How deep is your table

[Boogiemanz1]

I've been welding on my table and began to wonder how deep the water table needs to be. My table is constructed out od 4 x 8 rectangle tubing and is 60 in x 112 in inside. I had planned to make the water 6 inches deep thinking this would help parts fall rather hang up and be hit by the torch. I believe that would be around 174 gallons of water.

Any opinions pro or con? thanks..............jb

[Teknition]

My water pan is 8" deep. My air bladder is 4-1/2" deep. Slat height is 2-1/2" and they sit on top of the air bladder.. So in realiy, I am cutting over 2-1/2" deep water with a 1" splash apron around the table.

[Boogiemanz1]

Thanks, is there a picture of your machine here?.........jb

[Down&Dirty]

My table is 4 inches deep. The slats sit level with the top and I typically pump 2.5 inches of water into it to catch everything. Originally I wanted the water to come up to 3.5 inches, but I didn't have the capacity in the tank. Also, another thing I have found is that it would be nice to have the slats mounted down below the top of the table. This will let the table extend up around the sides. When I cut near the edge of the table my water gets blown out and I have to wipe the machine down and clean up the floor.

edit:
If I were to rebuild my table I would change a few things.

1. it would extend up past my cutting surface
2. it would slope to one side to facilitate cleaning
3. The drains/fills would be mounted on the low side, but not flush with the surface so most of the trash stayed in the table with a small amount of water. You don't want the tank to get filled with trash where you can't clean it out.
4. I would install a large drain with a cap that could be removed for cleaning at the lowest point in the table.

The water table is a feature that you add to reduce the mess in the shop. I didn't consider that all of that crap that was going to be all over the shop is now a wet slurry in the bottom of my table and tank. It is amazing how much is there and you will need to clean it out.

[Boogiemanz1]

Thanks, good information. I have been counting on keeping my material about 2" lower than the top edge, but still have the availability to raise it if necessary.
I like your idea of how to set up the drain as well............jb

[Teknition]

Thanks, is there a picture of your machine here?.........jb

Im still in the process of building it. You can see my build thread here. PrecisionPlasma/CandCNC 5X10 table build

Brad

[Boogiemanz1]

Brad,your build and the others look great. I intend to use a tank rather than the air bladder design........but yours is inticing........thanks.........jb