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Jeffrey J. Kosowsky
Guest
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 Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 3:00 am Post subject: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks |
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Woodcrafter
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 3:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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"Jeffrey J. Kosowsky" <kosowsky@consult.pretender> wrote in message
news:m2vfbxs34s.fsf@consult.pretender...
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks
|
My personal experience is that if you are only a hobbyist, you can get away
with buying *some* cheaper tools.
For example, I would never buy cheap cordless drills because the batteries
they put on them are pretty much useless.
On the other hand, I have paid next to nothing for some corded drills and
they have lasted me 5+ years with no problems so far (just brush changes
etc).
I also have a cheap rotary tool, a couple small cheap routers I use for
trimming and edging and these have worked fine too.
You can get away with cheap air tools as well if they are only for
occassional use.
For tools like miter saws, heavier duty routers, tablesaws etc, it pays to
buy quality.
--
Regards,
Dean Bielanowski
Editor,
Online Tool Reviews
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com
Over 60 woodworking product reviews online!
------------------------------------------------------------
Latest 6 Reviews:
- Festool CT22E Dust Extractor
- Fasco GN-40A Brad Nailer
- Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture & Cabinet Construction
- Milescraft SignCrafter
- Ryobi EMS1830SCL 12" SCMS
- Bessey K-Body Clamps
------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Eugene
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 3:39 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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Jeffrey J. Kosowsky wrote:
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks
I have their biscuit joiner, a friend gave me after he used it a few times |
and decided he liked biscuits so he bought a better one. I used it to make
my router table but that is the only time I've used it so far. It has a
scratchy sound while running that makes you think its going to let the
magic smoke out any minute but managed to hold together so far. It isn't
very accurate, the plastic fence flexes and will move a bit from the start
of the project until the finish so its not something you would want to make
real fine furniture with or use a lot. |
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ABC
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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"Jeffrey J. Kosowsky" <kosowsky@consult.pretender> wrote in message
news:m2vfbxs34s.fsf@consult.pretender...
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks
|
I have on of their edge grinders (less than $20) for about three years.
Perhaps use it once a month so it does an adequate job for me.
$200 is kind of high for the saw. The price should be about $120. The
Chicago saw is not as powerful. I bought one from Sears for about $50 a few
years ago and am certain for what I had have used it for the Chicago would
have been good enough. |
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Rick Samuel
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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IF you can try it before buying, you can get a feel of the quality of THAT
tool, quality control is very hap-hazard. One will be smooth, the next one
ruffer then a cob. I do have a 14 in. band saw and a 7 in. jointer, pleased
with both. |
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John Harlow
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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| Quote: | I got one of their portable bandsaws when it was on sale for around
$60 and I swear it's the greatest thing since sliced bread for cutting
almost anything from wood to 2" x 2" angle iron. I think I reach for
it more often than any other hand power tool in my collection.
|
I have their larger bandsaw on a stand; it's great. Their blades, though,
are terrible.
I also bought their electric impact wrench about 12 years ago. It still
works fine.
Since then I have bought a disc grinder, sawzall knockoff, lots of hand
tools, compressor, hammer drill, floodlights, and their largest 3-in-1
multimachine. Everything works as advertised.
Last week I borrowed a friend's small (1300 psi I think) electric power
washer he bought for $79. The *** thing did a great job washing my brick
house and sidewalks.
I have been a satisfied customer for years and will continue to be. |
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Jeff Wisnia
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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Jeffrey J. Kosowsky wrote:
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks
|
Like the others have already said, if you are only going to use their
tools once a month or so, and aren't going to drop them onto the ground
from a couple of stories, they can do a credible job.
I got one of their portable bandsaws when it was on sale for around $60
and I swear it's the greatest thing since sliced bread for cutting
almost anything from wood to 2" x 2" angle iron. I think I reach for it
more often than any other hand power tool in my collection.
I've bought some of their router and other woodworking bits and they
seem pretty workable for the occasional use I give them.
The only power tool I ever bought from them which was a real
disappointment was their garden "shredder/chipper", bought when it was
on sale for a little over $100. It's far too small do do any kind of
real job converting brush into wood chips. I tried using it once last
year and never bothered with it again, It took nearly an hour for me to
get one bushel of homemade mulch. I'm about ready to give it to Goodwill
before the year ends and take a charitable deduction for it, 'cause I
get annoyed every time I look at it taking up space in the garage.
HTH,
Jeff
--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
"As long as there are final exams, there will be prayer in public
schools" |
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Dan
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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On Mon 22 Nov 2004 08:36:21p, kosowsky@consult.pretender (Jeffrey J.
Kosowsky) wrote in news:m2vfbxs34s.fsf@consult.pretender:
| Quote: | Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
|
I bought the recip saw. Actually it was on sale for 25$ when I needed one
for a garage project. I figured, if it does this one job it was worth it
and if I find myself using it a lot, I'll get a good one. It did the garage
job, then another one, then the bathroom remodel, then it helped tear down
the neighbor's old shed, and it still goes on and on.
I like having a reciprocating saw around so when it dies I'll upgrade, but
I don't feel bad about having bought this one.
I don't know if I'd trust 'em well enough to get something that's supposed
to be precise, like a sliding miter saw, though.
Dan |
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Stormin Mormon
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 6:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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I've bought a bunch of stuff from Harbor Fright. Their Pittsburgh wrenches
are really sloppy, their flare wrenches are useless. Ended up pitching them
out.
Hint: Buy a couple things, and then sit and wait for the catalogs. Most of
thier stuff goes on half or third off, if you wait long enough. With some
patience, you can save a bundle.
I like their aluminum pipe wrenches. they also had some slip joint pliers
for turning pipes and nuts. They are really great. Their little yellow VOM
goes on sale now and again for 2.99 and I buy four or so. Not super precice,
but fits neatly into tool boxes and small spaces. I've also got some of
their Sawzall blades, which go smooth in a hurry. But for what I use, they
are OK.
I got two Drill Master drills in 12 volts. When the batteries go, I can wire
them to a lighter plug, and use them near the car, or off a 12 volt gel cell
jumper pack. Or buy more batteries. The Drill Masters are only 500 RPM, my
Makita is 1300 or so. But they are better than just OK for twenty bucks.
--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
www.mormons.com
"Jeffrey J. Kosowsky" <kosowsky@consult.pretender> wrote in message
news:m2vfbxs34s.fsf@consult.pretender...
Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks |
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| Back to top |
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James \"Cubby\" Culbertso
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 6:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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I tend to shy away from the Chicago Electric brand. I bought a drop light
and it fried the first time
I plugged it in. Took it back. Second one fried. Bought a heat gun.
Fried the first time I plugged it in.
Took it back. Second one fried as well. That said, I have their 4"
grinder and it seems to do the odd job
that I demand of it ok. I tend to think the Central Machinery brand is
better (have their floor standing drill press
and it works great) and I've been pretty happy with the Central Pneumatic
stuff. YMMV of course.
Cheers,
cc
"Jeffrey J. Kosowsky" <kosowsky@consult.pretender> wrote in message
news:m2vfbxs34s.fsf@consult.pretender...
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks |
|
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| Back to top |
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buck
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 6:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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I have a cheap Chicago $49 router which works good. Great drill press for
$39. Lathe for $149 seems adequate since it does indeed spin. But serious
woodworkers (if that be you)need serious tools..... casual woodworkers (that
be me) can make do.
-opinions may vary.
"Jeffrey J. Kosowsky" <kosowsky@consult.pretender> wrote in message
news:m2vfbxs34s.fsf@consult.pretender...
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks |
|
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| Back to top |
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Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 7:00 am Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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On Tue, 23 Nov 2004 02:36:21 GMT, kosowsky@consult.pretender (Jeffrey
J. Kosowsky) wrote:
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks
|
I have never bought from H. F. simply because there is not one nearby.
I have a distant friend who says their stuff is not top quality, but
swears their stuff holds up pretty well, for the price.
I HAVE purchased from another company called Homier Distributors.
They are mobile merchants and set up a sale in a tent in different
towns. I have never been so dissatisfied with any other purchases.
Their stuff is total junk, and once they got your money, forget about
getting any help or being able to return defective items, or even
having an email returned. This is the worst company I have ever dealt
with. However, this same friend has also bought from Homier and says
he has gotten a few deals from them. Of course too, he just putters
around. I tend to really use tools, and those homier tools have all
broken within one day or less.
I might consider buying from Harbor Freight if I have access. I will
NEVER buy from Homier again.
I probably did not really answer your question, but this is just some
personal experience.
Mark |
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Cox West
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 1:00 pm Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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Tools are freedom. Good ones open up possibilities and can last a lifetime.
$29.95 is better spent on a good steak, cooked to your preference, with a
tall glass of ale.
Dave
"Jeffrey J. Kosowsky" <kosowsky@consult.pretender> wrote in message
news:m2vfbxs34s.fsf@consult.pretender...
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks |
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TWS
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 3:00 pm Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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On Tue, 23 Nov 2004 02:36:21 GMT, kosowsky@consult.pretender (Jeffrey
J. Kosowsky) wrote:
| Quote: |
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
Against what? A Chicago Electric tool makes a great disposable tool. |
IME it doesn't come close to a tool you will want to use for years or
even where you want it to perform the same after a year of service.
| Quote: | - If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
No, because you used the word 'serious'. If you are serious about |
your work then start at least at the middle price range. I have some
CE tools and every time I use one I wonder, will it work today? Is
today the day it craps out? Can I tolerate the play in the movement
or that awful grinding sound as it turns?
If you use the tool on rare occasions and you are not concerned about
doing quality work (drilling screw holes in framing studs) then go for
it. If you want to do fine woodworking and not spend your time
working around the deficiencies of your tool but working with your
tool. Get a name brand.
| Quote: |
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Take a look at the latest FWW (no. 174, Winter 2004 Tools & Shops |
issue). There is a good review article on 14.4 volt cordless drills.
They show the inside of two drills and how they are constructed to
show why there is a difference in price. Take a look at the difference
between the $90 drill and the $170 drill. Now try to imagine what the
inside of a $29.99 drill looks like.
TWS |
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Richard Clements
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:00 pm Post subject: Re: Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools |
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buying from HF is great for somethings and bad or others, there abr clamps
are great, and if you watch for a sale you can get them for as little as
$3.99 for the 36" 3.49 for the 32" etc. and there pipe clamps are decent
too. There air tools have a decent reputation, I only have a stapler/brad
nailer but for $20 on sale can't complain, just wait to get them on sale,
there 4 1/2" angle grinders go on sale just about everyother week for $15
and last and seem to hold up really well, and for $15 your 2 or 3 just in
case. having said this DON'T buy and persision power tools! they wont be.
also you can't beat there prices on all the little things you need, like
the blue/green disposable gloves, or there storage bins, etc. but mostly
watch for there sales, also if you look on like and they have something on
sale there print it off and the store will honor the price
Jeffrey J. Kosowsky wrote:
| Quote: | Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".
What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?
Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?
Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).
Thanks |
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