Replies

1. 
   MarkRD | Apr 07, 2005 08:10pm | #1

   HF?

   Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

1. 
   Ricks503 | Apr 07, 2005 08:44pm | #2

   Harbor Freight

2. 
   Ribeye | Apr 08, 2005 07:57am | #3

   I bought one of the "greenies" a couple of years ago. I have no complaints about -- especially for the Sale price that I paid. 

   Some say it's a knock-off of a Delta or Jet. Others say they're all the same saw except for paint color and other trimmings.  Whichever is the case is the case :-)  Just be sure to toss the blade that comes wth it and get yourself a real one right away.

    

   -- Steve

   Enjoy life & do well by it;

   it might well be the only chance you get.

   http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/8/2005 12:57 am ET by Putzger

3. 
   forestgirl | Apr 19, 2005 06:36am | #4

   Sheesh, they don't even say what size motor it has.

   Hmmmm, for another $25 (plus shipping, I know) you can get the 3/4HP version of Grizzly's 14" bandsaw.  It has a real fence, roller bearings blade guides and a quick-release tension!  I have the old Grizzly 1019Z and am quite satisfied with it for the price.  The new machine is much better.  While I prefer a 1HP+ motor, you might be fine with the 3/4HP.

   I tried to download the product manual from HF, but it's over 8MB -- too big for me on dial-up, don't feel like sitting around.

   I guess I'd ask, why spend $299 on the HF model when you can get this one delivered for $383?  As mentioned above, whatever you get, toss the blade and buy a good one.  My preference?  Timber Wolf from Suffolk Machinery.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Ricks503 | Apr 19, 2005 04:42pm | #5

   I was looking at the Harbor Freight saw as it goes on sale for $249 often and there is one of their stores locally, so I can avoid shipping.

    

   It is supposed to be a 1HP, 4 speed, 110V item.

   If I do not get this one, I think I will save up a bit more and go with the Grizzly G0555 for $425 and get the riser kit as well.  I may even hold off till they have a good deal on a 16" one in their outlet store section.

   I was just curious about the Harbor Freight one, as it would be about $300 less than the G0555.  I know that the Harbor Freight dust collectors look and seem like junk, but work well and imitate the energizer bunny and keep on going, and going, and going...   I was hoping to find out if this bandsaw is a good deal like the dust collector.

    

   As I am not going to be buying one for another couple of months ( we are selling the house to move to another close to work - I get to move from a 1 car garage to a 2 car garage work shop ).  I will be looking to make the buy after the move, so any comments on the Harbor Freight 32208-5VGA saw will still be appreciated.

    

   Thanks a lot

    

    

   1 - Measure twice

   2 - cut once

   3 - then meaure the space wher the part is supposed to go and then go back to step 1

    

    

1. 
   AlanWS | Apr 28, 2005 12:11am | #6

   The Harbor Freight is frequently on sale for $229, and rarely even lower. It does work, and with judicious fiddling it can work very well. If the price is $300, you are probably better off with Grizzly, even with shipping, but if the low $200 range is what you have to spend, you can do a lot of good work with this. I am happy with mine. As my first stationary tool, it showed me that I really do like woodworking, so it was a good investment. I've put knobs on mine to make adjustments easier, added structure to the base to get rid of play, put on a decent blade and HF roller guides for wide blades and cool blocks or wooden ones for narrow blades. It cuts very well now, but it will not last as long as most bandsaws. My other stationary tools are not from HF.

2. 
   cadiddlehopper | May 07, 2005 10:10pm | #7

   Rick:Lowe's usually has Delta 14-inch for $399. It is the Asian model. It has blade tension release, 16x16 table, and a decent blade. Take a look before buying at HF. You may want to upgrade the Delta, but you probably would not sell it to buy a better saw. The same saw with closed stand, larger motor, and/or some accessories is available from Amazon.com and Woodworker's Supply if you feel like spending a little more up front.RoRo