Harbor Freight 'forum'?

[dbhost]

While I do not agree that we need a particular space for HF here, I think we should have a space specifically for "tool bargains and bombs" for folks to discuss low cost tools that were a great deal, and those tools that I would assume we all have bought that the MFG should apologize to us for...

[LarryG]

While I do not agree that we need a particular space for HF here, I think we should have a space specifically for "tool bargains and bombs" for folks to discuss low cost tools that were a great deal, and those tools that I would assume we all have bought that the MFG should apologize to us for...

We do have such a space. It's called "Tool Talk." It's where we are, virtually speaking, right now. This section is provided so such discussions don't get lost admidst the threads about projects, or home improvement, or shop setup and design, or the jokes and YouTube links in Coffee Pot.

I used to be a CompuServe sysop, and know from my own experience that marK (Black Wallnut) is dead on the money when he says that having too many forums leads to way more problems than it purports to solve. You really, really, REALLY don't want to try to pigeonhole topics in any except the most general of ways.

[herb fellows]

Then I suppose we can expect to see Woodcraft and Amazon Fan Club forums, also? Can Rockler, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, MLCS, etc. be far behind? Maybe we can sell exclusive "Fan Club" distinction to the highest bidder!

I'm probably as willing to buy cheap knock-offs as anyone, and I do my share of shopping at the HF 2 miles away. But I can't believe this is even under serious consideration.

IMHO, the difference is that HF, for lack of a better word, is unique. All the other places mentioned pretty much sell known quantities, brand name goods. You are not nearly as likely to find either an exceptional bargain, or a horrible product, from these other stores. With HF, it truly is hit and miss, so I think you have to pay a lot more attention to what you get, or don't get, from there.
I have never regretted knowing too much about something I'm considerinig buying.

[dbhost]

Okay, our benevolent admin Sam has fixed the issue with the posting on the tool reviews. That seems to be the best avenue for talking up or down your Harbor Freight Gems, and junk. And I personally would like to request reviews from owners of the following Harbor Freight items...

Item #91849-8VGA 7" INDUSTRIAL RABBETING JOINTER WITH STAND .

Item #30289-0VGA 6" Industrial Rabbeting Jointer

Item #34706-4VGA 12'' x 33-3/8'' WOOD LATHE WITH REVERSIBLE HEAD

Item #3793-5VGA 8 Piece Wood Lathe Turning Tool Kit

Item #31223-0VGA 6" Wood Lathe Chuck with Key

Item #3448-6VGA 30 Piece Mini Lathe Tool Kit

Item #47066-8VGA 8 Piece High Speed Steel Wood Lathe Chisel Set

Post your hits and misses! I've already started in on it...

[Al R.]

Speaking of HF has anybody seen any money or % off coupons lately, I cant recall the last time I got one in the mail?

If they have your email on their database they will send it to you. I receive 20% off (for a single item) lately almost every week. Maybe because sometimes I buy online as well.

[Al R.]

I may be looking at this from a different point than the rest but.......
This forum started with a bunch of people that bought a "cheap" table saw. A lot of those same people have since gone to "the dark side" in search of better equipment.
I, for monetary reasons, feel stuck in place with my BT3100, with the additional $$$$'s spent for specialty equipment and jigs to make it work like the "expensive" saws that, in the long run would have been less costly.
I agree that Harbor Freight mostly has junk but, I have found some very good items there that will suffice for a hobbyiest, not a production shop.
I personally feel that Harbor Freight has its place, just as Ryobi has its place.
This is just MHO.

Sometimes in the process of upgrading a HFT that counts as a gem you learn also how to repair the tools, components, calibration, etc, etc, otherwise you'll never learn it. I have tools from HF (Band saw, 12" miter saw, DC 2 HP, Jointer 6", DPress, Woodlathe,a drill, and some other tminor hings), and they have worked as fine as other I have from: Delta, Milwaukee, Bosh, Porter Cable, DeWalt, and other portable power tools. Some people just do not understand that a brand-does-not-always is what it says it’s mean to be. If you add quality jigs to those tools (which you have to buy anyway with the "other" tools) it will perform well, because the hands of the woodworker are the ones that add the final and decisive touch.
Some new people learning how to work with wood, many of them young, will drain the few bucks they have just listening those that say "in HF everything is bad". That's not true on many items, and much has to do with the purpose you need the tool at that moment. I have a Chicago 2 HP router I bought from HF and after many yrs it is as powerful as the Porter Cable I have and works better than the Ryobi other I have as well. I have used blades on my table saw, thin kerfs, bought from HF for 25 dollars, as good as some Home Depot sells for over 70 dollars.
Conclusion: read and hear first different opinions because sometime people do not know even what they are talking about. By listening different opinions you can address your issue more clear and set your budget, real possibilities and abilities with perspective.