Choosing The Best Welding Table
We’ve been using our own portable plasma cutters for years, and have come to the conclusion that putting in a few more dimes for a quality welding table is well worth it. In fact, we’ve gone out and done some homework to find the absolute best plasma cutting and welding tables on the market. Below you’ll find the tables we like best, and why.
#1 Best Overall – Strong Hand Tools Nomad Welding Table
The Good:
There are a lot of good things to say about this table, starting with its very affordable price. This would be the perfect choice for virtually all home shops and can even be used in many smaller welding shops. It comes with a host of features including the ability to clamp work at any point on the table. The table is fully adjustable and can be moved with ease as it can easily be folded for moving or storage.
The table top measures 30 in.W x 20 in. L and includes 3 slots that allow clamps to be inserted at any point. This table can be set up horizontally or can be adjusted to sit at a 30-degree angle. The height of the table can be adjusted from 26 to 32 inches. The top itself is zinc-plated 14-gauge steel with a 1020 carbon steel frame. The kit comes with 3 inch-capacity MagSpring clamp that features a spring-loaded arm and a magnetic V-Pad jaw which can instantly adjust to hold either round, flat or angled steel surfaces. Includes 2 mini-magnet clamps for light-duty holding.
The Bad:
When folded up, there are no locking devices to keep the legs in place. Bungee cords or even duct tape will fix this issue.
Conclusion:
The Nomad table is an incredible value for those who want a top-quality welding or plasma cutter table but may be short on money and space. The table comes with features that many other tables simply do not provide at this low price.
Also, because it can be folded up when not in use, it makes a perfect fit for shops that are not large in size. With its easy clamping system, cutting and welding jobs can be completed much faster and with better results. It also has adjustable gates on 2 sides for accurate 90-degree work. The table can also be combined with a second table and an extension to create a much longer working space.
#2 Best Value – Strong Hand Tools Nomad Economy Welding Table
The Good:
The Nomad economy welding table is our second choice for incredible value and quality. This inexpensive plasma cutting/welding table is portable, yet very sturdy. It is a very good option for those just starting out with plasma cutting who need a reliable work table but do not have a lot to spend on it.
The tabletop has grooves in it for easy, secure mounting of clamps or other types of holding fixtures to anchor down work. Three 1.1″ (28mm) slots in the tabletop allow for insertion of clamps to reach any point on the table. The tabletop measures 30 by 20 and the height can be adjusted from 26 to 32 inches. The top can be tilted to 30 degrees. Can be folded up for storage and the unit can support up to 350 pounds.
The Bad:
When folded, the table can be moved by rolling it on two (included) caster wheels. While these are fine for normal use, if one needs to rolls the unit over uneven surfaces, better casters may be needed.
Conclusion:
It would be hard, if not impossible, for anyone to find a better plasma cutting table at such a low price. While not meant for heavy-duty work, this table, with all of its many features, is a good option for the home shop. The table is quality made and offers all of the benefits of a much more expensive table at a fraction of the cost.
Because it can support up to 350 pounds (many other low-priced tables can only support about 100 pounds), it is an excellent choice for those doing heavier work. With its clamping design, hold work in place is a snap.
#3 Top Contender – Northern Industrial Welding Table
The Good:
When it comes to finding the cheapest welding/plasma cutter table, it would be hard to beat the Northern Industrial table. Despite the low price point, we’ve found this table to be of quality design with good attention to detail. The table was specifically designed for plasma cutting and welding and has many features such as a metal grate inside the frame, and a pan that can collect both sparks and slag.
The Northern Industrial table has plenty of room for most projects. Made of steel, it measures L x W x H (in.): 36 (L) x 20 (W) x 35 (H). It can easily support up to 100 pounds.
The Bad:
Our fanatical desire for perfection left a little to be desired from the metal screen, which we found not be perfectly flat. We were able to fix this issue, however, by adding a couple of extra cross-supports. Problem solved!
While the table is sturdy, the additional cross-supports for the legs can increase stability for those who need it.
Conclusion:
The Northern Industrial table is an outstanding option as a “starter” table and works fine for those who perform smaller cutting jobs. At a very low price, it will suit most of those who work with plasma cutters and provides useful features that make any job easier and faster to complete.
The only drawback, if it is a drawback, is that those who are doing heavier work may need to add support to the legs or table top to gain more stability. This, however, should not be a problem for most buyers.
