Harbor Freight 4x6 Bandsaw

Spencer · Mar 2, 2004

I went against my better judgement last weekend and bought a 4x6 bandsaw from Harbor Freight. They had them on sale for $149.99. It was either buy this cheap bandsaw or spend two days making a stand for my Porter-Cable Porta-Band. I figured "how bad could this HF bandsaw be?"

Well I made it through one piece of 2" receiver tube. On the second piece something happened (See Attachment). 99% of my tools are good quality, brand name tools. I make my living with them so I normally by the best I can. I couldn't afford or justify a quality, brand name band saw right now so it was either buy this or do without. Please don't rag on me for buying this cheap crap made in Taiwan just laugh (with me, not at me). /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Golfgar4 · Mar 2, 2004

Spence,

Believe me, I'm not laughing at you. There aren't too many of us that can't say it has happened to us too! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I'm just amazed that you had your camera that handy to get a shot of it the way you did! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Maybe it's just that it's been so long since we've had our digital camera, that I've forgotten how I used to haul it all around with me.

I finally found out that it's going to cost us almost what we paid for the camera to get it fixed! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif So we've just decided to go out and buy a new one. Because my son and his in-laws all have the Kodak Easy Share system (which we had too), I think we're going to get the Kodak DX6640 (?) 4.1 megapixel digital camera. You get the camera, Easy Share software, all of the various and sundry carry bags/straps/containers, and the camera dock that will also print out color photos all for $299.00. That's less than what we paid for our last camera, and the new camera is bigger and better. Now we just have to pick it up before w eleave on our trip. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MadReferee · Mar 2, 2004

These HF saws typically will take a beating and keep on ticking. Just change the blade to a good bi-metal blade. The motor on mine gets really hot but it has never smoked and I have beat mine to death. Yours might have been defective. I would get back to HF and ask for a replacement.

There is a Yahoo group for this saw and here is a link for some additional good info.

4x6 bandsaw info

PineRidge · Mar 2, 2004

Spencer it happens to the best of us. I just smoked my angle grinder but the good news it that it lasted 3 years and only set me back 19 bucks at Harbor Freight originally.

Take your saw back and I'm sure they'll make it right by you. Nice action shot!

Tractors4u · Mar 2, 2004

I had my first saw like that one that I bought at TSC about 6 years ago and after it went bad I bought one just like yours at HF. I have had my HF saw for a year now with no problems. You probably just got the one bad one in the bunch.

Lazy · Mar 2, 2004

Hi
I believe the plywood pully covers might inhibit the air flow to the motor. A better cover would be expanded metal if you feel you need protection over the pulley.

charlie.

Tractors4u · Mar 2, 2004

You didn't mention whether it was still working now are not. Could it of had oil or something in it that it was burning off?

CTyler · Mar 2, 2004

I know you won't think so but that actually looks kind a purtty, nice pic.

em14 · Mar 2, 2004

I have one of these that I paid $139.00 for several years ago. I don't use it often but it works pretty good. It does not cut very square but it does OK. I have not had any problems with it and it sure beats the hand powered hack saw.

Leo

Henro · Mar 2, 2004

Good photo, Spencer!

I have a cheap 4 x 6 bandsaw I bought probably ten years ago. It has worked pretty good on an irregular basis. Like the others have said, you just got unlucky.

Looks like the motor smoked pretty good!

My bet is you will be satisfied with the saw when the motor is replaced. I think I paid about $70 for mine about ten years ago... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Can't complain at all.