Alignment table alternatives?

[incepi]

You could construct a Torsion Box assembly table, and use a precision straight edge to verify it. If you are flat within 0.005" you are probably going to be okay. I posted something similar on a different thread. I have not made one, but I think it might work.

[Rkanz]

I built a torsion box with scraps of MDF and birch ply. I used 2" MDF webs and installed t nuts and elevator bolts for leveling feet. I used a combination of levels and a 38" straight edge to ensure the top was flat. There are videos on line that show how to build a torsion box bench top. I applied a coat of West System epoxy then used cabinet scrapers to smooth the surface. It feels like stone and is very flat, the straight edge squeaks along surface. I just built a frame using paragon tubing blocks. I tacked the frame on the table. It worked great.

Russ Kanz

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[mmc_engineer]

Oh and here again Mellis griot

Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[PJN]

What about self leveling epoxy and not optical tables?

[Todd Mosley]

https://weldtables.com/collections/fabblocks

These are reasonably cheap with +/- .003" flatness

[Eric Siepmann]

https://weldtables.com/collections/fabblocks

These are reasonably cheap with +/- .003" flatness

Strong Hand Tools also has similar offerings. Good thing about pro welding is that you can get fixtures for them easily and you can fixture the frame and fork...

[rauce]

Cast aluminum tooling plate like MIC6 could also be used for a small/lightweight alignment solution.

[shirk]

I thought this was an interesting little solution.

[PJN]

Those certiflat tables are neat but without a Blanchard grinding post fabrication their +/-0.015" flatness is suspect. I'm calling bullshit on 0.003" much less 0.015" flat out of the box after assembling it without a flat surface and putting fire to it in 80 different places.

I do want one for building other stuff.

-James Nelson

[Eric Siepmann]

Why would you call BS? They have been in the professional welding world for years and are meant to jig for precision jobs by professional welders. I have been suggesting a Build Pro plates like the one in the video for some time as an alignment table et all. Bluco, I believe, certifies their tables and so do some German manufactures. End of the day if you really need that precision, you can easily bring your plates to a grinder and have them ground and certified. Add tools for jigging like Stonghand Tools and the plate becomes a pretty viable option...