Rate the Harbor Freight Tools Thread- Pass or Fail?

[Nelson]

Since a couple others commented on the 4" X 36" Belt and Disc Sander, I wanted to add my two cents, also. Now, I don't own it, but I went to HF a couple days ago for a couple small things and checked out this sander, along with everything else in the place, as I always do when I'm there. They have it on sale right now for $59.99.

Well, I wasn't impressed. The biggest negative I saw was in regard to the table for the sanding disc. It is mounted with a single rod that fits into a hole in the casting which, in turn, is secured by a single bolt that holds against a milled flat on the rod. The rod/hole fitment was sloppy to say the least. On the store display, the bolt was secured tightly and, because of the slop fit, the table was nowhere near square to the sanding disc. It's just not a good setup. It may be OK for free handed sanding, but that's about it I would say. I wouldn't expect accuracy with it.

There are 3 videos to repair this machine:

I have just bought this machine for $59.99 on sale now. I intend to replace the rollers, fix the table, and get a more powerful motor for it.

 

[hardwarz]

Is there room for anything bigger than 1/3 HP?

 

[Nelson]

Is there room for anything bigger than 1/3 HP?

Part of the power issue is that the rollers are out of true, and they track poorly and bog the motor down. By truing the rollers with his lathe, the guy in the videos above helps end the noise and motor bog-down.
Not having my lathe operational, I will buy new rollers of plastic (the rubber ones are too expensive at $25 each), and replace them. Then I will do the table fix he suggests to hold it steady.
Having a square table supported by a single rod through it is a terrible idea. I'm sure you welding guys could weld a couple of supports on each side.

The basic machine is cast iron, so I figured the basics are there, you just have to make modifications, like with their saw.

 

[hardwarz]

That's a lot of work to get it functional.

 

[markknx]

I bought some 3" magnets from them and They work pretty good. They won't stick to aluminum but at least so far they stick on steel.

I was thinking on getting a small 3-5" bench grinder from them to make a dedicated tungsten grinder. Not sure how hard getting new wheels would be. any likes or don't likes.

Mark

 

[kingmt01]

My orange grinder has been running for maybe 15 years. Only problem was the light fixture was always junk.

 

[GarageGuy]

I was thinking on getting a small 3-5" bench grinder from them to make a dedicated tungsten grinder. Not sure how hard getting new wheels would be. any likes or don't likes.

Use these cheap HF diamond wheels and just make a hub sleeve to make it fit your grinder. They are excellent for sharpening TIG tungstens, and even carbide cutting tools.

GG

 

[markknx]

Use these cheap HF diamond wheels and just make a hub sleeve to make it fit your grinder. They are excellent for sharpening TIG tungstens, and even carbide cutting tools.

GG
View attachment 117518 View attachment 117519

Looks like a reasonable plan. Thanks! Will take a little getting used to grinding the tungsten on the side of the wheel but I think it can work as long as I take care on the direction of the grind lines.

Mark

 

[expressline99]

I wanted to jump in with a tool I just used to remove a cone pulley gear. It was pressed into the cone on my Logan 200. The item: "Slide Hammer and Bearing Puller set" or Blind Hole bearing puller. It worked perfectly even though the ID I needed was slightly larger than it was rated for. I was able to expand the tool to work. So I give it a "PASS" grade. I did have to soak the gear in penetrating oil before using it but it worked great! Item number: #95987
Plus I used a %20 off coupon so it was worth it.

Paul

 

[royesses]

I wanted to jump in with a tool I just used to remove a cone pulley gear. It was pressed into the cone on my Logan 200. The item: "Slide Hammer and Bearing Puller set" or Blind Hole bearing puller. It worked perfectly even though the ID I needed was slightly larger than it was rated for. I was able to expand the tool to work. So I give it a "PASS" grade. I did have to soak the gear in penetrating oil before using it but it worked great! Item number: #95987
Plus I used a %20 off coupon so it was worth it.

Paul

I have that set also. It has always done the job. A very good buy with a 20% of coupon.