[exnailpounder]

It's not just Harbor Freight either. I get those extra bolts working on my brakes too?

OH NO

[cj737]

When you MIG, you ought to spray your surfaces (including the table) with Anti-Spatter spray. It will prevent the spatter beads from sticking. After you're done, a cold chisel will literally knock them off with no residue or scarring.

As for your table, clean it well with Acetone or a non-chlorine Brake Cleaner and some shop towels. See if that makes a difference.

Tacking to a table top is a common practice. It keeps pieces in place far better than clamps alone, unless you have a filtering table. Mine I made from 5/8 plate, mag drilled 5/8" holes on a 3x3 tube base. Its 4'x'6 and a beast but offers great room to work. Replacing it as we speak (so to speak) with a 3/4" table because my buddy wanted to build one so I sold him mine and replacing it. I'll have less than $750 in it and 24sq/ft of work area. Only way to go!

[Olivero]

When there's stuff left over when fixing stuff Its just the manufacturer reminding you that they do supply spare parts....

[Chips O'Toole]

The weird thing about the extra parts is that they don't fit the table.

[hey_allen]

I've wonder occasionally if some underpaid assembly line worker is having an occasional joke at our expense when we find those extra pieces.

While dropping pieces from a completely different packaging line in the box: "Hey Zhao, how long do you think the crazy American will scratch his head when he can't figure where these go?"


Joking aside, I have the little folding welding table from HF, and a few beads of aluminum TIG welding while clamped on the top of the table started peeling the coating off in flakes and sheets. I'm guessing it's a cheap attempt to yellow zinc plate it, that wasn't all that well prepped.

[WildWestWelder]

FWIW, I make a point to avoid Harbor Fright. I don't even look it it when I drive by.

[Chips O'Toole]

You could look at it but flip your helmet down.