DIY Welding Project: Side Table [Guide] | MillerWelds

DIY Welding Project: Side Table [Guide]

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Blur the lines between art and function with this sculptural side table. See how to make one of your own!
DOWNLOAD PROJECT PLAN

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner +

TIME COMMITMENT: One day or less

Here's what you'll need to get started.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Miller® Multimatic® 211 (or other MIG welder)
Spectrum® 625 X-TREME™ (or other plasma cutter)
.030 MIG wire
Grinder (with grinding disk and sanding disk)
Thick steel plate
Marble top
High-grade adhesive

Optional Equipment/Tools

Steel round disk (4")
Clamps
Cardboard
Chalk or marker
Level
Clear sealant (or other finish)
 

WARNING: READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABELS AND THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

STEP BY STEP

A DIY side table is a functional welding project that can be an attention-grabber in any space. Follow these steps to create a welded side table with a sculptural look — or customize it to be your own!

tools and materials for side table

STEP ONE:

First, draw the desired shape of the table legs on a piece of cardboard and cut it out. This will be used as your template for Step 2.

tracing template onto metal with chalk

STEP TWO:

Next, trace out your design on a 1/4" steel plate with a piece of chalk. Do this for all three legs.

cutting out metal with a plasma cutter

STEP THREE:

Cut out each leg with a plasma cutter.

grinding metal with a grinding disk

STEP FOUR:

Once your legs are cut out, first use a grinding disk to clean the edges and remove any excess material, then use a sanding disk to soften the edges. If you want to give your table legs a hand-forged look, take a sanding disk and run it over the front and back of each leg.

mig welding two metal table legs together

STEP FIVE:

Take two of your table legs and tack weld at the top. Next, add the third leg and tack weld it to the other two. Place tack welds on the bottom where the three pieces meet. Then, adjust the legs to ensure they are correctly placed and weld together.

Grinding the top of a table bask with a sanding disk

STEP SIX:

Grind down the tack welds on the top of the table base and smooth the bottom of each table leg with a sanding disk to ensure your table is level.

holding a small metal disk on top of a metal table base

STEP SEVEN:

Optional: Tack weld a small disk onto the top of the table base for additional stability when mounting the table top.

placing a marble table top onto metal table base

STEP EIGHT:

Apply a high-grade adhesive to the disk (or directly to the top of the base if you skipped Step 7) and mount the marble top to your table base.

completed metal side table with marble top

STEP NINE:

Optional: Add a sealant, finish or patina of your choosing to the table base — and your side table is ready to be used!

About Jason Wilson

Jason Wilson headshot

Jason Wilson is the CEO & owner of Dane Fabrication in Des Moines, Iowa, specializing in custom iron and woodwork. Featuring an eclectic mix of modern-rustic metal and woodworking design, his handcrafted pieces are both functional and unique.

Follow Jason on Instagram @DaneFabrication.

Get More Project Ideas & Plans

Feeling inspired? Check out our project page for more DIY welding projects, including step-by-step guidance, videos and downloadable plans.

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