Harbor Freight for tools?

Mac · January 05, 2006, 11:56:48 PM

QuoteI got one a year or so ago for less than $100 when it was on sale. I haven't used it yet. I'm interested in how you re-enforced yours. Do you have any pictures. What gauge metal were you working with and can you make multiple passes to take care of the problem.

I have one of HF's also. I used it a time or 2 as is but plan to reinforce it. Here's a pic I lifted off the Hamb of one with homemade stiffener; also cool stand and crank upgrade.

1FATGMC · January 06, 2006, 12:40:00 AM

Quote from: "Mac"
QuoteI got one a year or so ago for less than $100 when it was on sale. I haven't used it yet. I'm interested in how you re-enforced yours. Do you have any pictures. What gauge metal were you working with and can you make multiple passes to take care of the problem.

I have one of HF's also. I used it a time or 2 as is but plan to reinforce it. Here's a pic I lifted off the Hamb of one with homemade stiffener; also cool stand and crank upgrade.

Thanks, I can't tell from the picture are those welded to the sides and are they also on the opposite side?

c ya, Sum

48builder · January 06, 2006, 07:14:28 AM

Thanks for all the info, guys! Most of my power tools are Makita and I have had good luck with them. My 4" angle grinder is 17 YO and has seen a lot of use. My 4.5" is 10 YO. When they finally go they are expensive to replace though.

I am going to head to HF next week and see what I can find. I am looking to get that 1/2" cordless hammer drill. My current 1/2" is a Craftsman and is on its last legs. Would love a set of gear wrenches too. I'll check out the ones Fat Cat recommends.

Does that 20% coupon work on anything? That makes that hammer drill only $24! If I use it a couple times it will be worth it.

Bob Paulin · January 06, 2006, 07:56:57 AM

I think it was said best on one of the machine tool forums I frequent......

The Harbor Freight/Northern Hydraulics stuff provides a good, rough, base tool/machine from which one can, eventually, end up with a decent finished tool after the modifications and finishing operations have been applied......i.e. the bead roller with its requisite stiffening.

B.P.

Dirk35 · January 06, 2006, 09:11:14 AM

Almost forgot, Do NOT get the cheap set of Ball Joint Forks. They were cheaper than renting the one I needed would have cost, so I am still ahead, but they are cast iron and break easily. If you need it once, youll likely need it again, and I would have been ahead to buy a good one.

sedanman · January 06, 2006, 12:14:45 PM

Also don't get the Coil spring compressor, they are cast instead of steel. The first spring we tried to compress it broke. Couldn't find one to buy so we rented one that worked great from tool rental store.

Vic

slocrow · January 06, 2006, 12:25:57 PM

Quote from: "48builder"Does that 20% coupon work on anything? That makes that hammer drill only $24! If I use it a couple times it will be worth it.

Walt; The coupon is good on any one item. You theoretically could use it on a second purchase except you would run out of time as there is an expiration date on most of their coupons and you can only use one a week. I think their week might run Tuesday to Tuesday.

Sign up at their web page;
http://www.harborfreight.com
for e-mailed coupons. I also signed up for the flyers sent US mail, which also has coupon offers (currently a 20% er) where you fill in your name and address.
I signed up at the store too!

I imagine you could go back two or three times in any one week period and be cool as they get a lot of traffic. ......Frank

purplepickup · January 06, 2006, 03:30:53 PM

Quote from: "slocrow"Sign up at their web page;
http://www.harborfreight.com
for e-mailed coupons.
...Frank

Frank, their retail store website is http://www.harborfreightusa.com . They're separate from the catalog division I think.

Inprimer · January 06, 2006, 04:40:18 PM

Quote from: "purplepickup"
Quote from: "slocrow"Sign up at their web page;
http://www.harborfreight.com
for e-mailed coupons.
...Frank
Frank, their retail store website is http://www.harborfreightusa.com . They're separate from the catalog division I think.

I just bought a close quarter 3/8 in drill, not really a heavy duty tool but for light purposes, beats paying about $160. for a Milwakee or other brand name I'm just a hobbyest I got it for $30.

hotrodbob · January 07, 2006, 01:13:05 AM

bought my mig welder from them 20 years ago. Welded some stuff on Av8ford's ol '46 and lots of other stuff. Needs a direct socket to plug into. Won't get enogh power with an extension cord. Never made a real good looking weld, but they have held. Even welded a drive shaft that made it from Burbank to Santa Rosa one summer day.

Mac · January 07, 2006, 10:29:03 AM

Quote from: "1FATGMC"
Quote from: "Mac"
QuoteI got one a year or so ago for less than $100 when it was on sale. I haven't used it yet. I'm interested in how you re-enforced yours. Do you have any pictures. What gauge metal were you working with and can you make multiple passes to take care of the problem.

I have one of HF's also. I used it a time or 2 as is but plan to reinforce it. Here's a pic I lifted off the Hamb of one with homemade stiffener; also cool stand and crank upgrade.

Thanks, I can't tell from the picture are those welded to the sides and are they also on the opposite side?

c ya, Sum

Hope this helps