Fabrication & builders section. All fabrication posts go here.
XJ/MJ/ZJ/WJ Only projects go here. Questions belong in modified tech.

Chop Saw choice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-04-2009, 05:16 PM
  #1  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
OverlandZJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Bristol,Pa
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default Chop Saw choice

Anyone using a cheaper Chop Saw with good results? Quick search has mixed reviews on the Harbor Freight with most concerns being the slow motor.

I can deal with a slower motor if it'll operate and last decently. It's for home use, i'll upgrade if it becomes more frequent.
Old 08-04-2009, 05:18 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
CHIF8008's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4-banger
Default

harbor freight sucks, they are cheap but there stuff always breaks on me
Old 08-04-2009, 05:18 PM
  #3  
CF Veteran
 
nick_n_ii's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Kalkaska, Michigan
Posts: 5,902
Received 19 Likes on 12 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

I have a Harbor Freight chop saw adn I've been using it for well over 4 years with out issue.

YA it's slow but it gets the job done. I've found if I put Dewalt blades in it that there's little to nothing I can't cut with it.
Old 08-04-2009, 05:47 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
superquadguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

cheap saw ok just but buy a good blades
Old 08-04-2009, 06:10 PM
  #5  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
OverlandZJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Bristol,Pa
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by nick_n_ii
I have a Harbor Freight chop saw adn I've been using it for well over 4 years with out issue.

YA it's slow but it gets the job done. I've found if I put Dewalt blades in it that there's little to nothing I can't cut with it.
Cool, hows the degree lock holding up? Tight or does it give a sloppy fit?
Old 08-04-2009, 06:19 PM
  #6  
CF Veteran
 
dlundblad's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 9,047
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Grand Cherokee
Default

Are you wanting a metal or a wood saw?
Old 08-04-2009, 06:59 PM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
nick_n_ii's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Kalkaska, Michigan
Posts: 5,902
Received 19 Likes on 12 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by OverlandXJ
Cool, hows the degree lock holding up? Tight or does it give a sloppy fit?
It's about good for plus or minus 2* And it's rather tight.

About the last few months has started to get loose.

But for what I paid it's gotten it's use.
Old 08-04-2009, 07:17 PM
  #8  
Junior Member
 
cherokeeman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

i use a harbor freight one, it still works great
Old 08-04-2009, 07:34 PM
  #9  
gil
Newbie
 
gil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

I have 4.5 grinder from harbor freight, its work good ,got it with a warranty so if breaKS I GET NEW one.
Old 08-04-2009, 09:21 PM
  #10  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
OverlandZJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Bristol,Pa
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by dlundblad
Are you wanting a metal or a wood saw?

I did post the question in Advanced Fab/Tech...
Old 08-05-2009, 02:04 AM
  #11  
CF Veteran
 
a1racer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: socal
Posts: 7,244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

have you checked craigslist i have seen some good deals on there. i am just waiting for a dewalt to pop up then i will buy.
Old 08-05-2009, 11:50 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
BLKXJ 96's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 814
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I have a Harbor Freight saw, it works good. You just need to pay attention to what you are cutting and if it needs to be acturate, you will need to adjust it stightly.
Old 08-05-2009, 03:27 PM
  #13  
CF Veteran
 
XJSETH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Aurora
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO JASPER MOTOR
Default

my friends and i have been using the same ryobi chop saw for about 4-5 years. but with good blades/wheels
Old 08-05-2009, 03:33 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
89PBR96's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: central IL
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 01
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I have a cheapo one and it's alright but it was only 40 bucks i think 14 inch blade has worked for what i use it for if i started a build i would upgrade blade for sure
Old 08-05-2009, 04:30 PM
  #15  
CF Veteran
 
PingPong's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 87
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I too have the Harbor Freight chop saw, as well as band saw, 4.5" and 7" grinder, Sand blasting cabinet as well as their 16spd 3/4 chuck drill press, and I have had zero issues with them. As posted many times buy quality consumables.


Quick Reply: Chop Saw choice



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:08 AM.