Harbor Freight 4x6 Bandsaw

fivestring · Mar 5, 2004

"I had the camera out in the garage to document the project for a future post here on TBN." 

That was a heck-of-a start to a project! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

5030 · Mar 5, 2004

I did that once too. Smoked the start capacitors on my 3 phase lathe motor. I think they shorted to ground within the case. Sure does stink. I didn't get away as cheap as you though. Cost me over $200.00 for a re-wind and new capacitors at the motor shop.

have_blue · Mar 5, 2004

( I have had very good experiences with HF power tools such as their drill presses and bench grinders. Have had a small drill press over 20 years and still works fine, so went with HF again when I bought a new large floor model this past year. )

I got the 16 speed floor model about a year ago for $187, which was a dollar a pound. It's paid for itseslf already.

I don't generally like cheap tools, but when they give them away, I can't turn them down. They are so affordable, I actually dare them to fail. I can buy 4 or 5 HF tools for the price of 1 "American" tool (probably made in China anyway). At $20 for an air impact tool or $25 for a large set of Fortsner bits for example, I can afford to replace them every few years... if they ever fail. So far, so good with all my HF tools.

dwynn · Mar 5, 2004

5030
I did know that a three phase motor used capactiors on on three phase. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Henro · Mar 6, 2004

I did know that a three phase motor used capactiors on on three phase. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif 

For power factor correction, rather than starting purposes, I would presume... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

EastTexFrank · Mar 6, 2004

Darn, that photo is quite impressive. As for Harbor Freight, I've had good luck with their stuff over the years. My philosophy on tool buying is that if I am going to use it a lot, I spend the money and get a high quality name brand but if it is something that I'm seldom going to use, I buy a cheaper model ... often from Harbor Freight. As far as being made in Taiwan, most of the name brands are made there too, it's just that the quality control and finish is much more stringent. Better luck next time (if there is one) and hey, I'm not laughing. I can imagine the downtime, frustration and hassle associated with your "smoker".

Kyle_in_Tex · Mar 6, 2004

You overworked those poor little squirrels inside that motor. Wow, I bet that charred squirrel hair and meat sure did stink.

My buddy had a BIG job to do for a saw and I recommended to him the "JET" brand. He bought one, put a good blade in it and got his job done (took about 6 months on the side). He built a 15 foot tall x 50 foot wide door that hinges along the top. It swings outward and upward with hydraulics. Will make nice shade this summer. I need to get a picture of it to show you folks.

Spencer · Mar 6, 2004

I got off to a bad start with this bandsaw but after I got the replacement motor I have been impressed. I've been cutting all sorts of metal all week without a problem. The cuts that I am getting are just as square as the square that I am using to check them. There is little to no filing or grinding to do after the cuts are made. With the auto-off feature I can just "set it, and forget it" while I go do some other work. The noise is minimal so I don't even need to wear any hearing protection. I have attached a picture of some of the 1/4" thick 3" by 3" square tubing that I was cutting up last night. As you can see the edge left by the saw is perfect. I don't think my 15 year old Makita chopsaw is going to get much use from now on. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Slamfire · Mar 6, 2004

I have one of those works fairly good, don't cut real square though. Have smoked the motor on a reciprocating saw from HF. Also smoked the motor on a Skil grinder, so how can you tell before it happens?

Soundguy · Mar 6, 2004

If I remember right, that blade is 64 1/2 inches by 1/2 inches. The HF 3.99 ones are as cheap as they come. For the next level up... run by TSC and pic up a 7.99 bi-metal. They sell the blades that fit that saw and thier chineese saw. Still not the quality of getting a 18.00 dollar one from a tool/blade store.. but the tsc saw will last about 3 times as long as the HF one.

Glad it worked out for you.

Soundguy