<font color="blue"> after you have used the saw a little more please give us an evaluation on the saw. </font>
O.K. Here goes.
I made that first cut at a 90 degree in 4" square tubing with 1/4 inch walls. It took about 20 minutes. The ends were beautiful and looked almost machined. Smooth as can be.
So I set the saw's vice angle to 20 degrees and it took the 4" tubing no problem. Made the second cut in about 25 minutes. Probably due to more steel to cut, since it was an angle. Again, the cut is beautiful. Slow, but painless to the operator. Just sit there in a plastic lawn chair and watch it work.
Put the other half of the boom in the vice and started that cut. Again, a 20 degree cut in the 4x4 tubing. Same deal. Slow and steady... until the motor smoked! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I shut it down and let it sit for half an hour. I attempted to start it and it made a loud clacking noise. I looked inside the housing and saw that the motor has a plastic fan on the shaft. The motor got so hot that the plastic fan melted on the shaft, then when it cooled, it stuck off center. GRRRRrrrrrr. O.K. Who's going to be the first with the "You get what you pay for?" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
So today I called Harbor Freight, told them what happened, and asked for a replacement motor. They said they don't do parts, just bring in the whole saw and I could exchange it. So I loaded it up this evening, took it out there, and they had one waiting for me. The clerk said she has sold many of those saws in the five years she's been with the company and never had one returned. But, no hassle, no fuss.
Only problem is I have to assemble another one now. That takes about a half an hour. It also comes with a 24 tooth per inch blade. I bought an 18 tooth per inch blade and will try that out to see if I can get faster cuts.
When I bought the saw, they offered a one year replacement policy for $34.00. I declined it. There is a 60 day warranty. So I better get all of the pieces cut in the next two months, just in case. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I can't figure out why the motor overheated like that. As I mentioned before, there is very little down pressure on the unit. I can lift it with my pinky finger for cryin out loud. With the belt disconnected I can spin the shaft that drives the blade by hand and it coasts very easily, so no problems with the wheels, guides or gearbox. Belt was proper tension, too. Problem had to be in the motor, in my opinion.
What do you folks think?