Harbor Freight Advice - Page 2

Harbor Freight Advice · 10-29-2009, 10:56 AM

Ok, so christmas craft season is quickly approaching. My wife likes to make handmade gifts with the kids for family and friends. Mostly stocking stuffer type stuff. She'd like to do ornaments this year and there are two piecies of equipment that would make my part in it much easier. A scroll saw and a benchtop sander. So, I've got very little in the way of discretionary funds right now but I did some across coupons for the following two machines at Harbor Freight:

16" variable speed scroll saw
4x36 Belt/6" Disc Sander

With coupons they're $50 each. Think they're worth buying as "disposable" tools to get me through the holidays and hold me over until I can buy their permanent replacements?

Thanks,

Travis

FredP · 10-29-2009, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by CarvedTones

I see you have not been fully indoctrinated; you must drink more of the cool aid...

"No bandsaw is too big for anything, but all of them are too small for something."
Therefore, to ensure maximum success, when the wife okays a bandsaw for cutting 1/4" plywood, you should come home with an Oliver...

um.... Andy? pass the kool aid!

I like ur thinkin.

Mt. Gomer · 10-29-2009, 07:54 PM

Well, I picked up the sander on the way home... good thing too, only had two left. I also left with a bunch of little "oohh, I've been needing one of those" things (that's what happens when you wander around while the guy digs though the back to find your sander).

I'll post back when I've put it through it's paces....

RobS. · 10-29-2009, 09:38 PM

If you just need something to get you through the holidays I have 2 scroll saws and a band saw, none of which are being used. I think the bandsaw is a 10" Delta. I'll have to look at the scroll saws to see exactly what they are. You are welcome to come get any of them to use until you can afford one. I'm an hour from Durham. One of these days I'm going to take some pictures of them so I can sell them. Until then you are welcome to try any of them.

worm1595 · 10-30-2009, 02:19 AM

HF is ok for dolleys, anvils, clamps and stuff but if it has a power cord or battery......I would not even consider it................................................ ...................YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR !

CarvedTones · 10-30-2009, 07:30 AM

Worm,

Is your "annelid-ical" opinion based on experience?
IMO, they do have some stuff that doesn't hold up well or isn't very precise, but there are some gems and their CS is actually pretty good at the walk in stores. The little air compressor I bought recently on sale for $40 (3 gallon, 100 PSI, 100' hose) came with a 90 day replacement warranty and for $10 I extended it another 2 years.
They have one lathe that regularly gets high marks from users and others that are not very good. I do agree that uying from them blindly isn't the best idea. The OP is trying to keep from doing that.

worm1595 · 10-31-2009, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by CarvedTones

Worm,

Is your "annelid-ical" opinion based on experience?
IMO, they do have some stuff that doesn't hold up well or isn't very precise, but there are some gems and their CS is actually pretty good at the walk in stores. The little air compressor I bought recently on sale for $40 (3 gallon, 100 PSI, 100' hose) came with a 90 day replacement warranty and for $10 I extended it another 2 years.
They have one lathe that regularly gets high marks from users and others that are not very good. I do agree that uying from them blindly isn't the best idea. The OP is trying to keep from doing that.

I have used the advice/buyer's remorse from a few of my friends that tried to save a few bucks at HF only to end up buying a trusted name brand anyway.........When I see a fellow get burned .......I know enough not to do what he did. I have always bought quality, name brand tools even if it meant holding out a little longer and save up for it........that procedure has never let me down.

Mt. Gomer · 10-31-2009, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by RobS.

If you just need something to get you through the holidays I have 2 scroll saws and a band saw, none of which are being used. I think the bandsaw is a 10" Delta. I'll have to look at the scroll saws to see exactly what they are. You are welcome to come get any of them to use until you can afford one. I'm an hour from Durham. One of these days I'm going to take some pictures of them so I can sell them. Until then you are welcome to try any of them.

Thanks Rob. That's very generous. I'll pm if I end up needing the scroll saw but I think I'll manage with my existing bandsaw.

Speaking of Bandsaws, where do y'all buy your blades. I'm specifically looking for 1/8" w/ as close to 24tpi as possible @ 111". Closest I've found is 1/8" x 14tpi by Timber Wolf and another from Highland Woodworking. Thoughts?

Thanks,

Travis

worm1595 · 11-01-2009, 02:12 AM

Try Olson Blade Company.........I like'em !