Harbor Freight Industrial Cut-Off Saw

[jer29_11_13]

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of HF tools - quality, repairs, etc.?

They have their industrial cut-off saw on sale for $99.99 (in-store) and I was wondering if it was any good for a DIY?

Also, how are their air tools - grinder and die cutter?

Thanks!

[Mike W]

It is kind of like going to Vegas, sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.

[KartRacer55]

Well put mike.

Its even more like vegas in that, at the end of the day, the house is gunna come out on top.

I dont think there is one thing with a harbor frieght brand name that is made in USA in htat store. Everything comes from chine, taiwan, and aprantly india too. I have never really made a big purchase from them because of this.

It would probably be good for the occasional DIY use like you mentioned, but you will want to stick with a name brand item id say if you are lookin for something of good quality.

JIm

[hankj]

Is this the 7-1/4" circular dry-cut saw or the 14" abraisive saw you're talking about?

A lot of guys have the 14" chop saw, and like it OK. It's kinda flimsy, but does the job, I guess.

The 7-1/4" is still an unknown. Nobody has posted on it yet that I know of. Be aware that that type of saw from a reputable manufacturer costs anywhere from $290 to $500, dpending. I wouldn't expect too much from it.

Hank

[Trent Combs]

I have bought three cutoff saws from HF - all the cheapo models. The first lasted through about 25 blades before I gave it to one of my sons, who is still using and abusing it. The other two are a few months old, one set for 45 and the other for 90 degrees. Both work fine.

You have to understand the limitations and purpose of these saws. They WILL flex if overloaded or improperly supported. If you can place the saw on a good flat surface and support the work so it doesn't tweak the saw, they will produce a cut as good as a $200 saw. Put ANY saw on a warped surface, clamp the last foot of a 20' piece of 3" channel in it and let the other 19' hang, and you'll get a bad cut.

Is a $200 saw better than a $50 saw? Maybe - but not always. Sometimes good enough really IS good enough! As an active hobby weldor, I look for the best value. I want the best price on a tool that will do what I need it to do for as long as I need it to do it. If I thought the $200 saw would perforn significantly better or last significantly longer IN MY APPLICATION, I'd buy it. Kinda like buying a $20 25' tape measure - the chop saw tears it up just like the $3 HF one!

On the other hand, I was going to buy a Bluestar - ended up with a Bobcat 250 for $650 more. It was worth it. But if HF sold a knockoff of the Bobcat for $750, the choice would have been harder!

[Trent Combs]

Didn't answer all your ?s - never had to have one repaired (and wouldn't - I'd just buy another!).

Air tools - I have a riviter and a die grinder. Both are satisfactory, but don't see a lot of use. I need a bigger compressor to run the die grinder much.

[KartRacer55]

Oh and as far as air tools. The cheaper the tool, the more air it will need Take a look at Ingersoll rand die grinders. Thier $100+ ergonomin die grinder has the sam hp and speed ratings as their cheaper models, but uses less air at max load. More efficient motors. So, if you are going to be using it often, maybe think about the money you will savbe in electricity as well as wear and tear on your compressor by buying a higher quality tool.

Jim