Welding table questions - opinions requested

[Trip59]

So it's still up in the air if I can afford the TIG (though hopefully winning will take care of that question ) but I HAVE to get a welding table to do this decorative project. Tried with clamps and plywood clamped to 1" square tube, but it's nowhere near flat or true enough.

I'd love a build-pro, but $2k is out of the question. I've decided this is an investment and allotted about $200 +/- $50 for a table. Now the question at hand is, do I go with a Stronghand Nomad, with the 14ga top or the Miller ArcStation with a 3/16 top and X pattern.

It seems obvious, one is twice as thick and one is near half as much, but I'm looking at it as an investment and looking for longevity. I don't have room really for the double-Nomad, though the space would be nice, and one end of this project will stick out, as it's 5' long.

Will I be happier with the heavy top on the Miller? Will I kick myself for not saving $100 and the 14ga is enough?

EDIT: Just saw the ArcStation is $235, free shipping on Cyberweld with $25 cash back, so it's really only about a $60 difference. thinking of ordering that tomorrow, but I'd really like some input, has anyone used one, is this a case of ignore price and one is better than the other?

[geezer]

On a tight budget, then go to a metal shop, buy a 2 foot x 3 foot piece of 1/4 inch and lay it on an old kitchen table, later you can build legs or use the sheet as stock.

[redbeard]

I second geezers opinion, unless you are drastically short of time, you can build one that meets your specific needs for less and add even more features than the commercial one. Besides, it will make a nice project entry for the next contest, just in case I win this one.

[Trip59]

Thought about that, but read here and some other places that they were less than true. I need to use the table to line the backs of pieces up flush. I figure either of these would be pretty darn flat.

I am hoping to pick up a buildpro or similar setup next year if things pick up. Maybe a birthday present... Oh, and time is a factor, but I'm looking at a week for shipping regardless.

[SeanMurphy265]

I would think you could get a 4x8 sheet of 1/4" for a little bit more, and make your own.

[Trip59]

No way to cut it easily... no room for a full sheet... no way to get it back. Local shops won't do partials.

I decided to just go with the Miller once I saw they sold replacement tops. at $200, and 3/16" thick, it can work for more than just a welding table, I can use it instead of my workmate for a bunch of stuff. It's 30x30 as well. I'll write up a review after it gets here.

[DVA]

No way to cut it easily... no room for a full sheet... no way to get it back. Local shops won't do partials.

I decided to just go with the Miller once I saw they sold replacement tops. at $200, and 3/16" thick, it can work for more than just a welding table, I can use it instead of my workmate for a bunch of stuff. It's 30x30 as well. I'll write up a review after it gets here.

The miller tables are nice. If you need more room, you can purchase another one later and extend the table. The other nice thing about some of the table tops is the x pattern that allows clamps to be placed in the middle of the table.

[Trip59]

Thought about it and decided to just by the big name. Like the chop saw I did a few weeks ago, went with the big, top of the line Milwaukee abrasive (couldn't afford the cold saw). I bought the 30FX Miller, 3/16" thick top with X pattern, folding, gun holder, replaceable top. It's 35lbs heavier than the Stronghand and has a 200lb higher static load rating. The top was the determining factor, twice as thick, and 3/16 is thick enough I can weld on some brackets and fixtures, grind them off till it's unusable (hopefully flip the top) and replace when it's trashed.

Cyberweld.com has free ground shipping and Miller has 25$ rebate, so it's $210 to my door once rebated.

I also bought a new Tweco ground clamp, as the one on my Hobart is a POS and I determined that was part of the problem I was having the other day.

Will photo-document and review it in full when it comes in.

Hopefully my spring venture takes off, a BuildPro is in line for the summer, following a TIG, Plasma and vertical mill.