HF welding table - what clamps are good for this?

admin

I have the Harbor Freight welding table. The sheet metal top is bent down at the slots, which helps stiffen the top, but makes clamping a bit more difficult. Because of those bent down edges, using bar clamps or C-clamps means you are reaching under the table to tighten/loosen the clamp. It would be a lot more convenient to tighten/loosen clamps from above the table. Wondering what guys are using to clamp workpieces down to this and similar tables. DIY'ing a clamp is also an option if there's a good design.


Reply:long reach visegrip welding clamps might work for you.


:
Reply:I have those and I just attach the clamp to the edge.  Put the rounded half on the underside, an the U-shaped half on the top bent edge.  I also use the brass Berger clamps from harbor freight and they make clamping a bit easier.

1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig!



Reply:I have a couple long ones but the staple in this business is 11R and a couple 4 of the 6 I believe, the smaller ones.  Tack a strip tp one side or even some scheme to the end to clamp to.Last edited by Sberry; 15 Hours Ago at 12:00 PM.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:

I only have two of the long ones and I rarely use them on the table. Used mostly for the “reach” on deep assemblies and rarely for actual welding purposes.Last edited by Lis2323; 15 Hours Ago at 11:52 AM.:
Reply:I really like that little table, how much does it cost?www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Lis,,, that is the right number of 11R, I tell women,,, no socks or underwear for the guym give him an 11R.   What if he already has one?   I said, he has 10 and always looking for another one.  I am a real vise grip fan.   They have continued a good product and pursued vendors willing to sell at the right price.  Channelock the same way on standard models. Those are the most only ones I really care so much about.Last edited by Sberry; 15 Hours Ago at 11:57 AM.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:

Originally Posted by Sberry

Lis,,, that is the right number of 11R, .
Reply:

Originally Posted by Sberry

he has 10 and always looking for another one.
Reply:the ones that say they have ten need a new tape measure ....:
Reply:

Originally Posted by Sberry

I really like that little table, how much does it cost?
Reply:

Originally Posted by goggins

$90 regular price, but cheaper on sale or with coupon. Used to be cheaper pre-pandemic. But can buy them used for less than $50.https://www.harborfreight.com/adjust...ble-61369.htmlThe hassle is finding a good way to clamp. Of the responses so far, the only one that I understood is the long reach vise grips. I might try to make a clamp that will work with the table's slots out of flat bar.
Reply:Perhaps you could add a "pad" on to the fixed end of the C clamp thick enough to compensate for the lip on the bent down portion of the slot.Hobart 190 migLincoln/Century 140 migLincoln buzz boxChicago Electric cutoff sawLotos LTP5000D Plasma CutterHMC Swivel head band saw
Reply:oops. i missed the part about the bent tab /slot.  sorry.:
Reply:

Originally Posted by cabranch47

Perhaps you could add a "pad" on to the fixed end of the C clamp thick enough to compensate for the lip on the bent down portion of the slot.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323

oops. i missed the part about the bent tab /slot.  sorry.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323


I only have two of the long ones and I rarely use them on the table. Used mostly for the “reach” on deep assemblies and rarely for actual welding purposes.
Reply:It is very light table.I do not know working you are doing but long run build a good table at less 1/4" upto 3/4" I built mind out scrape 8" channel and i can hit with 4 pound hammer and does move.The size is OK for the Harbor Freight maybe a little small but will not last longDave

Originally Posted by goggins

I have the Harbor Freight welding table. The sheet metal top is bent down at the slots, which helps stiffen the top, but makes clamping a bit more difficult. Because of those bent down edges, using bar clamps or C-clamps means you are reaching under the table to tighten/loosen the clamp. It would be a lot more convenient to tighten/loosen clamps from above the table. Wondering what guys are using to clamp workpieces down to this and similar tables. DIY'ing a clamp is also an option if there's a good design.