Welding cart build questions

[weo]

Hello all. I hope everyone is staying healthy.
I've been in a rut lately, not wanting to grind or sand steel for some reason (well, one reason might be all the hours I've been spending sitting on my ass sanding chess pieces for the past 2 weeks. 21 down, 15 to go....). So I thought now might be a good time to make a cart for my new TIG/Stick/Plasma cut machine and air compressor. I'm just not sure how I want to. Should I make the cart using traditional blacksmithing joinery or should I weld it?

For those with blacksmithing experience, how small could I go? I have a bunch of 1" square that I know would be strong enough, but that seems overkill and heavy. I think 1/2" sq would be too light for the top shelf if I want to cantilever the shelf for the welder. Maybe 3/4" sq? 5/8"? I also have some 1" x 1/2" which I'm thinking about using for the frame, would this work?

It might come down to what bar stock I have on hand, because if I weld it, I'll have to buy the tube or angle. If I were to weld it, any specific reasons to use square tube v angle? I was thinking 1" square tube for the main frame if I were to weld it.
I'd appreciate thoughts on the matter. Thanks.
Stay safe.

 

[CallumRD1]

I just TIG welded mine from cold rolled 1/16" wall 1" box tube. It was easy enough to mitre all the joints using my belt grinder to ensure that there were no open tube ends when I was done. A coat of black spray paint and a set of casters and it was good to go. My one piece of advice is to put some thought into how you want to mount your gas cylinder(s) to ensure that the cart still rolls well and the tank is safely secured. I cannibalized a cheap tie down strap and buckle for mine.

 

[Storm W]

Hey man that looks awesome. Can you text me? I lost your number and I don't have a paid membership to reply.