How many times have you gone into a big shop that’s outfitted with industrial production-type tools and equipment and said, “Man, if I only had stuff like that in my garage?” That mental question is usually followed by the realization that even if you could have some of that stuff, you wouldn’t have nearly enough room in your garage to accommodate. That’s why many of us resort to using whatever we’ve got on hand—or in some cases, under foot—to make due. Those burn spots on the cement are tell tale signs that either a hot rodder’s garage is too full or that he doesn’t have all the equipment he wishes he had.
Unlike some equipment that...
Unlike some equipment that requires assembly, Miller’s ArcStation is not only straightforward, the instructions are easy to understand.
Well, we may have a solution for that: the ArcStation from Miller Electric. Compact enough to fit in the corner of even the smallest garages (in its single-table option), and it’s versatile enough to handle all sorts of welding jobs, big and small. And the more space you can afford, the more options the ArcStation can facilitate—tool drawers, shelving, welding curtains, you name it. Even in its fully equipped state, it’s still reasonably small compared to those industrial welding tables you’ve dreamed about.
While the ArcStations aren’t intended to replace a work bench (depending on the model), they can offer many uses beyond your basic welding jobs, such as cutting and notching tubing, with the vise mount and work clamp accessories. For anyone doing more than just occasional welding and fabrication, the ArcStation can make life in the garage much more productive and enjoyable—not to mention putting an end to all those weld burns accumulating on your driveway/garage floor!
Furthermore, all the hardware...
Furthermore, all the hardware is blister-packed and individually labeled.
Even if you’re like us and...
Even if you’re like us and don’t always follow directions step by step, you’ll want to keep the ArcStation leveled.
While the adjustable feet...
While the adjustable feet can compensate when the table’s fully assembled, it’s a good idea to keep the framework level prior to completion.
Essentially, it’s a one-person...
Essentially, it’s a one-person job for the most part—but if you can get an extra set of hands to help, it’ll make things a lot easier on you. (If assembling by yourself, you may want to consider building upside-down and then flipping the unit over once it’s all together, as the instructions suggest.)
Here’s where the additional...
Here’s where the additional muscle would really come in handy—the 3/8-inch steel plate top is very heavy (someone had to take the picture though!).
Miller ships the top plates...
Miller ships the top plates with a rust inhibitor coating, which must be completely cleaned off both sides prior to being used.
Here’s the basic single ArcStation...
Here’s the basic single ArcStation fully assembled.
Even if you don’t opt for...
Even if you don’t opt for the additional accessories (shelves, drawers, etc.), at least consider the dust tray, as shown here, for use with the X-Pattern top plates—it’ll make cleanup a lot easier.
Depending on your particular...
Depending on your particular working environment, another important component to consider is a welding curtain.
The frame for the ArcStation...
The frame for the ArcStation curtains has adjustable sides, but for tighter spaces, it can be completely taken off just as easily if needed.
Another useful option that’s...
Another useful option that’s more along the affordable line is this basic tool rack, which can be used to store/hold a number of items, from welding apparatus to hand tools.
As part of the rack kit, you...
As part of the rack kit, you also get an attachment hook to use for holding your MIG/TIG torch, among other things.
We’ve found that one of the...
We’ve found that one of the most important accessories for use with the X-Pattern table tops are the special X-clamps Miller offers. Imagine welding something like a bracket together without having to steadily hold the two parts together?
The ArcStation features a...
The ArcStation features a dedicated grounding tab for equipment use, but Miller recommends the user also properly ground the table itself as well.
Whoever thought you couldn’t...
Whoever thought you couldn’t turn your garage into a mini fab shop, think again!