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

Reverser · Feb 28, 2014

Mark @ Everlast said:
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, Mark.
That's a great side by side comparison review (with pic's).

Mark @ Everlast · Feb 28, 2014

Don't thank me. Our customers posted it. I just gave a link. But that table has given me an idea. I've needed a little different table to do some fab work with a jig that I built for building brush guards for tractors. I build them and sell them to dealers on the side. This may be about the right size, though its a little narrow in dimensions in depth. I need 24". It could hang over the edge though since the jig is rigid.

Reverser · Feb 28, 2014

I looked at ChuckE's video review of the Nomad. He had some problems with it and don't recommend it. He said the top bent on it just chipping slag so he reinforced the top with some square tubing.

He mentioned that it might be ok for some people who plan on only using it only for light duty work. I would think it's only intended to be used for light duty work. It couldn't be too heavily built or it would lose some of its portability.
Apparently, many would disagree with his assessment, since the Nomad seems to be pretty popular. :confused3:

I really like ChuckE's honest reviews, though. :thumbsup:

Stronghand NOMAD Welding Table Unboxing, First Impressions and Modding.. - YouTube

KubotainNH · Feb 28, 2014

Great link for comparison, thanks. For $45 I think I'll have to pick one up assuming they have it in stock.

IslandTractor · Feb 28, 2014

Reverser said:
I looked at ChuckE's video review of the Nomad. He had some problems with it and don't recommend it. He said the top bent on it just chipping slag so he reinforced the top with some square tubing.

He mentioned that it might be ok for some people who plan on only using it only for light duty work. I would think it's only intended to be used for light duty work. It couldn't be too heavily built or it would lose some of its portability.
Apparently, many would disagree with his assessment, since the Nomad seems to be pretty popular. :confused3:

Stronghand NOMAD Welding Table Unboxing, First Impressions and Modding.. - YouTube

I haven't seen the video you refer to but I would absolutely agree this is for light duty work. It shouldn't bend with chipping slag though, that sounds like hyperbole. But, I wouldn't pound on a piece of 1/4" either. It is more for clamping a work piece in place with a pretty flexible clamping set up and doing the actual welding. I'd keep an anvil or stump nearby to do any real pounding on.

IslandTractor · Feb 28, 2014

I decided to get a second one today ($45 with the 25% off coupon). In looking at how they set up the guides, they have predrilled holes with captive nuts on all four sides of the top. That means, I think, that I can attach two of them together easily in either a 20x60 or 30x40 configuration. Knowing that my Nomad always seems a bit cramped, the option of putting two of these puppies together, even if just next to each other but not secured, will make the work space more efficient.

Reverser · Feb 28, 2014

I agree. I think I'll pull the trigger on 1 or 2 myself.

Brad_Blazer · Feb 28, 2014

Did you see the Stronghand connector plate? Might be able to copy it. Too bad it costs more than the whole thing from HF.
Strong Hand Tools Nomad Table Connector Plate, Model# TSL30 | Welding Screens Tables| Northern Tool + Equipment

You guys just cost me $45 by the way. I'll put mine together in the AM.

IslandTractor · Mar 1, 2014

Brad_Blazer said:
Did you see the Stronghand connector plate? Might be able to copy it. Too bad it costs more than the whole thing from HF.
Strong Hand Tools Nomad Table Connector Plate, Model# TSL30 | Welding Screens Tables| Northern Tool + Equipment

You guys just cost me $45 by the way. I'll put mine together in the AM.

I had the exact same thought. Although the $60 plus shipping StrongHand connector is nice and better than just a piece of 14g steel with 1" flange on each side, the simple steel is the cheapest solution. The other is to just get a third HF model and cannibalize it for the top. $45. Probably couldn't get a metal shop to supply and bend plain steel for that price. Besides, think of the cool project you could do with the perfectly fine left over stand.

ThomasH · Mar 1, 2014

I guess I am missing something. Why not just reinforce the edge (if it needs it) with a small angle iron, and bolt one table to the other directly? I don't understand the point of the connector plate.

Mark @ Everlast · Mar 1, 2014

To lengthen the tables and expand total capacity....but most likely a marketing tool.

bandaidmd · Mar 1, 2014

IslandTractor said:
Beat you to it. I got both this evening. 20% off total purchase ends tomorrow. I haven't assembled the ersatz nomad yet so I don't know how easy it will be to pair with the nomad but it should work. If not, for $48 it might be worth just getting a second one to pair.

The new MIG cart is quite nice. Drawers are smooth and one drawer has lots of compartments for little stuff. Leads and MIG gun can be draped over purpose built holders on either side. Spot for one tank. More compact than the traditional lower and longer cart. Space in the garage is a premium for me and I prefer to have the welder controls higher than on the older style cart too. Older style cart would be more stable wheeling around outdoors but in a garage there is no advantage.

I didn't think the sale started until today (mar 1 ) I hope they will take one of the 20% coupons and not call a foul ball because its a "tool cart". I have the tall open cart and will reuse it for my plasma, i prefer the thin style for space saving maneuverability.

IslandTractor · Mar 1, 2014

bandaidmd said:
I didn't think the sale started until today (mar 1 ) I hope they will take one of the 20% coupons and not call a foul ball because its a "tool cart". I have the tall open cart and will reuse it for my plasma, i prefer the thin style for space saving maneuverability.

I own both styles. The new HF style is taller but is the same width. It is only about 2/3 or half as deep as the original style. Not as useful if you intend to roll it around outdoors due to wheel size and being top heavy, but the new style makes much more effective use of space.

IslandTractor · Mar 1, 2014

ThomasH said:
I guess I am missing something. Why not just reinforce the edge (if it needs it) with a small angle iron, and bolt one table to the other directly? I don't understand the point of the connector plate.

You don't even need to reinforce the edge to connect it to a sister table. You could also use three tables side by side to create a larger work surface. But there are a couple reasons why StrongHand offers the connector. 1) It costs $60 rather than $150. 2) having a connector allows you to sit with your feet underneath without having the support structure interfere with where your feet are. With the HF model, if you really have a need for a 20x90 or 30x60 table, you could just buy a third table for the top.

sparc · Mar 2, 2014

Mark @ Everlast said:
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

Nice comparison. I saw them today and was tempted to get one. I really wanted the welding cabinet, but they were out. When I go back for the cart I will grab a table too as right now I have nothing to work on but the floor, and this will certaintly be better than nothing.

I like the way that photos are displayed in the pop-up window, so much easier than the way it works here on TBN. I believe both sites are using the same forum software, and I know of another site that does too. I've been told that the pop-up window feature is included and not an add-on, so why don't we have it here I wonder?

IslandTractor · Mar 2, 2014

sparc said:
Nice comparison. I saw them today and was tempted to get one. I really wanted the welding cabinet, but they were out. When I go back for the cart I will grab a table too as right now I have nothing to work on but the floor, and this will certaintly be better than nothing.

I like the way that photos are displayed in the pop-up window, so much easier than the way it works here on TBN. I believe both sites are using the same forum software, and I know of another site that does too. I've been told that the pop-up window feature is included and not an add-on, so why don't we have it here I wonder?

Post a question in the news/feedback forum. Not sure they will see your question here. Agree with your point.

NT304 · Mar 3, 2014

I just ordered one from the sale flyer where it is listed at 36lbs.

lostcreekranch · Mar 14, 2014

HF finally had one in stock when I stopped by the new store in Houston yesterday. $59.99 sale price and they accepted a 25% coupon. $45 out the door. I'm thinking about cutting the vertical support tubes on both sides and find sq. tubing that will either fit inside or on outside of present supports to give some height adjustability. For me, it's too short to work standing up.

IslandTractor · Mar 14, 2014

I wonder if it would be just as easy and more stable to just build a simple platform to put/secure the welding table on. You could get fancy and build some storage into the platform.

lostcreekranch · Mar 14, 2014

Island;

Thinking about buying the HF welding Cabinet below. I already have a cart for Mig machine but, it has little storage.

http://t.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Welding+cabinet

$129.99 on sale. Not sure if they will let you use -25% coupon on it or not? That would get it below $100.

Drawers have ball bearing slides and fit / finish on floor model looks pretty good.