Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Oct 28, 2003 06:43pm | #1

   You're lucky there's a storefront near you, because IMO shopping in person is the only way to shop at Harbor Freight.  They carry very little that is unambiguous quality.  That being said, though, you can pick and choose among the items and come up with some good finds.  I've bought bar clamps there, tossing aside 4 or 5 for every one I put in the basket.  I bought my digital caliper there and love it, it was only $20.  Not the highest quality, but it's accurate.

   They also carry refurbished name brand tools, if you're there at the right time that can be a plus. 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   ToolDoc | Oct 28, 2003 07:18pm | #3

   Dear Harbor Shopper of the Mighty Forest: oo I see were not a little Happy Camper of the HF Empire..<G>..I like HF for a few reasons= my Drill Press & *NEW* Lathe..but as always (Sigh) your right you do have to pick your products with care cause there is a tad bit of junk there..

                            ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..

   A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..

1. 
   b1gcountry | Oct 29, 2003 04:37pm | #10

   So you got one of their drill presses? I've been thinking about getting one, how do you like it?

   Tom

1. 
   Sancho | Oct 29, 2003 05:16pm | #11

   It depends on what im buying..drill bits that i consider throw aways, glue brushes..just stuff I will have limited use for ya Ill go there..any serious tools.. nah not on a bet. 

   Darkworksite4:

   Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN

2. 
   ToolDoc | Oct 29, 2003 05:35pm | #12

   I bought a Drill press from them over 20 years ago when they first started peddlin there tools & it still runs like a champ.. Quite Happy with the DP.Lathe & there 2 HP D/C..there the Jewels among there junk...also hear there Bs is a ok too..

                                 ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..

   A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..

2. 
   Upraiser | Oct 29, 2003 06:00am | #7

   Forest Girl

   I have some of the HF bar clamps, your sure right about them not working, but I solved the problem.  Mine were a gift.

   I took a small triangle file and increased the depth of the little notches, that seemed to make them work.

   I agree with those that say, its best to inspect it. But HF has always made refunds, replacements and many times, just sent the new one, or correct ones without ever having the original returned.

   Any one want some pipe clamps?  I ordered wood screw clamps and got 6 pairs of 3/4" pipe clamps, they did not want them back!.

   Curt

2. 
   ToolDoc | Oct 28, 2003 07:01pm | #2

   To further reflect on what FG had said in her Bold Statement bout HF..she is sorta kinda right in that you do have to becareful what you buy from HF as they sort of have some less than desirable junk.. but among that there junk lays many a jewel.. soo your lucky that there is a HF store near you & can go rummagefor that hidden treasure.. good luck.. I know I love exploring my local HF store.

                          ToolDoc

   Proud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..

   A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..

3. 
   jazzdogg | Oct 28, 2003 08:28pm | #4

   My best friend picked up a HF 6" jointer several years ago for my birthday. I got it uncrated, cleaned up, and properly set up and it's been performing beautifully - nice and square with no snipe - for 10 or 15 years now.

   The basic functions work well, but you do get what you pay for: chip ejection is mediocre, dust collection non-existent, and the fence is a pain to adjust. 

   I've shopped in two or three HF stores, and have to agree with FG: picking and choosing is essential with most of their products; they have abundant crap, and the occasional bargain or gem.

   Although I prefer to buy high-quality tools that will last a lifetime, I see nothing wrong with buying to a price point, instead of a quality level, as long as you're making a conscious choice and are willing to live with the consequences: HF inhabits a legitimate niche, albeit one in which the buyer's need to beware is heightened.

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
4. 
   CharlieD | Oct 28, 2003 10:47pm | #5

   This thread is perfectly timed, for me. I'd planned on posting this info today under it's own thread.

   Based on ToolDoc's positive experience with HF in a recent lathe purchase, I did further research on-line and found that the lathe in question was getting good reviews from users. I drove to Denver, about 30 miles with a four year old to take a look. The machine was all cast iron (other than the motor casing) and the stand seemed rock solid. Warranty was for 1 year, with an extended option. The price was fabulous--$179--and at that price, I could afford to buy the extended service warranty which guarantees replacement if anything major goes wrong. The tool has more than met my expectations. Solid as a rock, lots of extras considering the price (like a live center and a face plate). Really almost a dead clone of the Jet and Delta lathes. The adjustment handles are a bit cheesy, I guess.

   I'm a complete novice at turning. I've been having a blast, but clueless. After some research into turning fundamentals, though, I've learned quickly to turn a spindle into an attrractive shape. And, in the process, I became aware of a flaw in my lathe--the tool rest is not parallel to the workpiece, making it difficult to achive a true cylinder. A brief look into the tool rest assembly revealed that the shaft of the tool rest is slightly smaller than the hole it fits into in the tool rest extension. Thus, the set screw presses the tool rest itself into misalignment. I've been pondering this for a couple of days, and can't think of a simple fix.

   Now, one of the concerns that I had was whether HF would back me up if there was a problem. I called, and they immediately agreed to ship a new tool rest. I pointed out that the problem may also have been the extension, perhaps the hole was too large; they immediately agreed to ship both parts. They will ship tomorrow.

   Holy mackerel...I had not expected that level of customer service from this company and for this price. HF sells some outrageous crap, so watch out for it. But I for one would like to argue against any concerns about their customer service. My experience has been great.

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut

1. 
   ToolDoc | Oct 29, 2003 06:52am | #8

   Charlie: OMG someone has listened to what I type here..LMAO... Glad to hear you bought that Lathe,Sorry to hear that you had a problem with it,but am glad HF is replacing the parts,so far Ive been lucky never needed there customer service,but I have heard positive coments on it from other guys on diffrent ww forums..your going to have years of fun with that lathe,I know IM havin a blast with mine.. Now can I get you into using a ScrollSaw Next?? <G>..

   Happy Turning..      ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..

   A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..

5. 
   randy12345678 | Oct 29, 2003 03:46am | #6

   Curios where you're lacated? A Harbor Freight reciently opened near a Wood Craft store in my neck of the woods...Appleton WI.

1. 
   gpasewicz | Oct 29, 2003 04:22pm | #9

   Harrisburg, PA.  I wonder if that's a strategy of HF?  Find a proven location (Woodcraft has been there about two years) and build there. 

   I don't live in Harrisburg but in Lancaster, about half an hour from the world famous Groff&Groff.

1. 
   randy12345678 | Oct 30, 2003 06:11am | #13

   Our Wood Craft has also been about two years established.Well,maybe four now. Curious combination with H.F. following Wood craft,Wood craft is such a fine store.

6. 
   michaelait | Oct 30, 2003 07:52am | #14

   I live near Camarillo California, HF's national headquarters.  My nickname for them is "Made in China Tool Company".  I was there recently and I heard a man tell his son while they were looking at a pair of pliers, "I insist that my pliers be made in China!"  We all had a good laugh at this.  But like some people on this discussion have indicated, you CAN find good bargains there.  For instance, I found a made in Japan flush cut saw and a 5 piece carving set both for under 10 bucks.  Quite good value.

1. 
   sailalex | Oct 30, 2003 02:52pm | #15

   FWIW, I bought the 10"bench drill press on sale for $39.95(how can you go wrong?); well, the after about a year of light use the spindle developed runout of about 1/32" so it is virtually worthless for ACCURATELY drilling holes.

   I would not buy anything from HF that required accuracy but things like hammers and C-clamps are great buys.