general blacksmithing work a thick (1"+) steel plate table would probably be the best thing to have. Blacksmithing is imprecise in that a few thousandths out of flat shouldn't be a problem. We're not talking aerospace here.

@melgross 3 ай бұрын

@@patuxentvalleyforge1291 of course. The interesting thing is that after a few years of using this for heavy blacksmithing, it won’t look too much better than the photo of that old one.