Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

Threepoint · Mar 15, 2015

Just checked the HF website, and they currently sell three benchtop models: 8", 10" and 13". The 13" is the most robust of the three. But since Rick already knows he wants to use it for metalworking, I'm thinking he'd be much happier with the 17" if he can manage another floor model.

IslandTractor · Mar 15, 2015

Threepoint said:
Just checked the HF website, and they currently sell three benchtop models: 8", 10" and 13". The 13" is the most robust of the three. But since Rick already knows he wants to use it for metalworking, I'm thinking he'd be much happier with the 17" if he can manage another floor model.

Maybe I do have the 13. It is the biggest of their bench models and when set up on a stand seems to my recollection to be as big as the floor models except for one.

The 20" production floor drill press that sells for about $500+ is a very hefty unit. I was impressed with it but couldn't justify that much floor space or expense given my needs.

For general home use the big bench model has been fine for me.

lostcreekranch · Mar 16, 2015

Correct, I am looking at the 13" bench top model with 16 speeds. It would sit on bench where the small one now sits since drawers for bits are below.

Also looking at the HF cross slide vise. Could have really use one last week drilling numerous holes in some 1" sq. tubing to make modifications to newHF welding table which is too low for my liking. Will post a separate thread on that project.

6" Cross Slide Vise

Thanks for all the informative replies. I plan to also have a quick look at the Craftsman 12" BT DP this week.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

lostcreekranch · Mar 16, 2015

Duplicate post, sorry.

Wa11banger · Mar 16, 2015

Murphy1244 I have one.. I sealed it up good with silicone when I built it just because I wanted to ensure free flying particles were minimized so I don't have any experience with using the supplied tape style seals. I also have a 120 gallon air compressor so air supply has never been an issue. It works fantastic.. My only complaint is every once in a while I get the syphon hose into a position where it kinks itself.. It really is longer than necessary but instead of cutting it I routed and trapped it in a way to not be able to kink it and this way I still have the ability to use all of the length should I ever need to. Works great and I don't use a dust collector I use a shop vac that I put outside while working with it.

murphy1244 said:
Anyone have their bead blasting cabinets??

txdon · Mar 16, 2015

Does anyone have this solar charger?
1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger

Do you have to add an inline voltage regulator or can you directly connect the alligator clips on a 12V lawn mower battery?

txdon · Mar 16, 2015

Does anyone have this solar charger?
1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger

Do you have to add an inline voltage regulator or can you directly connect the alligator clips on a 12V lawn mower battery?

IslandTractor · Mar 16, 2015

txdon said:
Does anyone have this solar charger?
1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger

Do you have to add an inline voltage regulator or can you directly connect the alligator clips on a 12V lawn mower battery?

I don't have the HF version but something almost identical from West Marine. No regulator needed. Direct connect.

California · Mar 16, 2015

txdon said:
Does anyone have this solar charger?
1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger

Do you have to add an inline voltage regulator or can you directly connect the alligator clips on a 12V lawn mower battery?

Works for me. I measured 12.3 volts on a tractor that hadn't been started for most of the winter. Put that HF solar charger (actually the earlier red one) on it, and came back a week later. I measured 12.56 volts. It started instantly.

If my math is right 1.5 watts @ 24 volts would be 62 milliamps maximum output, aimed directly at the sun in ideal conditions.

In practical application I doubt it would attain anywhere near that output. You don't need a regulator, just put a voltmeter on it every week or so if you have ideal conditions, to see if it is anywhere near the 13 volts or whatever the spec is that a powered float charger would maintain.

In summary - I recommend it.

txdon · Mar 18, 2015

After reading the review and your help here it looks like only one person in Texas had a problem without a regulator and he left it on for 6months during the bight sunshine in Texas when he was out of town. His battery cracked. I fin ally did read the instructions and they do recommend a regulator - (I guess for people like the one in Texas).

On the first partly cloudy day it was producing 19 to 23 volts and my lawn mower battery went from 11.9v to 12.0v.

Now the big complicated question:

Can I put this charger on my 6 Volt 1947 Farmall A battery? Is there a regulator that I need? Where would I find a variable 6V-12V or 6V regulator if I also buy the 15W solar panel? Thanks.