The present invention relates to a stand for a welding machine having a base plate and a column which is flexurally rigidly connected thereto and which is attached to a guide rail. The rack furthermore has a linear drive for applying a force from a work member to a work piece which can positioned on the base plate, the linear drive being supported by a slide which is displaceably guided along the guide rail. A support is furthermore provided which supports the slide and which counteracts a force-induced displacement of the slide by the linear drive.