Hercules Miter Saw From Harbor Freight

[hotshot]

JT, I don't mind the spice you add.  If we all had the same perspective,  there would be nothing to talk about.  I personally don't get upset when other opinions don't align with mine, as long as the conversation is respectful.  I do enjoy trying to logic my way through a discussion where opinions differ.

As for Hercules and Bauer, Hercules is definately their "Best" in the "Good",  "Better", "Best" levels.   I don't touch Bauer if there is a Hercules counterpart, and don't every buy any Bauer Battery tools as they don't work in the Hercules battery system.  I typically don't even look at Warrior and those level of tools.  I'm sure they serve a purpose for some, but I selected Hercules battery system, and I am sticking with it.  

I agree with you that they have too many brands, but I'm sure every tool has it's fanbase.  There is one very cheap tool I love, the cheap corded grinder,  than I have often gotten for around $15 or less.  I have a number of these with different wheels so I don't have to continually change them out.  I'm not afraid to push them, because if I burn one up, it's not a big deal.  I've pushed and burned up a large Rigid angle grinder, and that hurt (life time warrantee means it takes a lifetime to get your tool back).  I do have the battery powered Hercules grinder also,  which I love, but don't abuse.

For my cabinets, I do face frame, with Kreg screws.  I don't "need" a Domino, I just like the concept.

 

Edited 11 hours ago by hotshot

[kmmcrafts]

On 1/30/2025 at 7:11 AM, BadBob said:

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.

 

Most my tools when I first got into the business was purchased as refurbished Hitachi and many of them was still working great when I upgraded to larger DeWalt models.. I honestly liked the smooth operation and comfort of the handle grip on my Hitachi better than I do the DW one I replaced it with.. All tools are or were refurbished up until more recently.. 

[kmmcrafts]

23 hours ago, rash_powder said:

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.  

My son works for the state as a mechanic repairing plow / salt trucks, graders and anything from semi trucks to weedwackers, LOL.. They have snap-on and Mac trucks come through but many of them run the Icon from HF because the tool trucks only come through once a week.. if you break a tool just as he's leaving out the driveway you gotta wait until next week.. HF is right up the road.. and they replace them free just as the tool trucks do.. Yeah they gota send someone into the store but that's better than waiting a week.. They're great tools.. and less than half the cost... Heck even the cheaper Pittsburg tools get replaced free.. 

[kmmcrafts]

12 hours 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.

Good to see you dropping in here Randy.. I hope you'll stop in more often..

Back in the day I almost bought one of those cw-40's but I opted for a refurbished Dremel 1800 instead.. was a good saw for the money I paid as I production cut on that saw for 2 years before I upgraded to the DeWalt and sold the Dremel. 

[kmmcrafts]

11 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

 

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.  

I don't think I ever said or even implied that this HF saw was better than DW nor did I imply or say that DW is better than this HF saw... I also believe I mentioned in the original post that these are too new to have a longevity test done on.. The video I posted was merely a "visual comparison" of similarities and that it "appears" to be very similar built.. 

Many of the folks here are older retired and not working the field anymore.. many on fixed incomes and see no reason to buy a commercial tool when a HF tool will do them just as good and then they have more money for the bingo cards on Friday mornings at the local McDonald's senior bingo day.. 

[rash_powder]

Honestly I don't think the brand, age, or cost of the tool(s) really matters.  What does is can you use it.  You could have a shop with $40,000 of equipment and turn out projects that are crooked and full of gaps.  I've seen a lot of maker videos on youtube, from people with every cost of equipment from scavanged to DIY to Laguna and SawStop.  The people with the budget/scavenged/diy equipment turn out just as good projects as the high end gear.  

Cost in no way makes the user's skill.  A skilled user can make a poor quality tool sing though.

[kmmcrafts]

45 minutes ago, hotshot said:

JT, I don't mind the spice you add.  If we all had the same perspective,  there would be nothing to talk about.  I personally don't get upset when other opinions don't align with mine, as long as the conversation is respectful.  I do enjoy trying to logic my way through a discussion where opinions differ.

As for Hercules and Bauer, Hercules is definately their "Best" in the "Good",  "Better", "Best" levels.   I don't touch Bauer if there is a Hercules counterpart, and don't every buy any Bauer Battery tools as they don't work in the Hercules battery system.  I typically don't even look at Warrior and those level of tools.  I'm sure they serve a purpose for some, but I selected Hercules battery system, and I am sticking with it.  

I agree with you that they have too many brands, but I'm sure every tool has it's fanbase.  There is one very cheap tool I love, the cheap corded grinder,  than I have often gotten for around $15 or less.  I have a number of these with different wheels so I don't have to continually change them out.  I'm not afraid to push them, because if I burn one up, it's not a big deal.  I've pushed and burned up a large Rigid angle grinder, and that hurt (life time warrantee means it takes a lifetime to get your tool back).  I do have the battery powered Hercules grinder also,  which I love, but don't abuse.

For my cabinets, I do face frame, with Kreg screws.  I don't "need" a Domino, I just like the concept.

 

I also like these discussions to an extent but sometimes it gets out of hand and goes to a personal level.. It also gives a bad image for newcomers to the site as well.. I know a few newer people that "were" on here and recently moved onto another scroll saw page because we were to standoffish so that's not a good image to get new people onto the best site the internet (my opinion) has to offer to the scrolling community. 

As for the Bauer and Hercules brand.. Yes Hercules is better quality... unfortunately the most tool options are in the Bauer brand.. they seem to push that brand further so that is the battery system I have and use ( besides my DW stuff ).. I have actually been very impressed with the Bauer brand stuff that I have purchased and used so far they have far exceeded my expectation.. But if they fail I'm not out much either.. I would have rather went with the Hercules but many of the tools wasn't available in that brand so that was my reason for going with the Bauer stuff.. we all know once you get locked into the battery system you're kind of stuck with that brand.. I'm sure that is why this brand is pushed more and more tool options offered.. they know what they're doing.. but I'm also buying this stuff with that in mind.. I also have DW battery stuff so if it's tools I'll use a lot I'll go that route and pay up the money. As impressed as I've been with the Bauer stuff though.. I've been more and more ditching the higher end stuff..  

[BadBob]

1 hour ago, kmmcrafts said:

Most my tools when I first got into the business was purchased as refurbished Hitachi and many of them was still working great when I upgraded to larger DeWalt models.. I honestly liked the smooth operation and comfort of the handle grip on my Hitachi better than I do the DW one I replaced it with.. All tools are or were refurbished up until more recently.. 

I have purchased many refurbished items, tools, and electronics. One of my current monitors, my Epson scanner, and the inkjet printer I have used for a long time were refurbished, as were all of my Hitachi tools. Every computer I have owned for many years is refurbished. Today, I have seven refurbished computers on hand.

Today, I am a DeWalt tool guy because I had a project for which I needed battery-operated tools, and DeWalt was the only one suitable at the time. Now, I had the batteries, so the next time I wanted a new power tool, I bought DeWalt bare tools. None of the DeWalt tools were refurbished because I can usually buy new ones for less.

[rjweb]

Kevin, with Bauer tools I like the red color better than the blue, RJ

[kmmcrafts]

27 minutes ago, rjweb said:

Kevin, with Bauer tools I like the red color better than the blue, RJ

Yes me too, and the red matches all three of my lasers and the CNC router.. I suppose the Hawks too but are they more orange than red? They're certainly not true red.. more in between a orange and red I guess.. Not the greatest picture of the Hawk and it looks more red in the photo than they actually are but you get the idea.. I guess red matches better than yellow. 

 

Edit: There seems to be a fair amount of yellow in the background.. DeWalt miter saw, table saw and drill on my makeshift table / dresser, also not shown is the DW planer LOL.. Look outside you see my punching bag through the window.. That's for when I'm almost finished with a project and it breaks.. 

Edited 8 hours ago by kmmcrafts

[rjweb]

Kevin, nice setup, hows that new laser working out, I see you must have an order for crosses. The only thing with HF is the warranty 90 days they say you can but extended warranty but doesn't say what the cost is, maybe that's what they make their money on like Best Buy, RJ

[kmmcrafts]

The new laser hasn't even been plugged in yet.. been too busy to mess with it. I need to make a trip to town to get a 6" dryer vent and build something to set into the window so I can vent it outside.. Not quite sure where the permanent parking spot for the new laser will be so not quite ready to bore a big hole in the wall only to decide to move it later. Actually wanting to move my other two lasers from upstairs to downstairs.. Looking like I'm going to be selling off both my Hawk scroll saws and keeping the Excalibur for hobby purposes.. Doctor says no more scrolling or limited scrolling because of my allergies.. and they also found I was born with a defective valve in my heart so in combination something is messing with me when wearing a mask... Say the heart looks great and strong but may at some point need to have surgery to fix / replace that valve.. hope they don't go to HF to get a new valve.. I want a nice stainless Kohler valve that'll last..  I can scroll all day without issue but soon as I try to protect my lungs with a mask it messes me up for a few days...   so forced to flipping over to laser and cnc work.. CNC will be getting a enclosure to limit the amount of dust etc.. lasers vent outside so I should be able to stay in business for a few more years anyway.  

[hotshot]

Ok Kevin, you definately have some cool tools.  That omtech looks huge.  So Jealous.

Edited 7 hours ago by hotshot

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Well this thread took on a few different paths and was not my intention to rile the pro HF fans. I can be controversial but also never was a follower. If I have an opinion then I try to voice it and explain. But just like in all web sites the written word gets misconstrued and meanings get lost and feeling come into play and next thing sides are taken. If new members and I have heard this complaint on other forums that, they opened a thread and did not like the banter so it scared them away then so be it. Live it what it is. That told me they are so closed minded that they did not want to put the effort into seeing the good in the site and reading further and past opinions. I believe this site is one of the calmest sites for arguments if you want to call it that I ever been a part of except my pen turning site that is just about as civil as there ever was.   People have their favorite tool brands. It is nature deal with it. Today so many videos are put out by people comparing one tool to another. You can take just about any tool on the market and make comparison physical wise to so many different brands. Like I said we talk about this very thing here so many times with scrollsaws. We do not know what tools come off what lines in these countries that tool manufactures use. Tweak here or there they are clones. But we defend our brand and now adays things get blown out of proportion. It is a color of the tool or a badge on the side of the tool. if it does the job you are wanting it to do that is fine. BUT and I say this with all good intent. 2 things, if the tool can do the job safely. I have seen lesser grade tools be more of a hazard than a help for the operator. and how you intend to use it, professionally or just occasional around the house plays a part.

Some one brought up an excellent point and this applies to every tool and brand. learn the proper use of a tool and what the do's and don'ts are for that tool. Tool safety applies to all tools and brands. proper tool for the job will save you time and also could save you from injury. Happy tool hunting. Still think HF has too many brands in their tool lines.  

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

20 minutes ago, kmmcrafts said:

The new laser hasn't even been plugged in yet.. been too busy to mess with it. I need to make a trip to town to get a 6" dryer vent and build something to set into the window so I can vent it outside.. Not quite sure where the permanent parking spot for the new laser will be so not quite ready to bore a big hole in the wall only to decide to move it later. Actually wanting to move my other two lasers from upstairs to downstairs.. Looking like I'm going to be selling off both my Hawk scroll saws and keeping the Excalibur for hobby purposes.. Doctor says no more scrolling or limited scrolling because of my allergies.. and they also found I was born with a defective valve in my heart so in combination something is messing with me when wearing a mask... Say the heart looks great and strong but may at some point need to have surgery to fix / replace that valve.. hope they don't go to HF to get a new valve.. I want a nice stainless Kohler valve that'll last..  I can scroll all day without issue but soon as I try to protect my lungs with a mask it messes me up for a few days...   so forced to flipping over to laser and cnc work.. CNC will be getting a enclosure to limit the amount of dust etc.. lasers vent outside so I should be able to stay in business for a few more years anyway.  

Hercules has a better valve than Bauer. There is a side by side videos somewhere out there. I was told many years ago I too have one of the valves not closing all the way. I have been xrayed more times that I should be glowing by now. Just keep monitoring but I was told too at some time they may have to replace. Today that is a micro surgery. they do not crack the chest.  

[Bill WIlson]

I've got tools from just about every major brand that is available.  I've always bought tools based on what I felt served my purpose & fit my budget, regardless of brand.  When I started buying power tools, Sears was about the only local place that you could get any sort of selection.  I bought several Craftsman power tools from an era when they weren't all that highly regarded by woodworkers and tradesmen.  But they were cheap(er) and the Sears store at the mall had everything I could want, so it was convenient.  I've upgraded and replaced many of those old Craftsman tools, but I still have some and a couple still get regular use, despite being several decades old

These days I don't really have a strong opinion on HF vs other brands.  By the time HF built a store in our town, I had acquired most of what I needed.  If HF had existed here 45 years ago, I would likely have been a regular customer.

That said, I do like a good quality tool and HF's age old reputation has kept me from looking at their offerings, even out of simple curiosity.  They are making a decided effort to up their game though and I think they have a place in the market, if for no other purpose than to offer some competition to the Big Box stores.

As for internet reviews, those that focus on tools aren't a whole lot different than ones for any number of other products.  I've spent a lot of time reading and watching reviews for hand guns as I'm a relative newcomer to that arena and am trying to learn as much as I can and make sound buying decisions.  Unfortunately, like tool reviews there are a lot of them that aren't worth the time to read/watch.  One still needs to be a discerning consumer and learn how to tell the good from the bad.  There is good info to be had out there, but you have to wade through a lot of fluff and useless blather to get to it, sometimes.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

For those that use to be in the Magazine craze as I was. I got just about every woodworking magazine out there at one time. but now none. But what I always remembered and one reason I got them was for their tool reviews. But as time passed by and more magazines did the tool reviews you saw the trend. The tool companies that supported the magazines got the better reviews and that would go for all them. After awhile they basically canceled each other out. Maybe one of two tools they agreed on. But they would put the tools through their paces not like these videos where these people want their 5 min. of fame. hey look I made a video. Show me in real time the difference between one saw over another. prove to me this one has more power, cuts larger material, better dust collection, easier blade changing and so on. That is a side by side comparison. Not open a box and lift to see how much each weighs. Says right on the box. That is what the pwoer of a video can do. Comparing prices again means nothing unless that is your main concern than by all means shop at HF or even go on ebay. China made stuff on their all the time under weird names. I just bought a tool for my lathe that is basically one of those very specific needs. Maybe will use a few times so the China made brand will work just as well because only one moving part. Now if down the road I find I will get into that part of lathe work more so I will step up. 

[kmmcrafts]

15 minutes ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

For those that use to be in the Magazine craze as I was. I got just about every woodworking magazine out there at one time. but now none. But what I always remembered and one reason I got them was for their tool reviews. But as time passed by and more magazines did the tool reviews you saw the trend. The tool companies that supported the magazines got the better reviews and that would go for all them. After awhile they basically canceled each other out. Maybe one of two tools they agreed on. But they would put the tools through their paces not like these videos where these people want their 5 min. of fame. hey look I made a video. Show me in real time the difference between one saw over another. prove to me this one has more power, cuts larger material, better dust collection, easier blade changing and so on. That is a side by side comparison. Not open a box and lift to see how much each weighs. Says right on the box. That is what the pwoer of a video can do. Comparing prices again means nothing unless that is your main concern than by all means shop at HF or even go on ebay. China made stuff on their all the time under weird names. I just bought a tool for my lathe that is basically one of those very specific needs. Maybe will use a few times so the China made brand will work just as well because only one moving part. Now if down the road I find I will get into that part of lathe work more so I will step up. 

Not to change topic but I recall you trying to sell your magazines? Did they sell okay or hard to get rid of? I have a stack of them I'd like to get out of my way.. not really looking to get money for them but not willing to ship them free either and the hassle of it.. I've been tempted to just toss them onto my next campfire or something, LOL 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

7 minutes ago, kmmcrafts said:

Not to change topic but I recall you trying to sell your magazines? Did they sell okay or hard to get rid of? I have a stack of them I'd like to get out of my way.. not really looking to get money for them but not willing to ship them free either and the hassle of it.. I've been tempted to just toss them onto my next campfire or something, LOL 

I sold all my scrollsaw magazines for $100.  Sold them to the buyer of my Hegner saw.   I can not find any buyers for all my woodworking magazines. 

One of these days I have to pull out all my scrollsaw books and sell those too. I have been gathering a bunch of tools and stuff that I do not use any more and will sell. Sold a bunch of tools 2 years ago. If I only could get rid of the woodworking magazines that would clean the attic out tremendously.  Just hate to throw out.  

Edited 3 hours ago by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[rjweb]

Kevin, sorry to hear about your health issues, and giving up scroll sawing part of your business, but stay around here, we already lost Rocky, we need you and Ray it starts my day off right, keep me posted on your laser, I had to put my purchase on hold few other house items first, maybe HF will start selling them. LOL. I just seen some guys on youtube are using lasers to cut veneers to make inlay projects,  RJ