Replies

1. 
   sailalex | Nov 25, 2002 03:38pm | #1

   A friend of mine bought a 14" bandsaw from them and has been very pleased with it. I have a Jet 14" and they sure lookm a lot alike except for the pricetag. I, personally, would be a little dubious about their tools if the work you do requires a lot of accuracy but so far my friend has no complaints.

2. 
   noone51 | Nov 25, 2002 06:12pm | #2

   If I need something for a one time use, I don't hesitate to buy from them occasionally. It all depends on how critical the tool is to the completion of the work and whether the tool is actually capable of doing the work that you intend it to do. Check the tools out thouroughly before you lay down your cash.

3. 
   Azeddie | Nov 25, 2002 06:56pm | #3

   I just got the 2Hp dust collector from them on sale for $119.00....well worth that price...much less than the others ..I still would not buy any HF precision woodworking tools.. 

   makinsawdust
4. 
   Mach70 | Nov 25, 2002 07:58pm | #4

   HF does have some good stuff--and I'm sure some trash.  Like JC Whitney (auto parts) the problem is you can't tell from the catalogs.  I've bought some impact tools, pancake compressor (a great deal at $89.00 on sale), stack dado set and assorted small stuff and haven't been disappointed yet.

5. 
   smijal | Nov 25, 2002 08:58pm | #5

   Funny you would ask. I have bought some inexpensive air tools from them a few years back. They are used on occasion, and would not upset me if they dies on the spot. If I were looking for a tool I needed to use on a regular basis, I would err of the safe (expensive side) Foolish , perhaps, lighter wallet, definitely.

   I ordered a 3/4 hp buffer and received it last week. Plugged it in, it lasted about 45 seconds before grinding (and I do mean grinding) to a stop.  Called Harbor Freight, they WERE VERY courteous, and sent a prepaid (actually postage due) mailing label to ship it back. I will have them send another since anything can happen once.

   I have yet to hear of a horror story with HF and have been treated well each time I dealt with them, but one needs to recognize many of their products are knockoffs from China and over the long run, we probably get exactly what we pay for...

1. 
   Langsdal1 | Nov 25, 2002 10:59pm | #6

   Thanks all for the advice. I'm actually looking for a pancake compressor and brad gun. I wouldn't use them all the time, and thought they might last awhile because of that. Perhaps I'll give it a try. At the price, I can by 3 or 4 guns for the same as a PC.  Glad to know theie service is good.

1. 
   Mach70 | Nov 25, 2002 11:39pm | #7

   Pancake compressor?  You might be interested in the sale flyer I have right here on my desk  :-)  It came packed with my last order.

   Part # 38898  2HP 4Gal Central Pneumatic for $89.99.  That's 10.00 less than I paid for mine which I'm very happy with.  This is the one with oil in the crankcase.

   The flyer (9926?) sez good thru Oct 28 but I think I GOT it after that so it might be worth a call if that's the unit you're looking at.

2. 
   billyg83440 | Nov 26, 2002 02:14am | #8

   I've purchased one of their brad nailers. It's worked great for me.

   My BIL purchased the same one, and if he hasn't tossed it, he'd give it away, claims it doesn't work well.

   My only complaint with my $15 brad nailer is there is no safety of any kind. I consider it the most dangerous tool I own. It'll shoot a 1"+ brad into anything w/ a touch of the exposed trigger. I use it, then unplug it, replug it in, use it, repeat. Always afraid one of my kids will get hold of it, or I'll bump it while doing something else.

   I intend to either replace w/ a decent nailer, or build my own trigger lock safety. It amazes me they can sell something as inherently dangerous as a nailer w/o any safety features (trigger gaurd, locks, etc..)

   Seems like for $70-80 you can buy a brand name 18 ga. nailer. I'd assume these all have safeties, you can get repair parts etc.. May be a better deal if you can swing the cash.

6. 
   LeeEschen | Nov 26, 2002 10:52am | #9

   I bought a 3HP motor from them several years ago. It lasted about 3 minutes. The replacement lasted about 3 days. I'd rather take my chances at the crap table, but I'm just not a gambler.

   I'll stay with the name brands.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   On the Redwood Highway