Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Threepoint]

Question: Has the HF welding table always been capable of folding flat for storage? Didn't think the ones they've carried heretofore are that collapsible.

Got a promo email this evening with a super coupon for a "New" welding table that folds flat. The promo art looks like what I recall seeing in the stores, so I'm wondering if the folding feature is what's new. $59.99, good through 10-16-15. I'm probably going to pick one up for occasional small projects. The table they've carried for years gets pretty good reviews for light use.

 

[PhysAssist]

Question: Has the HF welding table always been capable of folding flat for storage? Didn't think the ones they've carried heretofore are that collapsible.

Got a promo email this evening with a super coupon for a "New" welding table that folds flat. The promo art looks like what I recall seeing in the stores, so I'm wondering if the folding feature is what's new. $59.99, good through 10-16-15. I'm probably going to pick one up for occasional small projects. The table they've carried for years gets pretty good reviews for light use.

Well, I've only had mine since the beginning of the summer, and I haven't seen the ad yet, but mine also folds flat.

I love it, and I even use it as a stand for my HF miter saw, because it is so solid and sturdy.

IIRC, I think I paid $54.99 with coupons.

 

[hutchman]

Question: Has the HF welding table always been capable of folding flat for storage? Didn't think the ones they've carried heretofore are that collapsible.

Got a promo email this evening with a super coupon for a "New" welding table that folds flat. The promo art looks like what I recall seeing in the stores, so I'm wondering if the folding feature is what's new. $59.99, good through 10-16-15. I'm probably going to pick one up for occasional small projects. The table they've carried for years gets pretty good reviews for light use.

I think that's the one that usually on sale for $79 something.

 

[Threepoint]

Just spoke with the manager of the HF nearest me and he says only the table folds flat, not the legs. So there's not been change in design.

 

[hutchman]

Just spoke with the manager of the HF nearest me and he says only the table folds flat, not the legs. So there's not been change in design.

Looks like the legs fold flat to me ... I'm putting one together as I type this. Will post pics shortly

 

[PILOON]

I have a neighbor with an HF generator run by a Honda clone engine. Zero problems in moderate use over three years.

It's easy to disparage HF but Honda did a good job designing these engines and the Chinese seem to do a decent job of cloning them.

In many cases I wonder if both engines don't come from the same factory, but with different labels.
I know with many power tools that is the case.
Same goes for lawn mowers and snow blowers.

 

[Threepoint]

Looks like the legs fold flat to me ... I'm putting one together as I type this. Will post pics shortly

Thanks, PhysAssist and Hutchman. That would be a nice improvement for my occasional usage. I'm betting the store manager just looked at the display model that's been on the floor for a long time. The earlier ones used through-bolts at the cross gussets, so removing them every time to fold the legs would be a hassle. The artwork in the new ad still shows through bolts, though.

 

[hutchman]

Thanks, PhysAssist and Hutchman. That would be a nice improvement for my occasional usage. I'm betting the store manager just looked at the display model that's been on the floor for a long time. The earlier ones used through-bolts at the cross gussets, so removing them every time to fold the legs would be a hassle. The artwork in the new ad still shows through bolts, though.

At this price ... it definately does not suck. Even the regular $79.99 price is OK ... with 20% super coupon you can get real close to this super coupon which runs out at the end of the month:



The legs do fold flat. Here is a picture after I got it together:



And they are expandable! (collect them like special McDonalds cups!):



The manual (specifically the parts list of what you should have and how many of each) does suck. The parts didn't match the item count. The pictures and assembly text is OK but you end up with extra parts. I ended up with four large washers extra and two small bolts. The big washers looked like the same size/diameter as the plastic handle to tighten the table angle so I used one between the plastic and the raised copper looking washer that engages the table tilt bracket ... so then I was left with two extra large washers and two small bolts.

You are given two types of nuts that are the same size. I used the lock nuts on the leg assembly and the table tilt because you want these tight but not so tight the tilt bracket can't move or the legs to fold. I used the 4 non-lock nuts on the bracket that holds the table to the stand as that you can torque tight.

... I'm off to go buy another one at this price before all you guys go buy them all up!

 

[dragoneggs]

At this price ... it definately does not suck. Even the regular $79.99 price is OK ... with 20% super coupon you can get real close to this super coupon which runs out at the end of the month:

View attachment 443402

The legs do fold flat. Here is a picture after I got it together:

View attachment 443403

And they are expandable! (collect them like special McDonalds cups!):

View attachment 443404

The manual (specifically the parts list of what you should have and how many of each) does suck. The parts didn't match the item count. The pictures and assembly text is OK but you end up with extra parts. I ended up with four large washers extra and two small bolts. The big washers looked like the same size/diameter as the plastic handle to tighten the table angle so I used one between the plastic and the raised copper looking washer that engages the table tilt bracket ... so then I was left with two extra large washers and two small bolts.

You are given two types of nuts that are the same size. I used the lock nuts on the leg assembly and the table tilt because you want these tight but not so tight the tilt bracket can't move or the legs to fold. I used the 4 non-lock nuts on the bracket that holds the table to the stand as that you can torque tight.

... I'm off to go buy another one at this price before all you guys go buy them all up!

Hey Hutch, I have been eyeing them for a long time and pulled the trigger on one today along with a rolling stand for my HF tile saw. I noticed a couple of minor issues on the display unit at the store and made some slight mods to mine during assembly this afternoon. We lost power so I was working in daylight only. Did finally fire up the generator so I could turn the overhead shop lights on!

I found exactly the same thing as you. Parts list wrong. Same extra parts, etc. as you. I used additional washers I already had so I put washers under head and tail side. I also made a couple of bushings to fit inside the tube so the tube wouldn't collapse when attaching the swivel plates. Used locktite on the four nuts connecting the table to the legs. For some reason those were not nylock nuts. Legs do fold!!! Pretty dang sturdy for $59! I also noticed too that they are expandable so I may get another one and tie them together. It is supporting my cutoff saw at the moment.

 

[PhysAssist]

Just spoke with the manager of the HF nearest me and he says only the table folds flat, not the legs. So there's not been change in design.

The one I have has legs that fold flat to the center upright.