I have been busy at work and things have been slow in the shop. I just picked up a much needed horizontal bandsaw. After some research I bought one of the 7 inch models from Harbor Freight. In setting the saw up and making an initial cut I can see that the reviews that I read were accurate. My impression so far is that these Chinese made saws are one of the best bargains available in machine tools. That's not to say they are the perfect machine but they are fantastic values.These saws are at least $500 cheaper than a similar U.S. made saw and they are well suited for a home shop. Plus there are a number of web sites where you can chat with other users and get helpful hints, tips on modifications etc. A great resource for just about any type of machining by the way can be found on yahoo groups. There is a group for just about anything from what I can tell.
Anyway here is the saw:
It has three speeds, gravity feed that can be varied through an adjustable spring and a set of wheels on the rear of the stand so that it can be moved around easily, which is handy when you have a shop as small as mine.
The stand was a pain to get started putting together. The end stands are hinged and wanted to move around as I tried to bolt the chip shelf onto the end pieces. Putting the stand together I could see what the reviews had said. The stand is the cheapest part of the saw and I will be putting thought into building a better stand soon.
It was easy to add the wheels, etc.
Removing the saw from the box I found that my modified engine hoist came in handy again as the saw is a bit heavy for one person to lift it onto the stand by themselves.
I added another strap to the end of the saw to level it after I got it out of the box. I never did have it laterally level but that was easy to deal with when I put it on the stand.
Then I added the pulleys, cover, etc. and it after changing the gearbox oil, was all ready to run the saw.
I really needed this saw. I have been waiting to get one and it has kept me from getting much serious work done in the shop. Now that I have it and it is up and running I can get to some projects. First up is to make the parts I need to mount my quick change tool post to the cross slide of the lathe. That will be fun. I am drawing up the plans in Delta CAD right now.
