Maybe in the wrong forum: HF welding table

[tcianci]

I'm not sure if this should be in tools or fabrication but, I bought the HF welding table today. It was $55.00 with coupon. I hate to admit it but I think a lot of the HF stuff is actually getting better! There were no missing pieces, and it went together well. It seems really sturdy.

Now, admittedly, I'm coming from the point of normally doing my welding on the garage floor or the top of a big Rubbermaid square trash can (you know, for the fussy, little stuff that you don't want to do down there on the floor) and it ain't easy to ground a Rubbermaid trash can!

After I get a few miles on this thing, I will comment in the HF Pass/Fail thread.

I may weld on a nice tab to put the ground ********, other than that, they seem to have covered all the bases.

I have a swivel stool in my garage with a 25 inch seat height and it looks like it may be the perfect height for working at this table while comfortably seated. When you weld as poorly as I do, any little advantage helps.

Anyone else have this table? Chime in and tell us of any modifications or upgrades you have come up with!

 

[Dragster guy]

I have one and so far so good. I like it It has been handy when i go out and weld on site.

 

[rockwithjason]

They have gotten pretty good reviews all around

 

[RivennHewn]

While my top isn't quite flat, I am impressed with how much weight it holds.

I like that I can throw it in the truck and take it to job sites.

 

[lotsoftools]

I was all set to buy one but decided it was way too flimsy. Maybe the floor model I looked at wasn't put together right?

 

[Greeny]

Had to chuckle about the rubbermaid bin. I was there, but did upgrade to throwing a nasty piece of plywood across the top.
I bought two of the HF welding tables close to a year ago and love them. They're plenty sturdy for my projects, fold up easily and store in a small amount of space and are easy to lug wherever I need a work surface. I use them for portable tables around the basement, yard and garage more than welding.
I've butted them together and vise gripped them from below for a larger work surface.
Working in a dark area and don't have a good place to clamp the halogen light? Grab a welding table, leave the tabletop in the vertical position and clamp the light to it. These have turned out to be one of my favorite HF buys.

 

[shoot summ]

I've got one, really like it and use it a lot. Will probably pick up a second one at some point...

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I have a much larger and taller welding table that is open frame work and .... a bit bulky. When it's not in use, it is still present and using space as a clutter collection.

I picked up this little welding table and I really want to hate it. It's small, it's light weight, it's... surprisingly well constructed, folds flat for storage and is portable. I've built several projects on it and it has done what I asked it to.

As much as I feel it's a cheap and inferior product, the fact that it has replaced my much larger and heavier built table as my go to table has proven to me that this is actually a very good product.

I don't really want to get rid of my existing table, but it may end up going to auction since I just don't use it and I've got another table sitting outside with a 1/2" plate steel top I should be using instead.

Huh. I've made a decision. Time to sell off a big metal table and gain back a chunk of floor space in the garage.

 

[Showkey]

They ( HF ) copied this :

http://www.eastwood.com/foldable-welding-table.html

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HL24RA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and for a change, did a decent job in the small, portable and easy to store category.

 

[dogdog]

you can hook up 2 or 4 together to make a larger table if needed.... not bad for the price... probably won't work for some one that welds as a professional.... but then again not too many professional will be looking at HF welding tables for the bread winning task as well. and probably it's a pride thing to fab your own stuffs.

 

[tcianci]

Thanks for the comments. I thought I was starting to go soft on HF tools! My garage is always cramped and we're up to our eyeballs in snow up here. So last night I actually set up my new HF miter saw on the welding table to complete some pre-cuts on some window trim.
I have a post about the miter saw as well.

 

[Showkey]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Well buying HF power tools is the definition of going soft

First rule never buy ANYTHING with a plug at .....HF.

 

[Bruce4310TX]

darn good price but you could of gotten it for $159 at Northern its a different color but its got to be better cause it costs more right.......

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Well buying HF power tools is the definition of going soft

First rule never buy ANYTHING with a plug at .....HF.

Second rule, don't be a hater.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

you can hook up 2 or 4 together to make a larger table if needed.... not bad for the price... probably won't work for some one that welds as a professional.... but then again not too many professional will be looking at HF welding tables for the bread winning task as well. and probably it's a pride thing to fab your own stuffs.

I... don't know why I didn't even consider the idea of getting two, but that would have helped me out greatly yesterday. Huh. Okay, next time I see them on sale, I may have to pick up a second one.

 

[pi_guy]

My .02 cents: The table pivot bolt oversized the hole and now the table wobbles. It makes it interesting when you are tig welding and you shift your weight.
I figured what could go wrong with a table. But in true HF fashion there is always something that fails in short order.

 

[sxk122]

I like mine. Too bad it hasn't made my welds any better.....

 

[dogdog]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Well buying HF power tools is the definition of going soft

First rule never buy ANYTHING with a plug at .....HF.

Lol, Not all but just many........ I can name a few that is really good and still works after some serious abuse. then some that just **** out like any cheap products you pay $.99 and don't care too much for.

That miter saw was actually rate best value for the $$$ by some magazine when they did some miter saw shoot outs, comparing to craftman and others of the same class. 10" miter saws. that was back in 2010 or something....

 

[laser3kw]

I consider most stuff from HF to be a "starter kit".
most of the basic components are there and they had the right thought. From there you modify it to make it sturdy and meet your needs better.
And some stuff is helpless.

 

[DEllis]

I have this table and really like that it folds up nicely into a corner of my garage, but as others here have mentioned, the top is a little underbuilt.

It's thin enough that you can twist it, making your work surface no longer flat. I'm considering adding a piece of 1/4" plate to the top of the table to make it a little more sturdy.

Even without the plate though, it really is a deal at the price they're selling them for.

Duncan

 

[Showkey]

Second rule, don't be a hater.

Third rule is: ..... do not buy anything with more than one part or has threads.

The table violates that rule but it seems to working ....for now.

 

[Man Cave]

I've looked at these tables and they are adequate for a portable table. Like anything from HF you learn not to expect much and you will never be disappointed. Many HF products are getting a little better and only require a little massage here and there and better hardware. The suggestion of adding a 1/4" top is a good one and tightening up some of the wobble in the various holes. Cheap enough to get a guy a start on a fabrication table.

 

[DonPowers]

These look a lot like a workmate bench with a metal top.

I have a large workmate bench (about 3' x 3' top) and use it with some siltemp fabric on top for welding. A chunk of steel plate on top would work as well.

 

[mike13u]

darn good price but you could of gotten it for $159 at Northern its a different color but its got to be better cause it costs more right.......

NOT the same table

 

[Bruce4310TX]

Not exactly the same but most parts do interchange so probably made by the same company or the same engineer deisigned them, like most harbor and northern stuff. And northern is not worth $100 more.

 

[mike13u]

Not exactly the same but most parts do interchange so probably made by the same company or the same engineer deisigned them, like most harbor and northern stuff. And northern is not worth $100 more.

This is not made by Northern and it is not Northern's table. Just as a Quincy compressor sold at Northern Tool isn't Northern's compressor. I know the products that you are getting at, this isn't one of them.
It is made by Strong Hand tools whom happen to make excellent equipment for professional metal fabricators. This is one of their hobby level products geared towards someone that doesn't weld all day and needs portability. I don't own it or have a need. I own a lot of other Strong Hand welding tools though.
Harbor Freight decided to copy Strong Hand's product. Not unlike most of the products at Harbor.

 

[tcianci]

NOT the same table

While its not the same table I think it's safe to say it's the same table minus some features, like the adjustable height and the casters. Personally, I doubt if the extra features are worth the extra 100 bucks

 

[Bruce4310TX]

This is not made by Northern and it is not Northern's table. Just as a Quincy compressor sold at Northern Tool isn't Northern's compressor. I know the products that you are getting at, this isn't one of them.
It is made by Strong Hand tools whom happen to make excellent equipment for professional metal fabricators. This is one of their hobby level products geared towards someone that doesn't weld all day and needs portability. I don't own it or have a need. I own a lot of other Strong Hand welding tools though.
Harbor Freight decided to copy Strong Hand's product. Not unlike most of the products at Harbor.

Did not say it was made by Northern, i have looked at both and quality is the same the northern model is not worth $100 more. And just like all of northerns other china made stuff thats a different color than the harbor freight stuff but 2 times the price. Weather its copyed or strong hand authorized it we cant say but theres not much difference in them.

 

[nonhog]

Maybe I will take another look. My first impression was "everything looked due for an upgrade" Why add 1/4 " plate on top, if the lower may not handle it. That was my thought after seeing it up close.
Glad its working for so many.

 

[Threadkiller]

I have it and its an awesome table for the home welder, especially for the price. I also like the fact that you could leave the legs loose and fold them in and the tabletop down and its flat.

 

[mike13u]

...And just like all of northerns other china made stuff thats a different color than the harbor freight stuff but 2 times the price. Weather its copyed or strong hand authorized it we cant say but theres not much difference in them.

Bruce, I'm with you 100% on the fact that you have seen both and you don't believe the Strong Hand Nomad to be worth the extra $100. Fair enough.
But, your comparison above just isn't accurate here. The Strong Hand Nomad table has been around at least eight years. It is sold in Northern Tool but has nothing to do with Northern Tool. It is also sold at Summit Racing, CyberWeld, Amazon, Sears, Arc Zone, Trick-Tools, Eastwood, etc.
The Nomad was an extremely successful economy welding table for Strong Hand. It was and is a very well reviewed and well liked table at the $150 price point for many, many years. It is made by Valtra Manufacturing and distributed through their Strong Hand segment which is the US line. They have 30+ years in welding tool business.
Early last year Harbor Freight came out with a design copy of the successful Strong Hand table. They left off the height adjustable base, wheels, carry handle, and changed the clamping slots. I would imagine, but i'm no lawyer, that these adjustment may help HF avoid lawsuits.
I know all the tools from China that you speak of at Northern Tool and their much cheaper twins at Harbor Freight. This isn't the same situation. This is just an economy product that had its design copied and sold by Harbor Freight.

 

[dogdog]

Maybe I will take another look. My first impression was "everything looked due for an upgrade" Why add 1/4 " plate on top, if the lower may not handle it. That was my thought after seeing it up close.
Glad its working for so many.

..... I stand on it once and didn't break the table if that helps and I am 1/10 ish ton.

probably not something for Steve Austin to body slam into it.

 

[tcianci]

Bruce, I'm with you 100% on the fact that you have seen both and you don't believe the Strong Hand Nomad to be worth the extra $100. Fair enough.
But, your comparison above just isn't accurate here. The Strong Hand Nomad table has been around at least eight years. It is sold in Northern Tool but has nothing to do with Northern Tool. It is also sold at Summit Racing, CyberWeld, Amazon, Sears, Arc Zone, Trick-Tools, Eastwood, etc.
The Nomad was an extremely successful economy welding table for Strong Hand. It was and is a very well reviewed and well liked table at the $150 price point for many, many years. It is made by Valtra Manufacturing and distributed through their Strong Hand segment which is the US line. They have 30+ years in welding tool business.
Early last year Harbor Freight came out with a design copy of the successful Strong Hand table. They left off the height adjustable base, wheels, carry handle, and changed the clamping slots. I would imagine, but i'm no lawyer, that these adjustment may help HF avoid lawsuits.
I know all the tools from China that you speak of at Northern Tool and their much cheaper twins at Harbor Freight. This isn't the same situation. This is just an economy product that had its design copied and sold by Harbor Freight.

I seriously doubt that legalities had anything to do with it. It's simply the same table, minus some features, to meet H/F's desired price point, no doubt manufactured by the same guys that make the Strong Hand unit and sold through H/F

 

[laser3kw]

Steve Austin? the six million dollar man?

 

[Showkey]

no doubt manufactured by the same guys that make the Strong Hand unit and sold through H/F

It is a huge jump to conclude these tables are produced by the same guys......

Far more likely they are copied in a factory in China right next to 1000's of other products cloned, stolen and reverse engineered to a price point.........with no regard for patents, copy rights, design rights or other protections that are in force in the US.
If they are willing to copy and clone Disney, Apple, HP, IBM, Honda, Sony and all the higher end designer items like watches jewelry etc...........a tool manufacture has no chance of protection or recourse.

 

[tcianci]

OK, I just found out that you're right. I asked my wife and she told me I was wrong.

 

[mike13u]

OK, I just found out that you're right. I asked my wife and she told me I was wrong.

You should listen to your wife more often.

You are wrong here. I have a small metal fabrication business and I have owned many Strong Hand tools and have gotten to know who I was involved with and what the company is about. When you have to spend real money on tools, you are often forced to do your research. But, don't take my word for it...

I reached out to Jeff Johnson for you. Jeff is the National Manager for Strong Hand Tools (part of Valtra, Inc.). Here is a copy/paste of Jeff's response:

"Unfortunately, there are a number of knock-off companies out there, most of them in China, that decide to copy good products with inferior products and
sell them cheap.
Valtra, Inc. does not manuafacture those cheap copies of our Nomad Table."

 

[ishiboo]

You should listen to your wife more often.

You are wrong here. I have a small metal fabrication business and I have owned many Strong Hand tools and have gotten to know who I was involved with and what the company is about. When you have to spend real money on tools, you are often forced to do your research. But, don't take my word for it...

I reached out to Jeff Johnson for you. Jeff is the National Manager for Strong Hand Tools (part of Valtra, Inc.). Here is a copy/paste of Jeff's response:

"Unfortunately, there are a number of knock-off companies out there, most of them in China, that decide to copy good products with inferior products and
sell them cheap.
Valtra, Inc. does not manuafacture those cheap copies of our Nomad Table."

That doesn't even answer much.

Does Valtra/StrongHand actually make their OWN table themselves? If so, they must have their factory in China.

If not, there is nothing saying that the copies aren't made by the same company.

Either way... who cares. The HF table is a REALLY good value. There isn't really a need for a 1/4" thick top, it is a small light fab table. The top is plenty rigid for what it's supposed to be used for.

 

[Whaler1777]

79$ by me... Anyone have a coupon pic?

 

[ishiboo]

79$ by me... Anyone have a coupon pic?

Then use 20% off.

I think it was on sale for $69 and I used a 20% when I picked mine up like 2 months ago.