Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[shovelrider]

The cost of that and time to figure it out, wouldn't it had been just as cheap. To go w/cca(treated) bds. and (clear) pvc panels? Anchor it down, it can last for ever and a day then. Just asking

 

[downsizingnow48]

Which is that? I don't recall seeing your post, so could you repost the source for it, I don't think it came up when I searched HF for belt sanders, unless it's this one: 1 in. x 3 in. Belt Sander

If it is that one, did you discuss why you largely diassembled it?

Sorr if they are st-st-stoopid questions, but inquiring minds want to know.

Sorry, you are right, I should have said what it was! It is the 1x30 belt sander pictured below. I use it exclusively as a metal grinder. I reassembled it in the horizontal position because I find it easier to use than vertical. The plastic piece at the top gets in the way of anything more than a few inches long. The table also gets in the way of nearly everything. So I took them off. One of the nice things about the grinder is the part of the belt that is not supported by the platen. Using that segment, it kind of wraps around the work piece, allowing very fine smoothing of curves and edges. I took the side plate off because it interferes with using that segment of the belt.

 

[IslandTractor]

Sorry, you are right, I should have said what it was! It is the 1x30 belt sander pictured below. I use it exclusively as a metal grinder. I reassembled it in the horizontal position because I find it easier to use than vertical. The plastic piece at the top gets in the way of anything more than a few inches long. The table also gets in the way of nearly everything. So I took them off. One of the nice things about the grinder is the part of the belt that is not supported by the platen. Using that segment, it kind of wraps around the work piece, allowing very fine smoothing of curves and edges. I took the side plate off because it interferes with using that segment of the belt.

I have one of those. Cost about $30 and after realigning a pulley or two it works like a champ.

 

[PhysAssist]

Sorry, you are right, I should have said what it was! It is the 1x30 belt sander pictured below. I use it exclusively as a metal grinder. I reassembled it in the horizontal position because I find it easier to use than vertical. The plastic piece at the top gets in the way of anything more than a few inches long. The table also gets in the way of nearly everything. So I took them off. One of the nice things about the grinder is the part of the belt that is not supported by the platen. Using that segment, it kind of wraps around the work piece, allowing very fine smoothing of curves and edges. I took the side plate off because it interferes with using that segment of the belt.

Hi DSN,

No apology necessary, I just wondered and wanted to understand.

Thanks for the information- this is some of what [to me] s the best of TBN- seeing how others have made things work for them, one of the things that is quickly making this one of my favorite threads.

It's so much better to take what you can find at the right price and make it the best thing for your use than it is to keep B-wording- [yes, I mean bellyaching :laughing:] about the awful horrible Chinee and how they are ripping us off.

For me, there is also a decent comfort level to taking a less expensive item and modifying it, rather than buying a really expensive thing and feeling bad that:

1) even after spending a lot of money it still ain't perfect and some things about it are really annoying in the ways you need it to work for you, [or even worse are unsafe.]

and/or

2) you end up having to modify it anyway so that it works the best way possible for you in the things you need it to do.

3) having to listen to your SWMBO when she busts your chops for buying expensive stuff and then having to "fix" it so you can use it the way you want to.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Thomas

 

[PhysAssist]

So, I just saw this:

1 Amp Deep Cut Variable Speed Band Saw Kit

comp at $279.00 Sale: $129.99
Only $99.99 with coupon 60382274
Add item to cart to redeem coupon.

BY THE WAY it's 10 AMP

After buying the older model on close out for $79.99 [$98.99 on clearance with 20% off coupon]

Would it be worth the extra $20 and tax to get the newer one with a case and a slightly deeper throat?

The reviews on the newer one ARE a lot more glowing than I remember the old ones as being.

Opinions?

BTW, the HF store nearest me are about 30 miles away, but near MD offices we visit every couple of weeks, so the trip is of negligible import.

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[lostcreekranch]

Thomas, if you wanted to get one of the SWAG version 3.0 tables that have miter gauge slots the new BS would work. Only the version 1.0, no miter slots, works on the previous model.

I've mounted my V 1.0 table to my HF band saw and working on a stand for it now. This stand will be 3/4" birch plywood but, want to build another one later with some steel square tubing.





I'd really like a table with miter slots for greater accuracy so, the $99 coupon on the new HF BS is very enticing. If I do succumb and go get it I'd order the Swag V 3.0 and make someone a great deal for the one I have now.

 

[Threepoint]

[snip]

Would it be worth the extra $20 and tax to get the newer one with a case and a slightly deeper throat?

The reviews on the newer one ARE a lot more glowing than I remember the old ones as being.

Opinions?

BTW, the HF store nearest me are about 30 miles away, but near MD offices we visit every couple of weeks, so the trip is of negligible import.

Thanks,
Thomas

Thomas, I love my original (6 amp) version, and it has done everything I've asked. Including zipping through 12 consecutive cuts of solid 1" mild steel rod recently with ease. And that was using a single HF blade that still has lots of life in it. It is truly one of the real HF gems. But, for another $20, I'd sure go ahead and get the newer 10 amp version with the slightly deeper throat and a case. That way you'll never be second guessing yourself. Especially if you plan on transporting it.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thomas, if you wanted to get one of the SWAG version 3.0 tables that have miter gauge slots the new BS would work. Only the version 1.0, no miter slots, works on the previous model.

I've mounted my V 1.0 table to my HF band saw and working on a stand for it now. This stand will be 3/4" birch plywood but, want to build another one later with some steel square tubing.

View attachment 466410

View attachment 466411

I'd really like a table with miter slots for greater accuracy so, the $99 coupon on the new HF BS is very enticing. If I do succumb and go get it I'd order the Swag V 3.0 and make someone a great deal for the one I have now.

Are you sure the HF band saw fits the Swag V3 table. I thought the V3 fit only the newest Milwaukee model and was designed specifically for it. I have one but have never tried any other band saw. I know my older Milwaukee band saw doesn't fit.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Are you sure the HF band saw fits the Swag V3 table. I thought the V3 fit only the newest Milwaukee model and was designed specifically for it. I have one but have never tried any other band saw. I know my older Milwaukee band saw doesn't fit.

SWAG Web Site says it does. See picture #4.

SWAG V3.0 Portaband Table

I believe you are thinking of their version 4.0?

 

[prichard]

Are you sure the HF band saw fits the Swag V3 table. I thought the V3 fit only the newest Milwaukee model and was designed specifically for it. I have one but have never tried any other band saw. I know my older Milwaukee band saw doesn't fit.

Hey now don't go talking him out of upgrading. I'm hoping he'll give me a good deal on his existing setup.