Strong Hand Nomad portable welding table review

[redbeard]

Nice buy! I want one of those pretty badly but the wife flat out said no. Looks like I'll be building a table soon out of old bed frames and a bakers rack shelf until I can convince her I "Need" a bigger/better table.

Bread racks are great for a lot of things. As a welding table, not so much, especally when sitting on a wobbly sheet metal stand.

It is way past time to pull the trigger and just get one. Thanks for the review Andy.

[youngnstudly]

Your welcome! I'm a little embarrassed to admit that the table is currently the spot where I am doing some front end assembly work. The tabletop is covered in dirt and grease and I've only used it for welding once so far. I can't help that it's convenient for other things besides welding. One of the first things I figured out about it (in regards to welding) is that there is almost always an uncovered portion of the table slots which can be used to set the torch cup into to prevent the tig torch from sliding off the table (when you're not welding with it). Probably wouldn't work for a MIG gun with the trigger being in the way though.

[sportbike]

Your welcome! I'm a little embarrassed to admit that the table is currently the spot where I am doing some front end assembly work. The tabletop is covered in dirt and grease and I've only used it for welding once so far. I can't help that it's convenient for other things besides welding. One of the first things I figured out about it (in regards to welding) is that there is almost always an uncovered portion of the table slots which can be used to set the torch cup into to prevent the tig torch from sliding off the table (when you're not welding with it). Probably wouldn't work for a MIG gun with the trigger being in the way though.

I do that with mine as well. Not necessarily the covered in grease part, but I use it as a bench to put parts when I pull the engine out of my bike. I also use the slots to hold the torch, although it doesn't do a great job and I had it hit the floor, breaking the cup.

[redbeard]

Guess one of the first things to do will be build a torch/gun holder then. The ergo plus gun is nice to work with, but the trigger extension is always getting activated when I set it down.

[youngnstudly]

I do that with mine as well. Not necessarily the covered in grease part, but I use it as a bench to put parts when I pull the engine out of my bike. I also use the slots to hold the torch, although it doesn't do a great job and I had it hit the floor, breaking the cup.

I just happened to need a spot to assemble my front end and the table was sitting there looking under-worked. Yeah, the torch has tried to slide off the table a few times on me now, but I still find the slots to be handy for that purpose most of the time. I did find that a pair of Vise Grip C-clamps worked well for keeping the torch on the table (hook the ceramic cup around the upper portion of the C-grips).

I'm trying to figure out what fixtures and tooling I want to insert into the slots (to give them a real use, but I still haven't put much thought into the idea yet.

Guess one of the first things to do will be build a torch/gun holder then. The ergo plus gun is nice to work with, but the trigger extension is always getting activated when I set it down.

That's a pain with MIG! There are a million ways to build that holder with very little work and thought involved. Even something as simple as welding a short piece of tube or pipe to the Vise Grip C-clamps I mentioned above so you can clamp them anywhere. I use those Vise Grips for almost everything!

[redbeard]

There are a million ways to build that holder with very little work and thought involved. Even something as simple as welding a short piece of tube or pipe to the Vise Grip C-clamps I mentioned above so you can clamp them anywhere. I use those Vise Grips for almost everything!

Good idea, it never even occurred to me to just stuff the nozzle into a piece of pipe for a holder. As usual, I pass right by the easy solution on my way to yet another over-engineering challenge.

[youngnstudly]

Good idea, it never even occurred to me to just stuff the nozzle into a piece of pipe for a holder. As usual, I pass right by the easy solution on my way to yet another over-engineering challenge.

My welding instructor in college showed me that trick originally (years ago). Then I became a sheet metal worker shortly after and started working for a local HVAC fab shop as a pre apprentice (with the foreman, 7 journeyman, and a few apprentices). Almost everyone treated me like an idiot since I was young and new to the trade, until the 35 year certified welder/journeyman in the shop saw me using those "pockets" on the welding table to rest the MIG nozzle in and told everyone at lunch about it.

Apparently everyone else (including the foreman) had let the stinger hit the floor multiple times whenever they used the welder, and the journeyman welder was stuck fixing the damage every time the gun stopped working. He even gave "heated" lectures about it to the other guys at lunch. Needless to say, I got treated with some respect after that and had a much easier time "fitting in" at my new job!

[sportbike]

I may pick one up as well. I can then see how it is as compared to the stronghand one I already have.

[Elantramax1]

I read a review somewhere, Guy said the HF was a lighter gauge steel.

[everlastsupport]

I read a review somewhere, Guy said the HF was a lighter gauge steel.

That would not surprise me. But I can stiffen it up if needed. I figure it will be worn out in 3-4 months anyway.

[Rambozo]

I saw it Friday, might go for one at that price. So they are twins pretty much? I think it was on sale here, so I can drop a 25% off on it too.

I have not had much luck with HF coupon stacking, but for sure when it is on sale add a 25% one and got mine for $45 So for the price of a Stronghand you could get two or even three of these.

I read a review somewhere, Guy said the HF was a lighter gauge steel.

Nope, read the review in this thread, complete with micrometer shots and weights.

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...2871#post52871

All materials are within a few thou of each other, some thicker on one, and some the other. The only big thing different is the height adjustment or lack thereof. A very easy mod, if you even need it.

[everlastsupport]

Yea it was on sale here, this last weekend. So I would drop 25% on that. Great price.