Simple steel tube table legs.

[gatesy]

Hi all, First time I've crossed the fence from the woodworking forum, hoping someone can help! I'm building an outdoor dining table for a friend, who wants metal legs! Not simply 4 legs but a steel loop at either end. Appears to be quite on trend right now. Basically (he says with no idea!) 4 pieces of square steel tube, welded to a loop at either end. I've spoken to a couple of places and the prices I've been quoted are nuts, $500+. Ideally I'd want to get these powder coated but right now trying to find someone to fabricate them. Any advice greatly received! Cheers ps based in Melbourne.

[SurfinNev]

Got a drawing with dimensions?

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi, you didn't mention what size steel tube he was looking for. The cheap way out, if you can find it, is to find someone that makes steel fencing and get 8 pieces from them. Lay on top of one another to the right length, cut, weld, grind and your loop is done. It is expensive to get loops made as a one piece, because it is very hard to get them all the same length, without cutting and welding. DAMHIKT
Kryn

[gatesy]

Hi Guys,

The exact size is flexible depending on price. I've attached a couple of sketches I did, was hoping someone could offer some assistance what would be cheaper. All measurements are just a line in the sand, I'm not sure what dimensions are 'standard'. Cheers

[Jekyll and Hyde]

To make something like that via welding is pretty straightforward. 80mm square tubing would seem to be a fair bit of overkill to me though, unless you wanted the look, or its a seriously heavy table. And even 80 x 12 flat bar is probably going to be overkill, though not by as much.... Generally square tubes are going to be cheaper, lighter and more rigid than flat bar in this type of application at least. IMO, without knowing the actual size of the table (just guessing off your dimensions indicated), 40mm square tube with a 1.6mm wall is likely to be plenty for this job, or maybe 2.5mm wall if you wanted a little more beef.

Jumping on steelsolutions.com.au will give you an idea of standard sizes and prices - quick look says 75mm square tube with a 2.5mm wall is $17.54/m, and 75 x 10 flat bar (don't list 12, although I'm sure they could get it) is $18.95/m. Generally their prices are a bit better for walk in customers...

[KBs PensNmore]

From your description, I understood it as a loop similar to a chain link, not a rectangle, as drawn. 75 X 12 would be adequate for what it is to do, just a matter of finding someone with a decent size bar bender, something more than a UB100 Chinese one. Failing that someone with a hydraulic bender would be able to bend up the material for you, if you supply the material it should be a lot cheaper. Get them to do 8 bends, then it's a matter of cutting the flat bar and welding, then grinding/sanding them smooth.
Kryn

[DSEL74]

Pretty much any bender will bend the flat it if you can heat it first to a light yellow heat. But if you bend it cold then H.Duty bender will be required and your back to paying for industrial machine time.


Do you want square corners on both legs or round corners? Fabricating the round corners in the square tube will be difficult.

[KBs PensNmore]

Pretty much any bender will bend the flat it if you can heat it first to a light yellow heat. But if you bend it cold then H.Duty bender will be required and your back to paying for industrial machine time.


Do you want square corners on both legs or round corners? Fabricating the round corners in the square tube will be difficult.

Actually Dale, it's not that difficult, just time consuming. Depending on the radius required, cuts through three sides of the RHS at say 6mm apart and bend it around. The tighter the radii the closer the cuts, use a thick blade for a tighter radius. Welding from the cut side, will pull the radius in a bit further.
Kryn

[DSEL74]

Would you need heavy wall tube to grind it back to a smooth curve?

[KBs PensNmore]

Have done it with 2 mm tube.
Kryn