The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[dagofast]

I bought the new chopsaw frame for the portaband. I am not impressed. It's been a real pain to setup so far. I made one cut that was pretty crooked, after spending a lot of time checking for square and clamping the saw in place.
There's no great way to clamp a workpiece without a specific clamp that isn't included. C-clamps doesn't work, and the frame floor doesnt allow for typical locking visegrip type clamps. The on/off trigger setup is pretty useless, but maybe more finnageling and I'll get it figured out. The stand is adjustable but fitment still manages to ****. The blade should easily align with the opening in the frame floor, however it is physically impossible to attain that when using the Bauer saw. I like the Bauer saw, but in the frame it just isn't working well. I'll update if the weekend brings about better results.

It takes some patience. The top bracket is slotted for left/right and front to back movement. Once I figured out the best place for the front to back to back position, I began to focus on side to side. I found the approximately 1/2" slot in the frame where the blade passes was square to the work piece backstop so using the sideways slots in the top bracket, I squared the front of the blade up in it. Then use the two big knobs square up the rear of the saw blade. You can also get some trigger adjustment using those 2 big knobs to adjust the height at the rear of the saw up or down. Like I said in my review, it takes some fiddle farting around, but since my saw will likely live in this stand, I didn't begrudge the process taking longer than it should. If they had built the stand to only accept one specific saw, I'm sure a direct drop in and bolt up solution would be a piece of cake, but having to fit 4 different brands made it what it is.

HF sells this drill press clamp: https://www.harborfreight.com/9-inch-drill-press-locking-clamp-36221.html I pulled it off of my little drill press table and it works okay to hold the work piece in the saw stand but a slightly bigger size would work better.

 

[Kenstone1]

It takes some patience. The top bracket is slotted for left/right and front to back movement. Once I figured out the best place for the front to back to back position, I began to focus on side to side. I found the approximately 1/2" slot in the frame where the blade passes was square to the work piece backstop so using the sideways slots in the top bracket, I squared the front of the blade up in it. Then use the two big knobs square up the rear of the saw blade. You can also get some trigger adjustment using those 2 big knobs to adjust the height at the rear of the saw up or down. Like I said in my review, it takes some fiddle farting around, but since my saw will likely live in this stand, I didn't begrudge the process taking longer than it should. If they had built the stand to only accept one specific saw, I'm sure a direct drop in and bolt up solution would be a piece of cake, but having to fit 4 different brands made it what it is.

HF sells this drill press clamp: https://www.harborfreight.com/9-inch-drill-press-locking-clamp-36221.html I pulled it off of my little drill press table and it works okay to hold the work piece in the saw stand but a slightly bigger size would work better.

Yeh, that clamp is listed as Frequently Bought Together at the bottom of the table listing:

Universal Portable Band Saw Benchtop Stand

Amazing deals on this Universal Portable Band Saw Stand at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Clamp:

9 In. Drill Press Locking Clamp

Amazing deals on this 9In Drill Press Locking Clamp at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

.

 

[cherokee]

Pass,




Plyers have always been a mess for me, just tossed in the drawer and had to dig for them and what I wanted. I saw this thing and thought why does HF have an envelope sorting bin. You put plyers in is.

I can't say how much I like this thing, you can adjust the space between each with ease, and so far it has held up quite well. I can now see in there real easy and just grab what I want with a quick look. For sub $20 falls into where have you been all my life. I really like this thing.

 

[XJSuperman]

It takes some patience. The top bracket is slotted for left/right and front to back movement. Once I figured out the best place for the front to back to back position, I began to focus on side to side. I found the approximately 1/2" slot in the frame where the blade passes was square to the work piece backstop so using the sideways slots in the top bracket, I squared the front of the blade up in it. Then use the two big knobs square up the rear of the saw blade. You can also get some trigger adjustment using those 2 big knobs to adjust the height at the rear of the saw up or down. Like I said in my review, it takes some fiddle farting around, but since my saw will likely live in this stand, I didn't begrudge the process taking longer than it should. If they had built the stand to only accept one specific saw, I'm sure a direct drop in and bolt up solution would be a piece of cake, but having to fit 4 different brands made it what it is.

HF sells this drill press clamp: https://www.harborfreight.com/9-inch-drill-press-locking-clamp-36221.html I pulled it off of my little drill press table and it works okay to hold the work piece in the saw stand but a slightly bigger size would work better.

Yeah I even saw the clamp at the store but didn't think I NEEDED it at the time.
I got the saw square in the frame, but the blade does not center in slot no matter what I do. The body of the saw contacts the frame before the blade/slot align. The last thing to mess with is the three bolts on the back that move the two halves of the frame.

 

[Mark_17]

40V Brushless Cordless 16 in. Chainsaw - Tool Only

Amazing deals on this 16 In. Brushless Cordless Chainsaw Bare at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Pass. Cuts really nice and really fast. Went through some 12" diameter maple trees with ease.

 

[qqzj]

Pass,




Plyers have always been a mess for me, just tossed in the drawer and had to dig for them and what I wanted. I saw this thing and thought why does HF have an envelope sorting bin. You put plyers in is.

I can't say how much I like this thing, you can adjust the space between each with ease, and so far it has held up quite well. I can now see in there real easy and just grab what I want with a quick look. For sub $20 falls into where have you been all my life. I really like this thing.

Now you need 3 times the space for the same pliers tho. I crammed 50 pliers in a drawer like yours. No way I can afford to set them up in racks

 

[cherokee]

Now you need 3 times the space for the same pliers tho. I crammed 50 pliers in a drawer like yours. No way I can afford to set them up in racks

no you can now see and find what you have. "Crammed" 50 pliers in the drawer and get ready to start digging for the one you want.

 

[jacked_72]

Yep. You just need a bigger/additional tool chest and you're in business.

 

[qqzj]

One idea is to buy one rack and still cram the rest in. Now maybe you can stuff 60 of them there

 

[ecotec]

Now you need 3 times the space for the same pliers tho. I crammed 50 pliers in a drawer like yours. No way I can afford to set them up in racks

A section of wire closet shelf cut to size is perfect, and probably costs less than that one rack of pliers.

 

[AC-WC]

All of these are a PASS
1) The folding mechanics pad-went up in price from my 1st one 10 plus yrs ago. Saved knees, back, kept dry on wet ground and not freezing on snow/frozen ground. Bought this one for mom's house!

Folding Mechanics Pad

Amazing deals on this Folding Mechanics Pad at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

2) Both the 6" and 12" digital micrometers. Mine have never needed replaced in the 20+ yrs I have had them. and no less accurate than mitutoyo. Includes the download port so measurements can auto load into software.

6 in. Digital Caliper

Amazing deals on this 6In Digital Caliper at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

3) Oil drain-only about a yr so far but works well for home use.

5 Gal Oil Drain Dolly

Amazing deals on this 5Gal Oil Drain Dolly at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

4) Gas cylinder cart-had mine for 20 yrs, tubes and tires replaced as you can order direct through HF service cheaper and better than I could anywhere else. The tires come with a steel bead! Up in price but would buy again if needed.

187 lb. Capacity Gas Welding Cart

Amazing deals on this Gas Welding Cart at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

5) self centering jig-don't use it very often but when you need it..

Self-Centering Drill Press Jig

Amazing deals on this Self-Centering Drill Press Jig at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

6) Carbide burrs-a little pricey but boy did they work enlarging 1 -1/4" hole in 1/2" plate

2 in. Double Cut Genuine Solid Carbide Burrs, 4 Piece

Amazing deals on this 4Pc 2In Double Cut Solid Carbide Burrs at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Ton ton]

I'm going to give a pass to the ICON combo 6-19 mm wrench set. I just wish it included larger wrench sizes.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Anyone come across a 24mm crows foot style line wrench at HF? Something like my pic would be perfect, but the swivel part isn't necessary. Would be helpful though.

 

[dagofast]

Not at HF but Vim Tools and Dynamic both make them.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Not at HF but Vim Tools and Dynamic both make them.

Thanks

 

[emeraldcoupe]

PITTSBURGH 9 In. Drill Press Locking Clamp - Item 36221

Seems ok for the money. Not nearly as flimsy as I thought it would be. Works fine for now

 

[zktk01]

I like the little cheap picks that are under $2 I keep a set in every office I work in, I also have better ones but for the price it is nice to have them handy.

 

[atch]

I like the little cheap picks that are under $2 I keep a set in every office I work in, I also have better ones but for the price it is nice to have them handy.

Please expound (I don't know what you are referring to). Thanx.

 

[GeoBruin]

Please expound (I don't know what you are referring to). Thanx.

Mini Pick and Hook Set

Amazing deals on this 4Pc Mini Pick & Hook Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[PatY]

I bought the new chopsaw frame for the portaband. I am not impressed. It's been a real pain to setup so far. I made one cut that was pretty crooked, after spending a lot of time checking for square and clamping the saw in place.
There's no great way to clamp a workpiece without a specific clamp that isn't included. C-clamps doesn't work, and the frame floor doesnt allow for typical locking visegrip type clamps. The on/off trigger setup is pretty useless, but maybe more finnageling and I'll get it figured out. The stand is adjustable but fitment still manages to ****. The blade should easily align with the opening in the frame floor, however it is physically impossible to attain that when using the Bauer saw. I like the Bauer saw, but in the frame it just isn't working well. I'll update if the weekend brings about better results.

Glad I'm not the only one. I bent the fence on the first day. Pretty flimsy. No matter how many times I tried to adjust I could NOT get a straight cut. I ended up trying it as a vertical saw and that worked ok except for the fact that the allen head screws that attach the plate sit above the surface of the plate. To top it off the Bauer saw died after two weeks of minimal use. Would not turn on any longer. Returned the saw and I'm going to order the Milwaukee M18 and set that up in the vertical position. I should have known better but I was trying to cheap out.

 

[XJSuperman]

I finally got mine in a usable state, but man it was a pain and its still not cutting correctly. The blades are junk, and I burned through them really quickly. I used to run lager bandsaws every day, so Im not unfamiliar with saw operation, and still trashed these. I've got new blades, but something other than Hercules blades will be on my list soon. As for the frame, don't plan on cutting anything precise with it.

 

[Coach James]

Pass,




Plyers have always been a mess for me, just tossed in the drawer and had to dig for them and what I wanted. I saw this thing and thought why does HF have an envelope sorting bin. You put plyers in is.

I can't say how much I like this thing, you can adjust the space between each with ease, and so far it has held up quite well. I can now see in there real easy and just grab what I want with a quick look. For sub $20 falls into where have you been all my life. I really like this thing.

Are the red handled pliers in the rack Sears Companion?

Coach

 

[cherokee]

Are the red handled pliers in the rack Sears Companion?

Coach

Yes they are. I have had them who knows how long.

 

[bcradio]

I like the little cheap picks that are under $2 I keep a set in every office I work in, I also have better ones but for the price it is nice to have them handy.

I like these as well and don't care if I destroy them working on something

 

[tez929rr]

Mini Pick and Hook Set

Amazing deals on this 4Pc Mini Pick & Hook Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I was in a motorcycle shop this morning and saw this for $12.99

 

[GeoBruin]

I was in a motorcycle shop this morning and saw this for $12.99

The handle molds on those look slightly different, so I don't think they're identical. Those also say they're made in Taiwan, while I suspect the HF version is made in China (with a capital "C"). That said, can they be 12 times better? I doubt it.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

I was in a motorcycle shop this morning and saw this for $12.99

$1.00 here

 

[darkzero]

2-1/2" Table Swivel Vise for $24.99

Fairly new item, I've had my eye on it waiting for a possible 10-15% off coupon that works for Central Machinery. My brother gave me a 25% off no exclusion coupon which is way better than I had hoped for.

This a pass for me although I haven't clamped anything in it yet. Seems like it will do just fine & will come in handy for small things. Nicest inexpensive small table clamp vise I have ever seen/owned compared to all the other cheap junk out there.

Not bad for $20.50 out the door.
Edit: I forget to mention, typical quality control issues (or lack of thereof) but cosmetic. I opened up a few boxes & cherry picked one that I was happy with. Dents & scratches on the name plate, paint quality issues, and surface finish on the jaws & anvil. I'm probably way too picky about a $20 vise but I did find one that looked nice.

2-1/2 in. Table Swivel Vise

Amazing deals on this 2-1/2In Table Swivel Vise at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[qqzj]

Darn it. Another $20 heading to HF's way.

 

[dscheidt]

PITTSBURGH 9 In. Drill Press Locking Clamp - Item 36221

Seems ok for the money. Not nearly as flimsy as I thought it would be. Works fine for now

The one I bought a few years ago didn't clamp all the way to the table. Anything less than 1/8" thick could slip. I returned it, unusable that way. Have they fixed that? I bought a couple from yost, not a lot more money, and work properly.

 

[Kenstone1]

Please expound (I don't know what you are referring to). Thanx.

My guess is these:

Mini Pick and Hook Set

Amazing deals on this 4Pc Mini Pick & Hook Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Or something on this page:

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

jmo,
.

 

[tincanoe]

All of these are a PASS
1) The folding mechanics pad-went up in price from my 1st one 10 plus yrs ago. Saved knees, back, kept dry on wet ground and not freezing on snow/frozen ground. Bought this one for mom's house!

Folding Mechanics Pad

Amazing deals on this Folding Mechanics Pad at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

2) Both the 6" and 12" digital micrometers. Mine have never needed replaced in the 20+ yrs I have had them. and no less accurate than mitutoyo. Includes the download port so measurements can auto load into software.

6 in. Digital Caliper

Amazing deals on this 6In Digital Caliper at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

3) Oil drain-only about a yr so far but works well for home use.

5 Gal Oil Drain Dolly

Amazing deals on this 5Gal Oil Drain Dolly at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

4) Gas cylinder cart-had mine for 20 yrs, tubes and tires replaced as you can order direct through HF service cheaper and better than I could anywhere else. The tires come with a steel bead! Up in price but would buy again if needed.

187 lb. Capacity Gas Welding Cart

Amazing deals on this Gas Welding Cart at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

5) self centering jig-don't use it very often but when you need it..

Self-Centering Drill Press Jig

Amazing deals on this Self-Centering Drill Press Jig at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

6) Carbide burrs-a little pricey but boy did they work enlarging 1 -1/4" hole in 1/2" plate

2 in. Double Cut Genuine Solid Carbide Burrs, 4 Piece

Amazing deals on this 4Pc 2In Double Cut Solid Carbide Burrs at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I have been procrastinating purchase of the bargain HF 6" digital micrometer. Encouraged by your post, I followed the link , and...oh no... 'not available on line, in store only'!!! So off I go to my local HF this morning to pick up mine, in case forbid, they are discontinued! Appreciate your post.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

The one I bought a few years ago didn't clamp all the way to the table. Anything less than 1/8" thick could slip. I returned it, unusable that way. Have they fixed that? I bought a couple from yost, not a lot more money, and work properly.

I just tried them and no they don't. If the adjustment screw was a hair longer they would. Not a big deal for me though.

 

[GeoBruin]

2-1/2" Table Swivel Vise for $24.99

Fairly new item, I've had my eye on it waiting for a possible 10-15% off coupon that works for Central Machinery. My brother gave me a 25% off no exclusion coupon which is way better than I had hoped for.

This a pass for me although I haven't clamped anything in it yet. Seems like it will do just fine & will come in handy for small things. Nicest inexpensive small table clamp vise I have ever seen/owned compared to all the other cheap junk out there.

Not bad for $20.50 out the door.

2-1/2 in. Table Swivel Vise

Amazing deals on this 2-1/2In Table Swivel Vise at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

That's a sweet looking little vise. How have I missed that!?

 

[darkzero]

That's a sweet looking little vise. How have I missed that!?

It's pretty new, looks like it came out about 2 months ago. I came across it looking at their new tools category. All my local stores have em but only one store actually has one on display, still it's very easy to miss if not looking for it.

 

[Speed-Racer]

Anyone come across a 24mm crows foot style line wrench at HF? Something like my pic would be perfect, but the swivel part isn't necessary. Would be helpful though.

Amazon Japan or Yahoo Japan, maybe eBay. Look at the Japan tool thread on GJ. Tone makes nice ones and shipping to the US is not crazy if you are comparing to tool trucks.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Amazon Japan or Yahoo Japan, maybe eBay. Look at the Japan tool thread on GJ. Tone makes nice ones and shipping to the US is not crazy if you are comparing to tool trucks.

Thanks. I will keep that in mind. I will probably never need one again and I'm done with that project.

 

[Chance]

All clearance and as-is items 40% off for ITC members started yesterday. I got a cartful off odds and ends dirt cheap when this happened 6 months ago, since a lot of this stuff is already heavily discounted. At my harbor freight I recall there being a Jaw horse vise/sawhorse thing @ 99 clearance and a bubble tire-balancer on clearance, for example.

 

[Speed-Racer]

Thanks. I will keep that in mind. I will probably never need one again and I'm done with that project.

This is Garage Journal, you can never have enough tools. 24mm is not a crazy uncommon size, I have used that size for bmw power steering banjo connectors. You can see a pic of the one I ordered, https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachments/e706f221-d090-4972-ba2a-cd46017f0f6b-jpeg.1512948/

 

[Loose Ctrl]

This is Garage Journal, you can never have enough tools. 24mm is not a crazy uncommon size, I have used that size for bmw power steering banjo connectors. You can see a pic of the one I ordered, https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachments/e706f221-d090-4972-ba2a-cd46017f0f6b-jpeg.1512948/

It's a very uncommon size for me. I was an auto tech for over a decade and I never touched a 24mm tool until I needed to replace the EGR tube on my Furd Ranger.