Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[IslandTractor]

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

SWAG V3.0 Portaband Table

I believe you are thinking of their version 4.0?

You are right. I must have the V4.

 

[Pixguy]

Years ago I bought the smaller 6x8 greenhouse ordered it online and had it shipped as that was pretty much the only option at the time. It came truck freight and was damaged when I opened the box. Several of the longest aluminum pieces were bent and the corners crushed on a lot of the longer polycarbonate panels. They wanted it returned first before they would ship a replacement. This all would have been about a months worth of lost time for me so I just ordered second one (that got delivered quicker it was better but not perfect either) then I took the best parts from both to assemble it and threw al the leftovers in box shipped it back and got my refund credit. I just got another one but at the store this time. It was worth the trip. I didn't actually open there though I was tempted but the box looked undamaged, and everything was ok. I put most of it together yesterday it rained all day so I assembled it in the garage. The instructions are pretty bad like everyone says but I was familiar with it anyways. And the foundation layout measurements they give are wrong (there are several videos online about that too) so now I have go back to slightly modify the box frame I had prebuilt and set a couple of days ago. :confused2: <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=466383"/>

You do realize that the plants will grow better by bringing that greenhouse outdoors?

Yes, I saw you assembled it indoors due to the rain but a smartazz must do what he must.

 

[lostcreekranch]

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

Start the bidding!

 

[Threepoint]

Just came across this Youtube video from Swag that shows both the V1 and V3 tables as compatible with the new HF deep throat version (#62800). Very nice. :thumbsup:
SWAG V3. Portaband Table, Milwaukee VS Harbor Freight VS Grizzly - YouTube

 

[DFB]

You do realize that the plants will grow better by bringing that greenhouse outdoors?

Yes, I saw you assembled it indoors due to the rain but a smartazz must do what he must.

Won't be there for very long...it's right in the way of getting my Harley out!

 

[5030]

My feeble mind tends to forget things until I use them and then I remember....:thumbsup:

The Harbor Freight stick on (adhesive) wheel weights are excellent, I used them yesterday to balance a new set of tires that I mounted with the Harbor Freight manual tire changer (it will do lawn tractor tires too...) and balanced on the Harbor Freight bubble balancer...

Weights: Come in a blister pack for 8 bucks. Hard to find, even Auto Zone don't have them. Make sure your rim is clean (I clean mine with acetone where I stick the weights). I also take a heat gun and heat them after I stick them on to make sure the adhesive grips well. Never lost any yet...

Tire changer: Pretty basic manual tire changer. Must be bolted (with lag screws and expanding anchors to your concrete floor). Works well but I'd suggest buying a 'No Mar' tire mount-dismount bar from the net. The HF mount-dismount bar is hard on alloy rims, okay for steel though. I bought the motorcycle changer attachment as well. Works good too but you need to use a different center axle as the HF supplied one won't fit every center holes. You also need to weld the right angle top bracket solid. The bolted sections are too unstable. Use plenty of tire lube or dishwashing detergent. The more the tire is lubed, the easier it is getting off and on.... Never pinched a tube yet on a motorcycle or atv tire....

You'll need a valve stem remover too and of course compressed air and a tire chuck.

The HF bubble balancer works very well. I've had one for a couple years and balance all my own tires for all my vehicles. It has to set on a level concrete floor but the bubble is adjustable. Great tool. The base is cast aluminum with a steel upright ending in a hardened pin that supports the balancer attachment. The tire and rim sit atop the attachment supported by the pin and hardened socket in the attachment. It's very accurate and easy to use.

Tire jockeys at repair shops and garages don't have a clue and mount tires with no regard for the factory imprinted weight mark (all new tires are spun and the heavy point is marked on the sidewall. You want to put that mark on the valve stem when you mount it. Most jockeys never look and compensate with wheel weights instead. I mount my tires according to the sidewall mark and use very little weight to get them balanced.

Sometimes I forget that I have HF stuff in the shop until I use it....

 

[PhysAssist]

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.

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.

Thanks guys, I was leaning towards the upgrade, and your points both make a lot of sense- I was looking at the Swag-Offroad tables today during downtime at work, and thought that I'd either like to buy or copy/fake one, but I wasn't sure of they were worth the $'s or whether having the mitering slides was worth the upgrade.

I am going for it.

Any hints on the best blades to buy?

 

[IslandTractor]

Mitered slides are very useful. The miter slide sold by swag is a good one too.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Mitered slides are very useful. The miter slide sold by swag is a good one too.

I already have an Incra V-120 but, $60 for the V-27 is a good price.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Here's the $99 coupon for the HF 10 amp bandsaw if anyone is interested.

Coupon Display