[TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't

[Richardson, Grover]

Bench grinder about 10 years old, gone through 6-7 wire wheels and a like number of stones.  Inexpensive 6" one.  I had to take the covers off and locktight them.  Other than that runs great.

Chop saw, 14", gone through about 5 blades.  About $100 model.  Still running.  Dropped it and broke the chain that keeps the saw from going up too far (that was a fluke!), other than that, runs fine.

As I understand it (chime in if this is incorrect).  Our machines are rated at working horsepower.  China machines are locked to the work bench, the motor shaft is gripped with a vise grip, and power applied.  The maximum power that flows in is called "locked rotor power."  Locked rotor is NOT useful horsepower.  So, a 2 HP China motor is likely a 3/4 American rated.  I push down until I see sparks and hear the motor load up.  Then keep the same amount of pressure on it to keep the motor slowed down a bit as it cuts through.

Yes, if it is your livelihood, get the best you can afford.  

Yes, I have a HF anvil.  The one with the hardy hole, not the one that still shows sign of the casting relief.  It is for visitors to hammer upon.  55 pounds and $29.99 (I got it on sale), it works for me.    

Happy New Year.
Keep the Anvil on the stand and not on your feet.
Keep the hammer head on the handle and not on your head.
Keep the sparks stuck to the outside of your safety glasses. 


-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron Childers
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2011 9:27 AM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't

A while ago someone mentioned Harbor freight tools: deals vs junk. Let's
conduct a poll as to which products are worth having. A friend bought a
set of long reach needle nose and I broke them both with very little
pressure. The air compressors are like Kleenex and the battery powered
drills another friend bought were junk. Their bench grinders seem to
work pretty well and the portable band saw he is now using seems ok but
the first one gave up the ghost after a week. The Vice Grip type pliers
are junk and he had problems with an oxy-acetylene outfit. The magnets
are good but there are no moving parts. 



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