Harbor Freight copies StrongHand Nomad welding table...$59

[IslandTractor]

So I stuck my Nomad on a scale and it was 38 pounds according to the scale. They are close to being the same weight. That said, I haven't seen the fit and finish on the Harbor Freight unit, but the Nomad is nothing special so matching it's fit and finish wouldn't be hard to do.

I only looked quickly but my impression was that the HF version had typically low end hardware. The good news is that the hardware is generic and can easily be replaced. Really just the plastic handles for tightening the tilt mechanism is the only weak spot I could see. I virtually never adjust the tilt on my nomad anyways so that wasn't a biggie for me. The actual stand and top were very similar.

 

[ThomasH]

Ahso, I think you said it when you said "plastic handles for tightening...", not that I would use them that much but I sure could bump the table into something when putting it up and break a plastic handle right off. That said, at the price of the Harbor Freight unit, it might be worth buying a couple carriage bolts and knobs to replace the far east plastic junk...

 

[IslandTractor]

Ahso, I think you said it when you said "plastic handles for tightening...", not that I would use them that much but I sure could bump the table into something when putting it up and break a plastic handle right off. That said, at the price of the Harbor Freight unit, it might be worth buying a couple carriage bolts and knobs to replace the far east plastic junk...

The plastic tightening handles are not likely to be bumped moving the table around or walking around it. If you look at the HF catalog photo you'll see where they are. My concern is that that type of plastic handle used to twist a bolt head, unless high quality, can easily be broken off just trying to tighten them sufficiently. But, as you point out, a couple of carriage bolts and decent phenolic knobs would solve that issue easily.

I'll try to put mine together later today and give you an update. Today however is the last day to use the 20% off the whole purchase over 100 bucks. If you are on the fence and have a HF nearby you might want to grab one and then return later if it doesn't suit.

 

[brin]

I just called my local Harbor Freight to see if they had the welding table...they said they only have one coming in on their truck tonight...would not let me prepay for it since they weren't sure it would be on the truck...said I could call the manager tomorrow at 7 AM and he would hold it for me to pick up tomorrow if it was on the truck...but the sale will be on until the end of March...and I have a 25% off super coupon...so for $40 or so...it's a deal....Thanks for posting about it.

 

[Reverser]

I would like to get one but 32 7/8" high seems kind of short. I don't like having to bend over a project too long. My old back don't like it. :confused3:

 

[brin]

I would like to get one but 32 7/8" high seems kind of short. I don't like having to bend over a project too long. My old back don't like it. :confused3:

Just a thought but since it is so cheap why not just use some scrap and weld a few inches onto each leg...easy enough...

 

[Reverser]

Just a thought but since it is so cheap why not just use some scrap and weld a few inches onto each leg...easy enough...

I could. But I don't have any scrap that would work and would have to go buy something, and not sure if my need is great enough to go to the trouble.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

A guy did a side by side comparison on our site forum with pictures, and even measurements of both. My thoughts are they are probably made in same factory, with minor differences which are probably optional like a height adjustment. Strong Hand Nomad portable welding table review - Page 2

 

[IslandTractor]

A guy did a side by side comparison on our site forum with pictures, and even measurements of both. My thoughts are they are probably made in same factory, with minor differences which are probably optional like a height adjustment. Strong Hand Nomad portable welding table review - Page 2

Thanks for the link. Those photos really do show either it was made in the same factory or is an awfully faithful clone. Key point is that the table top thickness is identical.

 

[IslandTractor]

I would like to get one but 32 7/8" high seems kind of short. I don't like having to bend over a project too long. My old back don't like it. :confused3:

I don't stand at my Nomad either. I bought a cheap mechanics stool with casters (from HF!) and just adjust that for comfortable height.