Harbor Freight 10" "Industrial" Table Saw

[CaptainMarvel]

Okay, I realize that I'll probably get a lot of sneers and jeers for this - along with just as many "why would you even think about it . . . " comments, but I'm still curious as to whether anyone here has any experience with Harbor Freight's 10" "Industrial" Table Saw:

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-13-amp-industrial-bench-table-saw-68827.html



I've read many of the reviews on the product page - and there doesn't yet appear to be any on the
HF REVIEWS website. Nevertheless, I am much more interested in any thoughts/comments from any of you who might have some first-hand (or even second/third hand) knowledge or experience with this product.

(not looking to do any professional (or even semi-professional) jobs with it - purely home-hobby level DIY stuff).


THANKS !!!
(as I run to hide behind a tree to avoid the backlash)

 

[zkling]

"Industrial quality" wow, thanks for the good laugh

It is just like all the other aluminum top portable saws in that price range. OK for portable rough work, not so much for a shop saw. I have used a few of the delta and the like that are identical to it. They are popular with flooring installers as they are portable light and cheap.

Look for an old craftsman bench saw or the like. Cheaper and much better.

 

[rockwithjason]

i think that is the one my brother has. it's small and would be very difficult to use to make furniture or anything like that but it worked well enough for installing laminate floor.

 

[b1ghwx]

Nothing wrong with the saw, at all. The weakness is that it is small so you would only be able to use small stock on it.

You aren't going to easily rip 4x8 sheets with it - not that you cant... but practically speaking it won't be easy or fun to do.

 

[woody 73]

Oy Vey Captain Marvel if only you were in my town I would sell you my old craftsman 10inch tablel saw and then help you pick up a good RA saw for $80.00 dollars. You would be in Wood shop heaven.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Nothing wrong with the saw, at all. The weakness is that it is small so you would only be able to use small stock on it.

You aren't going to easily rip 4x8 sheets with it - not that you cant... but practically speaking it won't be easy or fun to do.

What if I were to build the saw into a bench/cabinet - something like . . .

or

or

 

[ajchien]

Check the specs on the saw against competitors. My limited experience with HF power tools, is usually that they are underpowered or undersized somewhere. Either HP or amps or something...

As for building it into a bigger bench, I think you would spend more money on the wood that you would have paid for the saw, or even upgrading the saw.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Here's local to you with a nice table....http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3735352926.html

another...http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3752433339.html

 

[Mohawk Dave]

another...http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3767147233.html

 

[zkling]

I have to ask and I am not trying to be rude. Captain, what is your limitation here, money, space, weight, time?

We went though this same thread a while back with the same conclusions.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193949&highlight=table

If you want a good table saw for ~$100, pick up a old craftsman cast iron saw off of craigslist. There is nothing in the new market under $300 that will touch the capabilities of the older cman saws.

Yes you could purchase that saw from harborfreight or the like, then build a bench (time and $), then you would have to replace the fence (more $). Then you would still be left with a underpowered "large" table saw with a questionably flat table.

As Dave linked go see this one
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3735352926.html

See if the guy has the miter gauge for it. If not negotiate a lower price. That is a nice setup as he has both extension wings, something that is pretty rare to find. Also try to negotiate a lower price because the main front fence rail is broken on the left hand side.

 

[BigFeets]

I'm on my fifth saw from Harbor Freight. The store manager is getting a little irritated. Not my fault. Each saw has less than 30 minutes of actual running time. The motor either burns out, the bearings freeze, or both. Spending $500 on a decent DeWalt would have been a much better deal than the $139 I spent on this junk. I have wasted so much time on this. I have been ripping 14" x 2" x 1" pieces of yellow pine. The only thing I think I may have done wrong to this saw was to buy it. I wouldn't recommend this saw to your worst enemy.

 

[JVB]

The thread is from 2013, I doubt he is looking for one any longer. Appreciate the review on the saw though.

 

[bubinga]

I'm on my fifth saw from Harbor Freight. The store manager is getting a little irritated. Not my fault. Each saw has less than 30 minutes of actual running time. The motor either burns out, the bearings freeze, or both. Spending $500 on a decent DeWalt would have been a much better deal than the $139 I spent on this junk. I have wasted so much time on this. I have been ripping 14" x 2" x 1" pieces of yellow pine. The only thing I think I may have done wrong to this saw was to buy it. I wouldn't recommend this saw to your worst enemy.

His Problem.,

 

[zendriver]

I'm on my fifth saw from Harbor Freight. The store manager is getting a little irritated. Not my fault. Each saw has less than 30 minutes of actual running time. The motor either burns out, the bearings freeze, or both. Spending $500 on a decent DeWalt would have been a much better deal than the $139 I spent on this junk. I have wasted so much time on this. I have been ripping 14" x 2" x 1" pieces of yellow pine. The only thing I think I may have done wrong to this saw was to buy it. I wouldn't recommend this saw to your worst enemy.

My ex-wife used to say "the definition of insanity, is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results!"

Maybe the fifth time, would have been the charm.

 

[DFB]

Beater saw. I have an old Craftsman that looks very similar. Total piece of **** Toss in the back of the truck when need to rip a few boards down on a job.

There a probably 1/2 dozen look alike 10" bench saws out there too under different names.

If you are committed to purchasing a small $100 table saw Do your self a favor though and check out the Ryobi

I have one at the farm beat the **** out it too, several different people often use it so it does get a lot of abuse

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-15-Amp-10-in-Table-Saw-RTS10G/205216309

 

[Wamsutta]

I wouldn't recommend this saw to your worst enemy.

LOL!

 

[kctyphoon]

Since this thread was revived:

Harbor freight was suppose to be coming out with a Hercules table saw.. did they release it yet? It was teased in a promo video some time ago.

I cant imagine their bottom basement saw being any worse than the $100 skil table saws that used to litter Home Depot at one time. To be honest it looks almost the same as the one i still have thats probably 15 years old at least.. i cant bring myself to get rid of it, even though i have a much nicer, bigger saw..

Hercules Table saw was seen in this video a while ago

For anyone reading -

Listen - here’s the truth - the saw will be fine. At most, you may have to resort to physical rulers and and a square over using the included dial. Use a square to set the blade at 90. When you lock the fence use a metal ruler to tweak the front and back measurement of the fence before its completely locked down. Blade at 90, set the fence straight, miter gauge at 90 - use the saw. I’d at least change the blade with something decent, as I’m sure it includes a $5 blade. You’ll be fine.

There’s always other options, but its not like the thing is unusable. I think it’s identical to one i have. That said, if there is a comparable priced model sold under a bigger brand like ryobi, I’m betting the ryobi is a slightly better choice. If youre not building furniture, I’m betting it wont really matter though.