DIY Angle Iron Metalwork Workbench

After using an old rickety metal computer desk as a workbench for some time, I decided it was time to make a proper one and learn how to weld along the way. I bought the Röhr HP-160L, which was within my budget and would allow me to stick weld straight away, then TIG weld later down the line.

The table was made with 5mm x 50mm angle - 2 pieces 500mm, 6 pieces 750mm, along with flat bar for strength and a shelf across the bottom.

Just after welding

I used 2.5mm 6013 electrodes, but found they burned down too quick and were hard work with my shaky hands. I find 3.2mm electrodes much easier to use. Also, I should have spent some time cleaning the metal around the joints for better welds and more straight forward starts.

One of the few welds didn't look too bad

I had some welding experience from a different life at college, but that was over 20 years ago and all in favourable setups. This was the first real project I'd stuck together and found some of the welding positions very tricky - particularly going uphill or downhill. But managed to get it completed in the end.

Finished project after painting

 The completed workbench is nice and heavy, completed with some kitchen worktop that was laying in the garage from the previous owners.