A Harbor Freight Workshop

cg · 2004-10-26T02:01:19+00:00

First, I have no connection with Harbor Freight. I often see commentsabout HF, many times people just writing one line, without any realexperience. I hope this helps someone in their pursuit for creatingnice wood projects. Background:I have actually two small shops, as I have a summer home with a shop. Both shops are in the garage. I am an amateur woodworker, but my bossin my daytime job thinks my work is great. [It's nice to beappreciated!]. I have a few stationary woodworking tools, and acollection of powered hand tools. I learned most of my skills from mydad, who is now legally blind, but still can create wood projects thatput many woodworkers [including me!] to shame. I have bought a handful of items from Harbor Freight. And, as mostpeople on the boards say, you get what you pay for. I have found,overall, the HF tools fit my needs. I have bought tools at the localstore, as well as mail order. As you will notice, I buy almost alltheir items on sale. Patience will allow you to save some money. Andany HF buyer will know the trick about the suffixes when doing mailorder. Here are my short reviews:Sliding Compound Miter Saw ($100): I am very happy with mine. Thebevel and miter both cut square. The slide is reasonably smooth, I havedone minor work to have the guard slide a bit smoother. I have theirolder model with the single slide. I probably would have opted for thetwo shaft slide unit if that was available when I bought mine. Theelectric brake is only medium and stops the blade at varying rates. Ihave owned it for almost 3 years. Band Saw ($80):Bought a 3 wheel variable speed band saw about 10 years ago. Actually,it was a gift. Changed the blade, tweaked in the rollers, and it worksfine. I will probably get a floor unit or a two wheel bench modelbefore long. I think of this more as a fat scroll saw than a band saw. Drill Press ($50):Bought a small table top drill press. Five speed with light and keylesschuck. Swear they use a sewing machine...

Oct 26, 2004 23 Replies

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GregP 21 years ago

Boy, I have both and both have the same problems. I never knew that they were endemic.

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John Doe 21 years ago

cg news:Xns958DE0786647BbubbalouieNOSPAMMAma@65.24.7.150:

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Okay, I'll bite... What is the trick about suffixes?

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Kevin Singleton 21 years ago

There's one in Youngstown. Let me know when you wanna go, and we'll split the trip.

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Andy Dingley 21 years ago

If they all do that, won't they all meet each other ?

I do _not_ shop at Walmart / Asda. The appearance during cooking of their Xenical by-product sausages (an ocean of vile orange fat) was only one reason for this.

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