Lift Table
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 422
Likes: 12
From: Ivor VA
Ride safe all
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 11
From: USA
Digging up an old thread, but not that old.
I have sung the praises of the HF lift table for many years, having owned two in the course of 10 years.
I have noticed though that in order to keep cost low, they have cheapened this lift table up in some key areas.
The HF lift table used to have a fairly decent wheel vice. I had one on my first HF table. That changed to a POS that HAD to be changed out. But HF does have a good Condor style chock that works really well so it was still a good bargain.
It seems to me that the safety bar has now been compromised. I never noticed any flex in the safety bar of my first HF table and had many many big heavy dressers on it without problem.
Here is a pic of the safety bar of my current HF table bought about a year ago. The table had a friends Kawasaki 1600 Nomad on it at the time.
I don't think any "safety" component should do that. I have been advised to replace that bar with a piece of 5/8ths inch drill rod, which I'll do.
I'm going to keep my table and replace the safety bar, anymore I only use the table a couple times a year, I'm fully aware of it's limitations and am comfortable with it's use.
But I don't know if I could recommend this table in good conscience if I have to say "the wheel chock is junk and so is the safety bar but other than that it's a good deal".
They may have just cut too many corners to justify a recommendations any more. That's too bad, I have enjoyed my HF table lifts for many years.
I have sung the praises of the HF lift table for many years, having owned two in the course of 10 years.
I have noticed though that in order to keep cost low, they have cheapened this lift table up in some key areas.
The HF lift table used to have a fairly decent wheel vice. I had one on my first HF table. That changed to a POS that HAD to be changed out. But HF does have a good Condor style chock that works really well so it was still a good bargain.
It seems to me that the safety bar has now been compromised. I never noticed any flex in the safety bar of my first HF table and had many many big heavy dressers on it without problem.
Here is a pic of the safety bar of my current HF table bought about a year ago. The table had a friends Kawasaki 1600 Nomad on it at the time.
I don't think any "safety" component should do that. I have been advised to replace that bar with a piece of 5/8ths inch drill rod, which I'll do.
I'm going to keep my table and replace the safety bar, anymore I only use the table a couple times a year, I'm fully aware of it's limitations and am comfortable with it's use.
But I don't know if I could recommend this table in good conscience if I have to say "the wheel chock is junk and so is the safety bar but other than that it's a good deal".
They may have just cut too many corners to justify a recommendations any more. That's too bad, I have enjoyed my HF table lifts for many years.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
Drill rod is round tool steel, not 1020. I are a retired machinist, handle cranker, not button pusher. 1020 cold rolled is 54,000 PSI yield strength and drill rod without heat treating is @50,000 PSI yield strength. If I have to replace my safety bar, which hasn't bent yet, I'll use 1144 Stressproof with a yield strength of 100,00 PSI. The existing holes in my HF lift will take a 7/8" bar with plenty of wiggle room.
Last edited by Lakerat; Jan 14, 2014 at 11:17 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 6
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
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From: Cookson, Ok
http://www.mcmaster.com/#6628k52/=q9hluw
Last edited by Lakerat; Jan 15, 2014 at 11:18 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 11
From: USA
Thanks for setting me straight. He said drill rod, 1020, 1021 whatever it takes. (hope you remember that line in the movie). He probably said 7/8ths and I remembered 5/8ths.
You think 50,000 psi wouldn't hold it ? I'll look for some 1144.
You think 50,000 psi wouldn't hold it ? I'll look for some 1144.