Which portable wedling table?

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I've decided that I'm done setting up the makeshift table I use when I weld so I started looking into the miller F series portable, then I found the stronghandtools Nomad portable. Pro's of the Nomad: Adjustable height from 26"-32"Two retractable guide rails3 position table top. weighs 44 pounds.many choices of fixtures/clampsCan be had for under $150Cons:30"w X 20"lmax load 350lbs.Miller F series Pro's550lb load cap35" height30"x30" topCons:74lb weightfixed heightlimited clamps/fixturesno guide railscosts $250Now, I don't really need something that can handle 350lb or more, and I'm only using it for TIG welding aluminum fuel cells and radiator tanks etc, and some MIG. I would much rather have a fixed table, but like I've stated in the past I work out of my fathers garage and I don't have the space for a fixed table.  The set up I use now, is two saw horses, and a VERY heavy desk top that I have to set up and take down everything I use it.. it's just getting old so, next best thing.. What say the wise men of the welding web?www.thefusionsolution.com
Reply:I'd say build your own. either from scrap or from new. price wise you'll be close to the same cost and you'll have exactly what you want. build some of the features you like from the two units into yours and be proud that you were able to make something better than you could buy at the store.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I would love to make a table, I just don't have the resources to do so, that's why I was looking at buying.  if it were a stationary table, there would be no doubt I would build it myself.www.thefusionsolution.com
Reply:For portable.  I would probably just buy the Nomad.  I see them at the metal supply place when I go and they aren't too bad for the price.  Not very big, but for small tig projects, they would get it done.The other option I may suggest is buying a Rockwell Jawhorse and fabbing a table top for it, even if it's a piece of 1/4".  I have one I use all the time for all kinds of stuff.  It's really sturdy, you can clamp pretty much anything in it and it's really easy to just make flat top with a bar on the bottom you could clamp in the jaws.  It would easily break down and be easy to store and transport.  They look a little cheesy at first, but my dad got me one for Christmas last year and it's a great tool.Last edited by kazlx; 12-16-2011 at 10:57 AM.
Reply:I looked into the rockwell's and it pretty much leads me back to the issue I have now, set up.. I want something I can pull out of the back of my truck, and just get welding. the more pieces, the more of a pita.  I think I'm going to go with the nomad, I like the adjustable fencing on the two edges, and I like the selection of clamps and other stuff vs the limited selection of the miller..www.thefusionsolution.com
Reply:It doesn't get much easier than the Rockwell and it can be used for numerous other things.  But there's nothing wrong with the Nomad either.  I think you answered your own question about what you want, so get the Nomad.
Reply:Yes I did, didn't I? lol!www.thefusionsolution.com
Reply:i think i would be looking at a used  work mate with a metal top that you make.....i dont like the strong hands center post style layout and much prefer the miller portable table to it.  i have been using a work mate for over two decades now for everything and by far it is my favorite tool. i would be looking at finding one of these used and then making a nice top to it.  a good trick is to open up the work mate all the way and then make a slide on the bottom of the table top out of two diffeent pieces of wood or steel or what ever....the slide is just narrower then the opening and has a wider piece on the bottom so it slides into the workmate opening and you can clamp it in place but because it has a larger piece below it it cant come off if you put a heavy weight on the ends.  it has to slide on and off....sort of like a cross section of an i beam but the top would be the table top.  i can post a picture if my horrible description isnt cutting it.  it will stow with the top on alsobobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:It still leaves me with multiple pieces to set up, which is what I'm trying to avoid.  And the table top is the biggest problem I have, I have no way to cut the slots. and to send it someplace, I would need to give up an arm and possible a leg.www.thefusionsolution.com
Reply:Buy the Miller the extra 3 in of height is a plus and the 3/16 top is all steel.  Its a very stable platform and for the price you cannot afford to build one.  I bought my almost a year ago and with a couple of roller stands it does everything i want to do and it has the miller blue paint
Reply:i think i would save the $$$ for the miller, you will have that for a life timebobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:I had looked at both the Nomad And the Miller.  I bought the Miller.  I have been really happy with it and I am pretty hard on it.  The Nomad looked too light for me.Miller XMT 304 CC/CVMiller 12VS Xtreme with Bernard 400 amp Q gunMiller Spoolmatic 30A with WC-24Miller Maxstar 200 STR (bad main board)Thermal Arc 161SMiller Dialarc HFLincoln SA-200Miller Bobcat 225Smith O/AHarris O/A