Hercules Miter Saw From Harbor Freight

[kmmcrafts]

Just run across this video and thought I'd share.. The ending part of the video is where this guy compares this saw to his DeWalt.. Most these tools are too new to the market to test for several years or see how long they are trouble free for.. I haven't looked real hard at the bigger power tools like this but maybe should have looked closer at them when I bought my new DeWalt miter saw and table saw.. Pretty impressive for the price I think but I'm sure others will think diffrently

 

[OCtoolguy]

When I buy anything now I think about my age. At 81 I don't need anything based on 20 years of service. Or even 10. It makes no sense to buy "the topline" of anything.

[rjweb]

Ray, i agree I also don't buy to last a long time now 78 hoping to hit 85, but on another note if i don't buy then my family will just blow through the money, RJ

[Mike Crosa]

What they said.

 

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, rjweb said:

Ray, i agree I also don't buy to last a long time now 78 hoping to hit 85, but on another note if i don't buy then my family will just blow through the money, RJ

We are leaving ours to local pet rescue groups who are doing great work. Our kids have more than us and don't need ours. 

[Wichman]

When I bought my Chicago Electric, 12" sliding miter saw. With the various discounts I paid just over $100. It was for a specific project. Now, the silly thing won't die, and I'm glad. The new saws all have 1" arbor holes and all my blades are 5/8" (used, from work after the sharpening service determined the blades were worn out, also after the owner gave specific approval), the blades also fit my table saw.

The saw stays in my shop and doesn't get beat up. If I was using it daily for my living and having to bounce it around in the back of a truck, I would definitely get a higher grade saw. But for me and my circumstances, it's a great saw.

 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I do not see the purpose of these type threads. Of course anything HF sells is going to be cheaper than brand names. Many times you pay for the brand name but many times you pay for better quality. Especially any of the bench top tools. If a person uses a tool once in a blue moon it should last them a life time.  If a person uses the tool for their livelyhood they will want a better quality tool. That Dewalt saw he compared to will outlast him. I thought Hercules was HF old brand name, why not name it a Bauer saw? Heck  you can find a used tool of brand name cheaper than that saw. What does that prove? You notice he used my exact words in that video, "If the tool has a motor I am not buying from HF" they are trying hard to change that stigma. Disposables, I buy all the time. They are one and done items. If it breaks not out much money.

[kmmcrafts]

1 hour ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

I do not see the purpose of these type threads. 

I'm sorry I guess my small mind thought some folks might like to see a video of the side by side comparison of the DeWalt and this HF saw.. I apologize to anyone that wasted their time watching this. I seem to forget there are many more smarter people out there than me that already knew about these saws and why they are priced so differently yet very similar.

[rjweb]

Kevin, thx for the video posting, I enjoyed seeing it and getting a little knowledge along the way, not everyone can afford a exspensive tool, I am sure some other people got something out of it. I just watch the video on the story of Harbor Freight and the owner Eric Smith, privatly own, with almost 1600 stores across the country. He must be doing something right, RJ

[don in brooklin on]

I love seeing these videos too. 

I just wish we had Harbor Freight in Canada. When we traveled to the USA one of the stops always was HF. Stocked up on supplies and a few small tools.

It looks like they have upped the quality but the cheap stuff I bought pre-covid still working fine.

 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

2 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

I'm sorry I guess my small mind thought some folks might like to see a video of the side by side comparison of the DeWalt and this HF saw.. I apologize to anyone that wasted their time watching this. I seem to forget there are many more smarter people out there than me that already knew about these saws and why they are priced so differently yet very similar.

Say what you want Kevin. There is no side by side rating there. Put it through its paces then it is a side by side. I am not defending Dewalt or dissing HF but price wise HF will ALWAYS have the lower prices. He unboxed the saw and it looks like the Dewalt. How many times have we said over and over again here about scrollsaws looking alike. A little difference here and there. He said his Dewalt saw was still kicking. let him come back in 10 years and tell us. That is all I am saying. You must have stock in HF I am guessing.  Go on the internet and you can see hundreds of comparisons of tools within all brand names but remember one person's view that is all it is just like this video. One person's view. 

Edited Wednesday at 10:51 PM by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Could not get page to load. 

Edited yesterday at 07:32 AM by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[Wichman]

18 minutes ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

Could not get page to load. 

Which page? This one, or another page you wanted to link to?

I've been having problems on FB with my local news, FB page loading, the page just sits there like it's trying to load. The rest of FB works just fine, so the problem may be a overload for a server somewhere.

 

[JimNC]

Some time back I had miter saw and upgraded to a  had a HF ADMIRAL 12 in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw and like it. But really didn't need the double bevel feature. Then I thought I would upgrade and get a Dewalt 12" double bevel miter saw with the stand, and loved it. But still didn't need the double bevel nor the stand. 

Well a couple years back, and many tool purchases later I looked at my small shop and was I running out of room. So I sold the DeWalt miter saw, my lathe and purchased a 10" Metabo single bevel saw a good scroll saw, and banked the money difference.

The Metabo was accurate out and box but I still don't need the bevel feature. I don't miss the lathe and it's just less tools my kids had to sell when I pass. They have more "stuff" than I ever had.

So that is my story and I'm sticking with it. LOL

[BadBob]

15 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

I apologize to anyone that wasted their time watching this.

They don't have to watch it if they don't like it.

[BadBob]

I bought a refurbished 12-inch Hitachi sliding compound miter saw for a project many years ago. If it ever needs to be replaced, I would buy the Hercules.

I found it interesting that I have 80-90% of the Harbor Freight items recommended in the video in my shop.

 

[rash_powder]

The quality of Harbor Freight tools is a curious thing.  When you get into the tool/maker/mechanic/repair spaces, there is a lot of get this, not that.  One of the more common things I've seen and heard is the less moving parts the more likely it is to last; get nothing electrical.  HF serves a purpose, some view it as one and done, others as cheap tools (to keep after) for a job, and others look at them as a source for work tools.  

Their tool boxes are on par or better than anything I've seen at Menards or Lowes.  The air hammer I have from them is a beast and the same unit as a Mac Tools.  

Curiously, I just recently watched a how to video put up by TRQ auto parts.  Their shop guy was using an Icon torque wrench.  A shop with enough financial backing for Snap On chose the Icon wrench!  That says something.  

HF is moving up in quality, it cannot be denied.  You can still get a grinder that is good for 2 uses; but they stock one that is every bit as good as a Dewalt.  

I think if we sit back and watch, in the next 10 years HF will become something like Craftsman was.

Incidently, I have zero affiliation with HF; I just scrape by and fix as much myself as possible and don't want to buy Snap On every time I need a tool for 1 or 2 jobs.  Be smart with your money and buy what you feel is right and don't ding someone for what buying what fit their needs if it isn't up to your needs.  

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

8 hours ago, Wichman said:

Which page? This one, or another page you wanted to link to?

I've been having problems on FB with my local news, FB page loading, the page just sits there like it's trying to load. The rest of FB works just fine, so the problem may be a overload for a server somewhere.

 

It was another page from a source I wanted to post that showed the good and bad tools of HF again one person's opinion. In it he said the Bauer line is far under classed to the Hercules line and does not even come close to Dewalt line. If that be the case not sure what HF is doing if they sell the Hercules line even in battery  tools. Also pointed out the number of brands under the HF name but all made in China. Again I am not dissing HF but when comparing tools from a hobby home use to a commercial line like Dewalt there is going to be a tough fight. Dewalt is a proven line in both home use and commercial line. You do  not see HF tools on job sites at least not the ones I was on. Now can HF tools stand up and last a long time sure without question. Especially if used sparingly. That is all I am saying. As some have pointed out their age plays a factor when buying new toys. Understandable. 

[rjweb]

JT I wont be here 10 years to see how it last, and I still feel buy what you can afford and enjoy life, RJ

[hotshot]

I've have been using DW for years:  I own their corded Miter saw, battery drills and drivers.  In the corded tools, I also have everything from Milwaukee to Hitachi.  I also have a Battery Makita drill and a driver, and I have to admit, they are great, but their batteries are very expensive as are their tools.   Because of price, I just did without the other battery tools, except for the exceptions I mentioned. 

So back when Hercules came out, I was checking out HF and saw what looked like unbelievable prices on Hercules tools and bought one on a whim.  It felt good/solid and performed great, so I bought another, and I continue to build up my collection of battery tools with Hercules.  I've yet to get a lemon.  I'm completely renovating multiple properties, so the Hercules tools are getting hammered.  If I would have chosen to go with Milwaukee for my Battery Tools, I would have been very happy with the one or two tools I could have bought with that same amount of $$$, and if I were rich, probably would have went with the more stylish Red, or if I was really really rich, stylish Green.  But I've already gotten my moneys' worth out of many of my Hercules tools, have a good collection of Batteries,  so I'll continue to use them.

Has anyone priced the Track saws from the better brands?  Even used?  Shockingly high.  If Hercules brings a great Tracksaw to market, it might come down to a Hercules or nothing. I would be very happy with the level of "Great" I have from their other tools, even though they may not on par with the "Best" you get from FesTool/Milwaukee.  How about a "Good" domino competitor.  Domino patents are expiring. I would never ever pay $1700 for the Festool DF700 or $1200 for the lessor DF500, but what about $170 for a tool with 95% of the capability?

At the end of the day, there is no shame in buying Hercules, or Festool if that is your thing.  For me personally, Hercules has proven themselves, but to each their own.

Circling back to ScrollSaws. . . I have very very nice scroll saws, but  if I were buying a saw for a family member to "try out the hobby", I would buy the Bauer and a Pegas clamp upgrade for not a lot more that I paid for the Hitach cw-40 in the very beginning of my scrollsaw Journey.

Edited 20 hours ago by hotshot
I typed a book here, it takes me a while to get it corrected-ish

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

14 hours ago, BadBob said:

They don't have to watch it if they don't like it.

 

Also if people do not like what I write do not read it. scroll on past. Not sure if this site has an ignore feature but if so use that then.  Not hurting me. 

Just so no one gets the notion,I NEVER EVER EVER said for anyone not to buy any tool they want. Maybe if I saw someone going down a wrong path for a reason but that is the exception. HF is trying to market themselves as the next Sears. But what I and again my opinion is they have too many brands. Hercules was their flagship tool for awhile and now Bauer which as I mentioned I just read an opinion that they are below the HERC. line. I do not get it. You own the rights of these companies, tell them what you want to see. Always buy within your means. I would love to buy into the Festool line. But from here on out I changed once from Makita to now Dewalt. Mostly American made tools which is what I like. As far as battery life goes. again do the ratings or look for them on the net. I am sure they were tested. Give the line of Bauer some time and they probably will come up with another line in 10 years. We basically are old farts on this site, lets face it so none of us are buying huge amount of tools any more. Our tools have been bought already. But every now and then a new tool does appear in the line of tools you own. I just bought and mentioned this before, before Christmas. The new Dewalt 20V sliding miter saw. It is going to be perfect for all the molding I have to install in all my rooms because I can easily carry it. I do not need a big heavy sliding miter. I have one that sits in the shop. Those things are heavy. But if someone is looking for one and does not the used route then knock your wallet off. Go for it.  

Edited 19 hours ago by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

1 hour ago, hotshot said:

I've have been using DW for years:  I own their corded Miter saw, battery drills and drivers.  In the corded tools, I also have everything from Milwaukee to Hitachi.  I also have a Battery Makita drill and a driver, and I have to admit, they are great, but their batteries are very expensive as are their tools.   Because of price, I just did without the other battery tools, except for the exceptions I mentioned. 

So back when Hercules came out, I was checking out HF and saw what looked like unbelievable prices on Hercules tools and bought one on a whim.  It felt good/solid and performed great, so I bought another, and I continue to build up my collection of battery tools with Hercules.  I've yet to get a lemon.  I'm completely renovating multiple properties, so the Hercules tools are getting hammered.  If I would have chosen to go with Milwaukee for my Battery Tools, I would have been very happy with the one or two tools I could have bought with that same amount of $$$, and if I were rich, probably would have went with the more stylish Red, or if I was really really rich, stylish Green.  But I've already gotten my moneys' worth out of many of my Hercules tools, have a good collection of Batteries,  so I'll continue to use them.

Has anyone priced the Track saws from the better brands?  Even used?  Shockingly high.  If Hercules brings a great Tracksaw to market, it might come down to a Hercules or nothing. I would be very happy with the level of "Great" I have from their other tools, even though they may not on par with the "Best" you get from FesTool/Milwaukee.  How about a "Good" domino competitor.  Domino patents are expiring. I would never ever pay $1700 for the Festool DF700 or $1200 for the lessor DF500, but what about $170 for a tool with 95% of the capability?

At the end of the day, there is no shame in buying Hercules, or Festool if that is your thing.  For me personally, Hercules has proven themselves, but to each their own.

Circling back to ScrollSaws. . . I have very very nice scroll saws, but  if I were buying a saw for a family member to "try out the hobby", I would buy the Bauer and a Pegas clamp upgrade for not a lot more that I paid for the Hitach cw-40 in the very beginning of my scrollsaw Journey.

Just a question, do you build alot of large furniture and cabinets that you use the domino alot?  Many years ago I got into the biscuit scene and used them alot for shelves and magazine racks and things like that. My dream to be a cabinet maker went out the door when I built my shop cabinets and saw you need lots of room for cabinet and furniture building. I also went down the pocket screw hole swamp and have lots of those tools collecting dust. 

[Wichman]

Congratulations JT, there is an ignore setting and you're my first.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

1 hour ago, Wichman said:

Congratulations JT, there is an ignore setting and you're my first.

Thanks I love being first at something. Glad I could help. 

[BadBob]

Harbor Freight Tools is not publicly owned. It is a privately held family business.