Strong Hand Nomad portable welding table review

[youngnstudly]

So I've been planning to build a small portable welding table for quite some time now, but I have also kept my eye on Strong Hand's Nomad table after seeing Jody's review at WT&T. I finally decided that I have enough things to build that will keep me busy, and most of them will require a welding table that I can weld on, grind on, and clamp to. My final decision was made when Ebay sent me a 10% off coupon for select sellers only. Summit racing was offering this very table for $150 with no tax or shipping, and this item was eligible for the coupon, so I went for it and spent just over $135 total.

Of course with UPS involved in shipping, I couldn't help but cringe...and with good reason. I watched the UPS truck storm by yesterday and then drive right back out several minutes later without stopping at my address, and I knew there was a problem when the tracking status online went from "Out for Delivery" to "At front door" 20 minutes later. Certainly not the first time this has happened with UPS deliveries, and last time was a HUGE mess until UPS sent the responsible driver to retrieve the package from the wrong address. About 2 hours after I called Summit and they volunteered to ship another one out immediately at no cost to me (while also filing a claim for the "missing" table), the UPS truck showed up, dropped the package in the yard quickly, then drove off before I could run out and get their explanation/apology. Of course I called Summit and cancelled the 2nd table.

After opening the box, I separated the parts and fasteners neatly, and began assembling the table according to the instructions that Strong Hand sent with the table. About 40 minutes later I had a table that closely resembled what was printed on the front of the box, no cussing or yelling involved (FIRST TIME EVER!). I was able to use the table this evening for the first time and I think it's going to work out just fine, even as my primary welding table. Of course I have some upgrades planned, but I need to get through some other projects first. Possible upgrades do include adding the 32"x26"x1/4" aluminum plate that I currently use for the welding surface on my job box, some properly sized Z-bar side rails that will work in conjunction with the new top, plus hinged panels on the sides and back of the tabletop to help contain sparks and grit while stick/MIG welding or cutting/grinding (like a welding booth).

And the best part is that my new nylon torch lead jacket still didn't have to touch the dirty shop floor! I must say that the table was quite sturdy as I turned and flipped the front beam I'm in the middle of repairing. I couldn't think of a project that is more awkward to weld then this for the table's maiden voyage. I'm very pleased, even as it sits in factory format with no upgrades.