MAC Industries Self Weld Welding Table

Before beginning assembly, lay out all components and familiarise yourself with their positions.

Depending on the model purchased, your Self Weld kit will typically include:

• Precision laser-cut table top
• Side panels
• End panels
• Internal strengthening ribs
• Interlocking cross ribs
• Leg mounting components where applicable

Do not begin welding until you are satisfied that all parts are present and correctly positioned.

Our parts are supplied laser cut and ready for fabrication, but we recommend checking all mating surfaces before assembly.

Remove any loose debris, contamination or sharp burrs that may prevent components from locating correctly.

Avoid excessive grinding of locating tabs, slots or mating surfaces. These features are designed to control the position of the table components and removing too much material can affect alignment.

Place the table top working face down on a clean, flat surface.

Make sure there is nothing underneath the top that could cause it to rock or distort.

The accuracy of the supporting surface is particularly important during this stage because the table will naturally follow the surface it is assembled against.

Fit the internal longitudinal and transverse ribs into their corresponding slots.

The ribs should interlock to create the internal support structure of the table.

Work progressively across the table rather than forcing one complete section together at once.

If required, use a soft-faced mallet to gently seat components.

Do not hammer directly onto precision-machined or visible finished surfaces with a steel hammer.

Once assembled, check that:

• All ribs are fully seated.
• Rib intersections are correctly engaged.
• Components sit square to the table top.
• Nothing is trapped underneath the assembly.

Install the outer side and end panels around the rib structure.

The tabs and locating features should naturally position the components.

Use clamps where necessary to ensure the panels are fully seated against the table top.

At this stage, do not fully weld anything.

Before any tack welding takes place, the internal rib structure should be pulled firmly against the underside of the table top.

Use suitable bolts or threaded bar together with the supplied assembly plates to clamp the ribs tightly against the top plate.

Pass the bolt or threaded bar through the table's fixture holes and position the assembly plate so that it bridges the rib underneath. Tighten the assembly evenly so that the rib is pulled firmly into contact with the underside of the table top.

Work progressively across the table, installing clamps at suitable positions throughout the internal structure.

The aim is to ensure:

• The ribs are fully seated against the underside of the top plate.
• There are no unwanted gaps between the ribs and the top.
• The rib structure remains square and correctly located.
• The top plate remains flat against the assembly surface.

Do not overtighten the clamps. They should hold the components firmly together without introducing distortion into the table top.

Where possible, tighten the clamping points gradually and evenly rather than fully tightening one area before moving to the next.

Once all clamping points are installed, visually inspect the underside of the table and confirm that the ribs are sitting tightly against the top plate before proceeding.

Leave the assembly plates, bolts or threaded bar in position during the initial tack-welding process.

Before applying any significant welds, check the complete assembly.

Measure diagonally from corner to corner.

Measure both diagonals.

The two measurements should be equal, or as close as reasonably possible.

Also check:

• Side panels are square to the table top.
• End panels are square.
• Internal ribs are correctly located.
• Ribs are firmly clamped against the top plate.
• The table is sitting flat against the assembly surface.

Make any adjustments now.

Once the table is fully welded, correcting alignment becomes considerably more difficult.

Important – Do Not Fully Weld the Table

MAC Industries Self Weld tables do not require continuous seam welding.

The table is designed to be secured using a series of small 5–10 mm welds/tacks positioned throughout the structure.

Using short welds provides more than sufficient joining of the interlocking components while keeping heat input to an absolute minimum.

Excessive or continuous welding is unnecessary and can introduce additional heat into the table, increasing the risk of distortion and affecting the finished flatness.

Do not run continuous welds along the ribs, side panels or underside of the table top.

With the table correctly clamped and checked for squareness, begin by applying small tack welds to secure the complete structure.

Start with:

1. The four outer corners.
2. Opposing side and end panels.
3. Internal rib intersections.
4. Rib-to-table-top contact points.
5. Outer panels to the internal rib structure.

Keep each weld small and controlled.

Work around the complete table rather than concentrating on one particular area.

For example:

Front left → Rear right → Front right → Rear left

Then continue alternating between different areas of the structure.

This spreads the heat evenly and reduces the likelihood of distortion.

Keep the rib clamping system in position during this stage so that the ribs remain firmly seated against the underside of the table top.

Once the initial tack welds have been applied throughout the structure, stop and check the table again.

Check:

• Diagonal measurements
• Panel squareness
• Rib alignment
• Table flatness
• Component fit
• Rib-to-top contact

If anything has moved during the initial welding process, make the necessary correction before continuing.

Small tack welds can normally be removed or adjusted relatively easily if required.

Once you are satisfied that the complete structure is correctly positioned and securely held, the assembly plates and temporary clamping hardware can be removed as required to gain access to the remaining welding points.

Continue securing the table using a series of approximately 5–10 mm welds/tacks at suitable intervals throughout the structure.

These short welds should be used at:

• Rib-to-table-top connections.
• Rib intersections.
• Rib-to-side-panel connections.
• Side and end panel connections.
• Other locating joints where required.

Maintain the same centre-outwards and staggered welding sequence throughout.

Do not complete all of the welds along one rib or one side before moving elsewhere.

Instead:

• Start close to the centre.
• Apply a 5–10 mm weld.
• Move to the opposite side.
• Apply the next weld.
• Progress gradually towards the outer edges.
• Continue alternating between different areas of the table.

This allows heat to dissipate between welds and keeps the overall heat input as low and balanced as possible.

There is no requirement to join the small welds together or turn them into continuous welds.

Once all required fixing points have been welded, the table is complete.

Controlling heat input is one of the most important parts of assembling your welding table.

The objective is to securely join the structure while introducing as little heat as reasonably possible.

To minimise distortion:

• Use short 5–10 mm welds/tacks.
• Work progressively from the centre outwards.
• Alternate between opposite areas of the table.
• Avoid repeatedly welding in one localised area.
• Do not continuously seam weld the ribs.
• Do not continuously seam weld the side panels.
• Allow hot areas to cool naturally before adding additional welds nearby.
• Avoid unnecessarily large or heavy welds.

The interlocking design of the table provides the structure and alignment. The welds are there to securely lock those components together.

More welding does not make the table better — excessive welding simply introduces unnecessary heat and increases the risk of distortion.

Do not complete all of the welds along one rib or one side before moving elsewhere.

Instead:

• Start close to the centre.
• Apply a 5–10 mm weld.
• Move to the opposite side.
• Apply the next weld.
• Progress gradually towards the outer edges.
• Continue alternating between different areas of the table.

This allows heat to dissipate between welds and keeps the overall heat input as low and balanced as possible.

There is no requirement to join the small welds together or turn them into continuous welds.

Once all required fixing points have been welded, the table is complete.

Once the table structure has cooled, turn the table over carefully.

Depending on your selected configuration, install the appropriate:

• Adjustable legs
• Standard castors
• FM heavy-duty castors
• Other MAC Industries leg options

Ensure all fixings are securely tightened.

Move the table into its final working position.

If adjustable feet are fitted, adjust each foot until:

• The table is stable.
• All legs are carrying load.
• The working surface is level.

Do not attempt to pull a table flat using the adjustable feet.

The feet should be used to compensate for the floor surface rather than to correct fabrication distortion.

Before putting the table into service, carry out a final visual and dimensional inspection.

Check:

• Table stability
• Weld quality
• Side panel alignment
• Leg fixings
• Castor operation where fitted
• Overall flatness
• All components are secure

Your MAC Industries welding table is now ready for use.

Your welding table is designed for fabrication, but good working practices will help preserve its accuracy.

Avoid concentrating excessive heat in one area of the table for extended periods.

Where possible, allow very hot components to cool before placing them directly onto the table surface.

Regularly clean weld spatter from the table and fixture holes.

A suitable anti-spatter treatment can also help keep the working surface clean and protect the fixture system.

Self Weld tables are supplied as a fabrication kit and require assembly and welding by the customer.

The final accuracy and flatness of a Self Weld table will depend on several factors including:

• The flatness of the assembly surface.
• Correct clamping of the internal ribs.
• Welding technique.
• Welding sequence.
• Heat input.
• Equipment setup.
• Fabricator experience.

Continuous seam welding is not required or recommended. The table should be assembled using the short, staggered 5–10 mm welds described in this guide, working progressively from the centre outwards.

For customers requiring a table assembled and welded by MAC Industries, our Ready Made option is available.

If you have any questions during assembly, please contact MAC Industries before proceeding.

Our team can assist with component positioning, assembly sequence and general product guidance.

MAC Industries
Precision Welding Tables, Tooling & In-House Manufacturing
Made in Herefordshire, UK