I have been watching videos for a few days getting ready to cut out seats for eight chairs. Your clear explanation and demonstration of the 9 inch resold me on the saw. Great video. I am going to retune my saw and begin making cuts. Thank you.
PERFECT, just the information I was looking for. I want to cut some 4x4's or 4x6's to make some porch posts. I thought I would have to buy the more expensive 14" band saw but you showed that a 4x4 would JUST fit in the 9" saw. Thanks for posting your video.
I used to have the whole kit and kaboodle as far as tools go. I think I loved my band saw, my drill press, my scroll saw my Dremel tool and accessories, my jigsaw, and my skill saw. I’m starting over in my old age with my 32 year old grandson. He has a huge garage so there will be lots to do. He inherited many tools already I have many useful toys to but now live in an apartment. I’ve been give a scroll saw for my birthday. It’s coming today. This bandsaw looks better than having the giant one I had. I live in Canada and will look for a similar unit! Thanks Matt! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸
Yes, this band saw is pretty good and relatively inexpensive here in the states. I tend to favor my scroll saw though since it has a longer reach and can make inside cuts. Like you, I used to have many more power tools years ago. They were loud, expensive, made lots of dust, and took up a lot of space. After I made this video: ruclips.net/video/KnDokEpcUac/видео.html that shows how loud they are, I decided to start using more hand tools and smaller power tools. Now, I prefer using hand tools and relatively quiet power tools (scroll saw, band saw, drill press). I will also use battery powered tools like a small circular saw (I got rid of my table saws). Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Well done!. I wish EVERY RUclips "how-to" video was produced this well. Thorough, detailed, well-explained, understandable. Thank you for taking the time to move the camera for the best shots available. You could give a class on RUclips video production. Thank you! Now, I'm off to Harbor Freight to buy one of these.
Thanks for your kind words. I always try to approach my video production style by trying to make the video I'd like to see. One word of advice about the Harbor Freight 9" band saw; make sure to carefully adjust the blade guides on both the top and bottom. Enjoy the saw! Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Thanks a lot man. An excellent presentation. I should be buying one this afternoon. It will be primarily for small projects and trying my hand at cutting a blank to build a guitar body.
You're welcome. Enjoy the saw and good luck with your projects. Feel free to leave another comment here after you've used the saw for a while. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
I own the exact same model bandsaw .... voided the warranty on mind day 1 and they knew about it before I even got it out of the store. "Wait ... you're going to cut STONE with that thing???" yup, don't need a warranty, it wont be back! I have personally destroyed 15 of their metal-cutting blades with my bandsaw cutting through soapstone and alabaster in order to rough out my lathe blanks. :) For cutting wood ... I went to the best. TimberWolf. Make sure you set your blade tracking so that the GULLET of the blades track on the crown in the center of the wheel for best cutting and the least possible drift. Other things that can affect blade drift are having a dull blade or having your guides set incorrectly or improper blade tension. For just roughing work, grab a 3tpi blade ... you'll have good fast cutting through your wood stock. Also for ripping and re-sawing of your wood stock, or cutting green wood stock into blanks and boards, though the capacity of the bandsaw is a little low. I have had some great success in using my bandsaw for ripping and milling raw branches into usable stock ... I can also easily microwave kiln-dry my wood in small batches, but it's a lot easier on my nerves to just put them in my dehydrator overnight. For fine woodworking get a 6tpi to 10tpi blade for the best finish before sanding. Use this blade count for cutting things like plastic sheet or acrylic stock for pen blanks and boxes, ect ... For metal cutting (aluminum, brass, iron, THIN un-hardened steel (1/16th or so) you can use the 14tpi blade from harbor freight ... I also use this for cutting rock. If you use this for cutting boxes and your wood is the least bit resiny or the blades are the tiniest bit dull, you'll end up with burn marks.
This is the first video of yours that I have watched. I think you have a talent for making videos. I especially like the pacing of your voice and how you seem to be able to remember and show what it is like when using this machine for the first time.
Thanks for sharing... I purchased a 14" from Lowe's this past year.. I had big plans on doing a lot of wood work... Life decided to change all those plans lol.. Maybe when Life slows down a bit...
I've bought a very similar saw from a U.K. company Screwfix. Although the two companies are not related in any way I think it’s safe to say Screwfix is the British version of Harbour Freight. Thank you, I think this video will be very useful.
Yes, several others have mentioned the same thing. I think it would be simple enough to make one though using 2 pieces of straight wood joined at 90 degrees and clamped to the table. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
The band saw does not come with a fence but I think it would be simple enough to make one. Just 2 pieces of straight lumber joined at 90 degrees and clamped to the table. Thanks for the question and for watching.
Placing the blade in the center of the wheel tire is INCORRECT for a band saw. The gutter of the teeth is what should be at the center line of the wheel tire. The gutter is that point between the teeth that is the deepest point away from the front edge of the teeth. This is a common mistake for band saw owners. The saw will track properly if the blade is aligned in this manner. Otherwise, it will track to one side or the other. Also, the blade guide should be adjusted by pushing them in until they contact the blade, then bringing them back a very very small distance until they are just off the blade's surface. Also make sure the guides can only contact the blade surface BEHIND the teeth or they and the blade will get damaged. Do all this, and also make sure your blade tension is properly set by looking at where the line on the spring tensioner for the upper wheel is, and the saw should be tuned up well.
However, I think this should be personalized to the owners preference. Just because Darius Architectvs does it this way dowels not mean everyone else should do it that way. Just saying…
@@johnwood1944 Don't take my word for it. I'm just a machinist. Please go research band saw adjustment for yourself, and you will see that the method I described, which promoted proper cut tracking, is used by many saw operators and also band saw manufacturers. There are RUclips videos on adjusting band saws for starters. Just sayin'...😁
The only thing about the harbor freight 9 inch bandsaw is that if you lose the safety key and you call for a replacement key they will tell you that they don't make the safety key and that the only thing the still make is the replacement saw and the belt but nothing else that's why I stopped using mine after I missed plaisted my safety key and now I have to replace the saw because they bend really easily
Sorry about the slow response Tony. I did some research and found that Harbor Freight does not seem to list the safety key as a replacement part you can purchase. I did find that both Amazon and eBay sell replacement safety keys used on various power tools; I didn't investigate deep enough though to see if they sold one for the HF 9" bandsaw. If you wanted to buy one from eBay, I'd suggest messaging the seller first. The other thing I did was do a search on RUclips and found some videos that showed how others made their own replacement key very inexpensively, so that might be an option. Since no one else but me uses my shop and I don't have any small kids around, I don't pull out the safety key. If I did though and I lost it, I would try to make my own replacement from some plastic from my recycle bin. Thanks for your comment and for watching. I bet their are several people out there with this problem.
Great review. I definately have to pick one of these up when I get the money. I have mostly every other type of saw except a band saw and a jigsaw that broke and needs replaced. Glad you did a resaw demo to let it flex it's muscle.
Be sure to take advantage of the 20% discount coupon you can find at Harbor Freight's website. For some of the holidays, I've seen 25% coupons as well.
Great! Enjoy it. One word of advise though is to make sure the blade guides are adjusted very close to the blade. Try cutting a straight line on a piece of wood to test. If the blade guides are too loose, it will be difficult to cut a straight line. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
ok i have a question i just got this band saw myself after looking at reviews my question is this it says blades are .010 of an inch but everywhere i look i can not find any other then a bi metal blade can i use something a little bigger like say .025
Thanks for doing the video! Does the dust port of the saw fit on to a shop vac hose? (with the appropriate sized adapter) And when you were re-sawing that 2x4 did you have any sort of guide or was that totally free handed? Now that you've had it awhile can you re-saw a 2x4 without getting any blade lines? Thanks again.
I don't use a shop vac with the bandsaw but I think you can connect one to the dust port (with the right adaptor). When I was re-sawing the 2x4 in the video, I did it freehand (no fence). What I could have done after the cut was use a hand plane to get rid of the saw lines. (Planing a 2x4 along the grain is pretty easy and fun!) If I was to re-saw on the bandsaw again, I'd probably setup a fence to guide the wood. I think there would still be saw lines which I would "erase" using a hand plane. When I re-saw a piece like that now, I do it by hand using a pull saw (Japanese style pull saw). I watched a video from Paul Sellers where he showed how he does re-sawing by hand. ruclips.net/video/S_2vh8WPgeM/видео.html That's how I re-saw now. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
No, I have not built a fence for this bandsaw yet. I probably will at some point. What kind of DIY projects do you have in mind? Thanks for your question and for watching.
Hi Matt, just got this exact saw, and I'm seeing the cut pull slightly to the left even on fairly narrow (3/4" square) stock. The cut will go perfectly straight for the first half inch, then pull to the left by maybe 1/16". It's not a huge deal on my pen stock, but obviously the problem compounds with wider stock, even if it's thin. Watching the blade, it seems to start twisting, even if I'm not adding any twist to the stock. (Tried both with and without the mitre gauge.) Any idea what may be causing this? The blade is the stock blade. I've squared the blade to the table top, and the mitre gauge to the blade. I haven't checked whether the channel for the gauge is parallel to the blade, and I'm not sure I could make any ajustments to the side-to-side even if that's the issue. I've adjusted the guides as you suggest. Is it possible I have my blade under too much tension? Should I adjust the tension down until it just tracks correctly? I don't expect perfection from a bandsaw (at all), especially one in this price range, but I should be able to get a straight cut over 3/4", right?
Hi Vince. After reading this, my first thought was to either replace the blade or readjust the blade guides. The stock blade is probably a stamped blade (cheaper to make) and as such, it probably will drift. Stamped scroll saw blades suffer from the same challenge. When I use the bandsaw, I typically cut close to the line and then sand or plane down to the line. If I want to make a straight cut with a power saw, I generally use a circular saw (I got rid of my table saws); it is pretty difficult to cut a curve using a circ saw). If you replace the bandsaw blade, you can try a wider blade which makes straight a little easier to do. I hope this helps. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Hi Vince. After I had sent you my reply, I stumbled upon this video: ruclips.net/video/yGa2bU3l0dI/видео.html . I think you might enjoy this video. At the 2:00 mark, he talks about bandsaw blades (but the entire video is worth watching I think).
Yes, I believe you can use different size blades on this saw. So far, I have only used the blade that it came with. Thanks for your question and for watching.
Hi Richard. I have only cut softwoods, particle board, and MDF using this saw. The 1/4" blade that came with my saw is very thin (it cuts a narrow kerf) and it is also very sharp. As you saw in the video, I'm able to cut through the tall side of a pine 2x4 (3.5") without the saw bogging down (If I had a 1/2" wide blade, the cut might have been straighter.). However, in this video: ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html starting at about the 7 minute mark, cutting a 2" diameter circle from pine bogged the saw down (I wonder if I had an 1/8" wide blade, would the saw have bogged down?). To cut the circle, I needed to make some relief cuts (around the 8 minute mark). The really good thing about buying from Harbor Freight is that I have found that they have a no hassle return policy. So the best way to answer your question is to buy the saw and try it out for yourself using the wood you need to cut. Thanks for your question and for watching.
Hi Robert. I have found that in order to cut sharp corners, I needed to make several relief cuts otherwise the blade will bog down. You can see what I mean at the 6:50 mark of this video: ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html . In order to cut out a 2" diameter wheel, I needed to make some relief cuts. The video shows me making them. I hope this answers your question. PS. After everything I have tried, if I needed to cut sharp corners, I'd use the scroll saw. It's quieter, very accurate, and once one gets some experience, the scroll saw is a joy to use. Thanks for your question and for watching.
Yes, I agree with that. Since the blade is always cutting in the downward direction, the work piece is always being pushed into the table of the bandsaw. I think this makes using the bandsaw a lot safer to use than a traditional table saw (that uses a circular blade spinning at a high speed). Thanks for your comment and for watching.
The short answer to your question: a band saw uses a blade that travels in one direction only (down toward the table) and a scroll saw uses a blade which moves up and down (toward the table and away from the table). Band saw blades are wider than scroll saw blades so it is easier to make tighter turns using a scroll saw. Band saws can't make interior cuts while scroll saws can (after drilling a pilot hole for the blade to pass through). Band saws can cut thicker wood than scroll saws. Entry level band saws and scroll saws are both reasonably inexpensive (less than $150). There is such a thing as a scroll band saw. This saw runs like a band saw so it can cut thick wood but it also acts like a scroll saw by being able to make tight turns. Here's a link to a video that demonstrates the tool: ruclips.net/video/5qG-0DSnPP0/видео.html I have made a couple videos that highlight the differences between a band saw, scroll saw, and a BladeRunner (which is an inverted jigsaw). Here's some links: 41. Comparing the BladeRunner, scroll saw, and band saw: ruclips.net/video/mVGa4cUj_nY/видео.html 84. Comparing the BladeRunner, scroll saw, and band saw - 2nd time: ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html Thanks for your question and for watching.
Hi Mike. I have only cut wood with this saw. This saw does not have a lot of horsepower so I doubt it would cut metal very well. You might be able to cut thin, non-ferrous material like aluminum with the right blade; I have never tried this though. Thanks for watching.
I actually sold the bandsaw after I got a used Shopsmith with a bandsaw accessory tool. I chose the HF because I had a 20% discount coupon and there is a store very close to where I live. (I have a lot of their tools and am generally very happy with them.) I really liked the bandsaw and enjoyed using it. Thanks for your question and for watching.
UPDATE: I bought another one of these bandsaws at my local Harbor Freight today! $140 and comes with a very sharp, 1/4" blade. It took only a few minutes to get it out of the box, assemble it, and make some small adjustments to the blade guides and bearings. Then I made my first cut; a 2" diameter circle from 1/2" thick particle board, cut freehand following a line drawn with a HF compass. It came out very round and required NO sanding. The blade cut thru the wood effortlessly. This is really great because I plan to cut many other circles of various sizes for a project I am working on. I feel like I now have the right tool to use. (I should have never sold the first one I bought. Live and learn.)
Sign of the times; everything is going up. Where I live, there isn't a Menards. I've noticed recently that Harbor Freight has been running some aggressive sales which I try to take advantage of. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
@@ImaginethenMake lowes and home depot sell a wen bandsaw on their website that looks pretty much the same but its only $154. I just do hobby stuff. 1/8 and 1/4 in birch plywood and balsa for rc airplanes etc. so this saw would be fine for me
I bought a drill press from WEN and I think it is pretty good. Here's the video I did about it: ruclips.net/video/aMKKk4_XiT4/видео.htmlsi=XU1RHyE3S_r7La6w . If I decide to upgrade my bandsaw, I might try the 9" tabletop model from WEN and buy it from Amazon for free Prime shipping. You can also buy blades from Amazon. Here's an affiliate link: amzn.to/47xcLYB . Thanks for your comment and for watching.
From the User's Manual ( www.harborfreight.com/13-hp-9-in-benchtop-band-saw-60500.html ), the blade size is: 1/8″ - 1/2″ W x 0.01″ T x 62″ L Thanks for your comment and for watching.
With the money you saved with the coupon, I imagine you purchased a fence for re-sawing. BTW, did you look for a source for the blades other than at HF? Now that you have owned this for a year, how about an update?
Thanks for your comments. No, I never got a fence for the saw (make or buy). I wound up selling the saw so I could get a bigger, more powerful one. Yes, I did find a source for blades. www.olsonsaw.net/shop/band-saw-blades/wood-band-blades/62in-long-2/
I've had the band saw for a couple of years now. I don't use it that often, but when I do, it works great. I have not had any issues. The biggest thing I would look for in the next bandsaw I buy (if there is a next one) is better blade guides above and below the table. To get that though, I think I would have to jump up significantly in the purchase price. Quite a while ago, I made a couple of videos comparing the band saw to a scroll saw and a Bladerunner. If you are interested, here are some links: ruclips.net/video/mVGa4cUj_nY/видео.html , ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html . Thanks for your questions and for watching.
@@ImaginethenMake the comparison video was great! I am more inclined to get a bandsaw for sentimental reasons. I took woodworking for 3 years as a vocational option in middle school and every project was done on a bandsaw. :) Thanks for you efforts in your videos!
Thanks for your feedback. I have a couple of responses for you. #1) I probably removed the sound because the saw was most likely making a squealing sound but I honestly don't remember. I suggest you take a look at video #84 specifically starting at 6:49. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html . In that video, I use 3 different tools to cut 2" diameter disks. In this video, you will here the bandsaw cutting and you'll also see the issues I ran into. #2) Keep in mind that this saw has a low power motor. I don't mind this because if the blade twists or binds, it will stop (which in my opinion, makes the saw safer to use). This low power also helps to keep me focused on having the blade do the work. Thanks for watching.
After a few minutes of googling, I think slot is the correct word to use because the blade passes through the slot. Here's my reference: dict.leo.org/forum/viewGeneraldiscussion.php?idForum=4&idThread=457259&lp=ende&lang=en Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Yes, it is easier and faster than the Bladerunner. However, the Bladerunner can do inside cuts where the band saw cannot. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
Thank you for making this video! I have had this exact band saw for 2+ years rarely using it. I want to resaw some 2x4’s and didn’t know if it would handle it. Your video is the second one I watched about this band saw and I learned some things I didn’t even know about this band saw. Can’t wait to try it out now. Thanks again!! P.S. unless you already have and I didn’t see it, do you have or plan on making a jig for resawing? Something to clamp to the bandsaw to help with the cuts staying straight? Not sure the correct terms to use lol
Thanks for your question. I would suggest building a fence for the saw. In the video, my resawing test cut was not very straight because I did not use a fence. Thanks for watching.
Correct, no fence. I should add that in this video, I used the stock blade that already came installed on the saw. I found this blade to be very sharp which made it very easy to cut these scrap pieces. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Ok. Mine has a problem I think. I'm not even at full tension and the top wheel is touching the top of the case itself! This must be a faulty product. Any ideas anyone????
@@MadHatter764 I got it working. I just had to completely release the tension ... and then start over. I think they just set it at a bad default position at the manufacturing plant. It works great now. Thank you for the help!
Thanks for your question. I have not cut aluminum with this saw. However, with the correct blade, I think you could cut thin aluminum. If you decide to try it, let us all know how it works out. Thanks for watching.
Yeah, I don't think the 20% discount coupon works on the products from Central Machinery. Luckily, this bandsaw goes on sale from time to time. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
I'm not sure that this saw has enough power to cut through 12mm aluminum. I only cut wood with this saw so I have never tried to cut metal. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Can I assume you are talking about the WEN 3959 9" benchtop bandsaw? That looks like the same basic design as the Harbor Freight but comes with a fence. If I was in the market for a small benchtop bandsaw, I would consider this model. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Thanks for your comment. If you watch carefully, I actually moved the workpiece around (it didn't move through the blade in a straight line). Yes, I think if I had a fence, the cut would have worked out better. Thanks for watching.
I hear what you are saying. When I use this bandsaw, I am freehand cutting close to the cut line and then I sand (or plane) the rest of the way to the line. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
I have been watching videos for a few days getting ready to cut out seats for eight chairs. Your clear explanation and demonstration of the 9 inch resold me on the saw. Great video. I am going to retune my saw and begin making cuts. Thank you.
Thanks for your comment and for watching. Good luck with your project.
best instructional video of a band saw, no contenders. Hat's off to you, sir.
Thank-you very much. And thanks for watching.
PERFECT, just the information I was looking for. I want to cut some 4x4's or 4x6's to make some porch posts. I thought I would have to buy the more expensive 14" band saw but you showed that a 4x4 would JUST fit in the 9" saw. Thanks for posting your video.
You're welcome. Good luck with your projects.
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
I used to have the whole kit and kaboodle as far as tools go. I think I loved my band saw, my drill press, my scroll saw my Dremel tool and accessories, my jigsaw, and my skill saw. I’m starting over in my old age with my 32 year old grandson. He has a huge garage so there will be lots to do. He inherited many tools already I have many useful toys to but now live in an apartment. I’ve been give a scroll saw for my birthday. It’s coming today.
This bandsaw looks better than having the giant one I had. I live in Canada and will look for a similar unit! Thanks Matt! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸
Yes, this band saw is pretty good and relatively inexpensive here in the states. I tend to favor my scroll saw though since it has a longer reach and can make inside cuts.
Like you, I used to have many more power tools years ago. They were loud, expensive, made lots of dust, and took up a lot of space. After I made this video: ruclips.net/video/KnDokEpcUac/видео.html that shows how loud they are, I decided to start using more hand tools and smaller power tools. Now, I prefer using hand tools and relatively quiet power tools (scroll saw, band saw, drill press). I will also use battery powered tools like a small circular saw (I got rid of my table saws).
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Well done!. I wish EVERY RUclips "how-to" video was produced this well. Thorough, detailed, well-explained, understandable. Thank you for taking the time to move the camera for the best shots available. You could give a class on RUclips video production. Thank you! Now, I'm off to Harbor Freight to buy one of these.
Thanks for your kind words. I always try to approach my video production style by trying to make the video I'd like to see.
One word of advice about the Harbor Freight 9" band saw; make sure to carefully adjust the blade guides on both the top and bottom.
Enjoy the saw! Thanks for your comment and for watching.
You do a fantastic job explaining. Thank you very much for the time you put into this video
You're very welcome Pete. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Thanks a lot man. An excellent presentation. I should be buying one this afternoon. It will be primarily for small projects and trying my hand at cutting a blank to build a guitar body.
You're welcome. Enjoy the saw and good luck with your projects. Feel free to leave another comment here after you've used the saw for a while. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Thanks for making this video, very direct and no nonsense
You're welcome. I'm glad it was helpful.
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Excellent explanation of setting up the saw and use of it as well this surely made setting mine up way more simple thank you
I'm glad my video was helpful. Enjoy the saw. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Thank you for this video! I just got this bandsaw and you explained the blade tension part perfectly! Exactly what I needed!!
You are welcome! Thanks for your comment and enjoy the saw.
I just bought this, and I didn't see a manual anywhere! Thanks for this.
Google search:
Harbor Frieght 9" bandsaw manual
and you should find the manual in pdf format for download.
Excellent review! Not bad for one hundred bucks. Now we have disposal machinery!
Hi Al. I actually like this bandsaw. Small, quiet, inexpensive. Also, the blade it comes with is very sharp. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
I own the exact same model bandsaw .... voided the warranty on mind day 1 and they knew about it before I even got it out of the store.
"Wait ... you're going to cut STONE with that thing???"
yup, don't need a warranty, it wont be back!
I have personally destroyed 15 of their metal-cutting blades with my bandsaw cutting through soapstone and alabaster in order to rough out my lathe blanks. :)
For cutting wood ... I went to the best. TimberWolf.
Make sure you set your blade tracking so that the GULLET of the blades track on the crown in the center of the wheel for best cutting and the least possible drift. Other things that can affect blade drift are having a dull blade or having your guides set incorrectly or improper blade tension.
For just roughing work, grab a 3tpi blade ... you'll have good fast cutting through your wood stock. Also for ripping and re-sawing of your wood stock, or cutting green wood stock into blanks and boards, though the capacity of the bandsaw is a little low. I have had some great success in using my bandsaw for ripping and milling raw branches into usable stock ... I can also easily microwave kiln-dry my wood in small batches, but it's a lot easier on my nerves to just put them in my dehydrator overnight.
For fine woodworking get a 6tpi to 10tpi blade for the best finish before sanding. Use this blade count for cutting things like plastic sheet or acrylic stock for pen blanks and boxes, ect ...
For metal cutting (aluminum, brass, iron, THIN un-hardened steel (1/16th or so) you can use the 14tpi blade from harbor freight ... I also use this for cutting rock. If you use this for cutting boxes and your wood is the least bit resiny or the blades are the tiniest bit dull, you'll end up with burn marks.
Thanks very much for the tips. And thanks for watching. Good luck with your projects.
This a very good instructional video. Very thorough. You answered questions I didn't even know I had. Awesome Job! Thank you.
Thanks. I still really enjoy using this saw and in fact, just finished up a small project using it. Thanks for watching.
Hi Mike, I always learn something when tuning in to your channel. . . thanks for that. .. This a nice tool!!!! . .. have a good one. . . jeff. . . L
Thanks Jeff. Yes, it is a nice tool. I am really enjoying using it.
Thank you sir, one of the better explantions i've seen.
You're welcome. I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.
great video mine just arrived...u cut pretty straight for a first timer...nice work! 👍🏿
Thanks! Enjoy the saw. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
This is the first video of yours that I have watched. I think you have a talent for making videos. I especially like the pacing of your voice and how you seem to be able to remember and show what it is like when using this machine for the first time.
Thanks for the kind words and for watching.
Just bought mine. Love it!! Came with the manual. Very happy customer! :)
Excellent! Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for sharing... I purchased a 14" from Lowe's this past year.. I had big plans on doing a lot of wood work... Life decided to change all those plans lol.. Maybe when Life slows down a bit...
Thanks for your comment and for watching. Good luck.
Great Video and you explained and showed it well for me to understand. Going to HF to buy this machine. Thanks
I'm glad you found the video useful. Enjoy the saw.
Great review
Thanks. I appreciate it.
I've bought a very similar saw from a U.K. company Screwfix. Although the two companies are not related in any way I think it’s safe to say Screwfix is the British version of Harbour Freight. Thank you, I think this video will be very useful.
You're welcome. Enjoy the saw and thanks for watching.
well done. it helped me a great deal in making a decision to buy or not to buy.
Thanks. Did you decide to buy or not buy?
Thanks for watching my video. I'm glad it was helpful.
Nice video, thank you for posting.
You're welcome and thanks for watching.
Very good video! I just got mine at Harbor Freight.
Thank-you, I'm glad the video was helpful. Enjoy the bandsaw. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
@@ImaginethenMake Thank you I appreciate that!
Good presentation.
Thanks for watching.
Disappointing that it doesn't come with a rip fence, something you can really use when re-sawing. Nice review.
Yes, several others have mentioned the same thing. I think it would be simple enough to make one though using 2 pieces of straight wood joined at 90 degrees and clamped to the table. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Well done, thank you
You're quite welcome. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Is there a fence or something that would make it straight on the "resaw"? Seems like that the only way to go, unless you just chunk it into a planer.
The band saw does not come with a fence but I think it would be simple enough to make one. Just 2 pieces of straight lumber joined at 90 degrees and clamped to the table. Thanks for the question and for watching.
I got the ryobi before I saw this video. They are nearly identical. Like I wouldn't be surprised if they came from the same factory.
Enjoy your new bandsaw! Thanks for your comment and for watching.
awesome explanation! Thank you!!
You're welcome and thanks for watching.
Great video brotha keep rollin those cameras and bringing quality reviews and informative content new subscriber and I smashed the like button
Thank-you so much!
Placing the blade in the center of the wheel tire is INCORRECT for a band saw. The gutter of the teeth is what should be at the center line of the wheel tire. The gutter is that point between the teeth that is the deepest point away from the front edge of the teeth. This is a common mistake for band saw owners. The saw will track properly if the blade is aligned in this manner. Otherwise, it will track to one side or the other. Also, the blade guide should be adjusted by pushing them in until they contact the blade, then bringing them back a very very small distance until they are just off the blade's surface. Also make sure the guides can only contact the blade surface BEHIND the teeth or they and the blade will get damaged. Do all this, and also make sure your blade tension is properly set by looking at where the line on the spring tensioner for the upper wheel is, and the saw should be tuned up well.
Thanks for the tips and for watching!
However, I think this should be personalized to the owners preference. Just because Darius Architectvs does it this way dowels not mean everyone else should do it that way. Just saying…
@@johnwood1944 Don't take my word for it. I'm just a machinist. Please go research band saw adjustment for yourself, and you will see that the method I described, which promoted proper cut tracking, is used by many saw operators and also band saw manufacturers. There are RUclips videos on adjusting band saws for starters. Just sayin'...😁
The only thing about the harbor freight 9 inch bandsaw is that if you lose the safety key and you call for a replacement key they will tell you that they don't make the safety key and that the only thing the still make is the replacement saw and the belt but nothing else that's why I stopped using mine after I missed plaisted my safety key and now I have to replace the saw because they bend really easily
Sorry about the slow response Tony. I did some research and found that Harbor Freight does not seem to list the safety key as a replacement part you can purchase. I did find that both Amazon and eBay sell replacement safety keys used on various power tools; I didn't investigate deep enough though to see if they sold one for the HF 9" bandsaw. If you wanted to buy one from eBay, I'd suggest messaging the seller first. The other thing I did was do a search on RUclips and found some videos that showed how others made their own replacement key very inexpensively, so that might be an option.
Since no one else but me uses my shop and I don't have any small kids around, I don't pull out the safety key. If I did though and I lost it, I would try to make my own replacement from some plastic from my recycle bin.
Thanks for your comment and for watching. I bet their are several people out there with this problem.
Thank you, for your tip
You're welcome. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Great review. I definately have to pick one of these up when I get the money. I have mostly every other type of saw except a band saw and a jigsaw that broke and needs replaced.
Glad you did a resaw demo to let it flex it's muscle.
Thanks for the kind words.
Be sure to take advantage of the 20% discount coupon you can find at Harbor Freight's website. For some of the holidays, I've seen 25% coupons as well.
Nice. Good to see some review.... without the weed brain damage.
I'm glad the video was useful. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Just picked this up today
Great! Enjoy it. One word of advise though is to make sure the blade guides are adjusted very close to the blade. Try cutting a straight line on a piece of wood to test. If the blade guides are too loose, it will be difficult to cut a straight line.
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
ok i have a question i just got this band saw myself after looking at reviews my question is this it says blades are .010 of an inch but everywhere i look i can not find any other then a bi metal blade can i use something a little bigger like say .025
I'm not sure but I would not recommend it. You can buy the correct size band saw blades from Amazon. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.
Thanks for doing the video! Does the dust port of the saw fit on to a shop vac hose? (with the appropriate sized adapter) And when you were re-sawing that 2x4 did you have any sort of guide or was that totally free handed? Now that you've had it awhile can you re-saw a 2x4 without getting any blade lines? Thanks again.
I don't use a shop vac with the bandsaw but I think you can connect one to the dust port (with the right adaptor). When I was re-sawing the 2x4 in the video, I did it freehand (no fence). What I could have done after the cut was use a hand plane to get rid of the saw lines. (Planing a 2x4 along the grain is pretty easy and fun!)
If I was to re-saw on the bandsaw again, I'd probably setup a fence to guide the wood. I think there would still be saw lines which I would "erase" using a hand plane.
When I re-saw a piece like that now, I do it by hand using a pull saw (Japanese style pull saw). I watched a video from Paul Sellers where he showed how he does re-sawing by hand. ruclips.net/video/S_2vh8WPgeM/видео.html That's how I re-saw now.
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Did you build a fence for it or find one is not necessary. Looking to buy my first bandsaw for DIY projects.
No, I have not built a fence for this bandsaw yet. I probably will at some point. What kind of DIY projects do you have in mind? Thanks for your question and for watching.
Hi Matt, just got this exact saw, and I'm seeing the cut pull slightly to the left even on fairly narrow (3/4" square) stock. The cut will go perfectly straight for the first half inch, then pull to the left by maybe 1/16". It's not a huge deal on my pen stock, but obviously the problem compounds with wider stock, even if it's thin. Watching the blade, it seems to start twisting, even if I'm not adding any twist to the stock. (Tried both with and without the mitre gauge.) Any idea what may be causing this?
The blade is the stock blade. I've squared the blade to the table top, and the mitre gauge to the blade. I haven't checked whether the channel for the gauge is parallel to the blade, and I'm not sure I could make any ajustments to the side-to-side even if that's the issue. I've adjusted the guides as you suggest. Is it possible I have my blade under too much tension? Should I adjust the tension down until it just tracks correctly? I don't expect perfection from a bandsaw (at all), especially one in this price range, but I should be able to get a straight cut over 3/4", right?
Hi Vince. After reading this, my first thought was to either replace the blade or readjust the blade guides. The stock blade is probably a stamped blade (cheaper to make) and as such, it probably will drift. Stamped scroll saw blades suffer from the same challenge. When I use the bandsaw, I typically cut close to the line and then sand or plane down to the line. If I want to make a straight cut with a power saw, I generally use a circular saw (I got rid of my table saws); it is pretty difficult to cut a curve using a circ saw). If you replace the bandsaw blade, you can try a wider blade which makes straight a little easier to do.
I hope this helps. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Hi Vince. After I had sent you my reply, I stumbled upon this video: ruclips.net/video/yGa2bU3l0dI/видео.html . I think you might enjoy this video. At the 2:00 mark, he talks about bandsaw blades (but the entire video is worth watching I think).
Can you use different size blades on this or just 1 size? The 1 I have only allows me to use 1/2 blade & I am looking into buying this from HFT. Ty!!
Yes, I believe you can use different size blades on this saw. So far, I have only used the blade that it came with. Thanks for your question and for watching.
@@ImaginethenMake Thank you & your welcome!!
Can I use different width for the blade? For making wooden toys like cars? For fine cuts?
Yes, you can get different width blades for this band saw.
How does this saw do with hardwoods like oak?
Hi Richard. I have only cut softwoods, particle board, and MDF using this saw. The 1/4" blade that came with my saw is very thin (it cuts a narrow kerf) and it is also very sharp. As you saw in the video, I'm able to cut through the tall side of a pine 2x4 (3.5") without the saw bogging down (If I had a 1/2" wide blade, the cut might have been straighter.). However, in this video: ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html starting at about the 7 minute mark, cutting a 2" diameter circle from pine bogged the saw down (I wonder if I had an 1/8" wide blade, would the saw have bogged down?). To cut the circle, I needed to make some relief cuts (around the 8 minute mark).
The really good thing about buying from Harbor Freight is that I have found that they have a no hassle return policy. So the best way to answer your question is to buy the saw and try it out for yourself using the wood you need to cut.
Thanks for your question and for watching.
How well did this cut doing hard/sharp curves?
Hi Robert. I have found that in order to cut sharp corners, I needed to make several relief cuts otherwise the blade will bog down. You can see what I mean at the 6:50 mark of this video: ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html . In order to cut out a 2" diameter wheel, I needed to make some relief cuts. The video shows me making them. I hope this answers your question.
PS. After everything I have tried, if I needed to cut sharp corners, I'd use the scroll saw. It's quieter, very accurate, and once one gets some experience, the scroll saw is a joy to use.
Thanks for your question and for watching.
This seems easier than a bench top table saw.
Yes, I agree with that. Since the blade is always cutting in the downward direction, the work piece is always being pushed into the table of the bandsaw. I think this makes using the bandsaw a lot safer to use than a traditional table saw (that uses a circular blade spinning at a high speed). Thanks for your comment and for watching.
What’s the difference between a band saw and a scroll saw?
Scroll saw would be for finer work/thinner stock I believe the harbor freight scroll saw has a max cut depth of 2”
@@whatitdomofaker thank you. Merry Christmas
The short answer to your question: a band saw uses a blade that travels in one direction only (down toward the table) and a scroll saw uses a blade which moves up and down (toward the table and away from the table). Band saw blades are wider than scroll saw blades so it is easier to make tighter turns using a scroll saw. Band saws can't make interior cuts while scroll saws can (after drilling a pilot hole for the blade to pass through). Band saws can cut thicker wood than scroll saws. Entry level band saws and scroll saws are both reasonably inexpensive (less than $150).
There is such a thing as a scroll band saw. This saw runs like a band saw so it can cut thick wood but it also acts like a scroll saw by being able to make tight turns. Here's a link to a video that demonstrates the tool: ruclips.net/video/5qG-0DSnPP0/видео.html
I have made a couple videos that highlight the differences between a band saw, scroll saw, and a BladeRunner (which is an inverted jigsaw). Here's some links:
41. Comparing the BladeRunner, scroll saw, and band saw: ruclips.net/video/mVGa4cUj_nY/видео.html
84. Comparing the BladeRunner, scroll saw, and band saw - 2nd time: ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html
Thanks for your question and for watching.
I may have missed it, but... will this band saw cut metal? Do they sell a blade for metal? Thanks in advance.
Great video by the way!
Hi Mike. I have only cut wood with this saw. This saw does not have a lot of horsepower so I doubt it would cut metal very well. You might be able to cut thin, non-ferrous material like aluminum with the right blade; I have never tried this though. Thanks for watching.
I saw that you made this video 9 months ago. Are you still happy? How is it holding up? What made you choose HF iver Ryobi or WEN for example?
I actually sold the bandsaw after I got a used Shopsmith with a bandsaw accessory tool. I chose the HF because I had a 20% discount coupon and there is a store very close to where I live. (I have a lot of their tools and am generally very happy with them.) I really liked the bandsaw and enjoyed using it. Thanks for your question and for watching.
UPDATE: I bought another one of these bandsaws at my local Harbor Freight today! $140 and comes with a very sharp, 1/4" blade. It took only a few minutes to get it out of the box, assemble it, and make some small adjustments to the blade guides and bearings. Then I made my first cut; a 2" diameter circle from 1/2" thick particle board, cut freehand following a line drawn with a HF compass. It came out very round and required NO sanding. The blade cut thru the wood effortlessly. This is really great because I plan to cut many other circles of various sizes for a project I am working on. I feel like I now have the right tool to use. (I should have never sold the first one I bought. Live and learn.)
2014 they're now $170. Doesn't have a fence. Menards performax same price includes a fence
Sign of the times; everything is going up. Where I live, there isn't a Menards. I've noticed recently that Harbor Freight has been running some aggressive sales which I try to take advantage of.
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
@@ImaginethenMake lowes and home depot sell a wen bandsaw on their website that looks pretty much the same but its only $154.
I just do hobby stuff. 1/8 and 1/4 in birch plywood and balsa for rc airplanes etc. so this saw would be fine for me
I bought a drill press from WEN and I think it is pretty good. Here's the video I did about it: ruclips.net/video/aMKKk4_XiT4/видео.htmlsi=XU1RHyE3S_r7La6w . If I decide to upgrade my bandsaw, I might try the 9" tabletop model from WEN and buy it from Amazon for free Prime shipping. You can also buy blades from Amazon. Here's an affiliate link: amzn.to/47xcLYB .
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Very helpful Info...Thanks!! :]
Thanks for watching.
Another great video. How about making a project. Thanks again.
Thanks Frank. I have several projects in the works so stay tuned!
Size an length for blade
From the User's Manual ( www.harborfreight.com/13-hp-9-in-benchtop-band-saw-60500.html ), the blade size is: 1/8″ - 1/2″ W x 0.01″ T x 62″ L
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
With the money you saved with the coupon, I imagine you purchased a fence for re-sawing. BTW, did you look for a source for the blades other than at HF? Now that you have owned this for a year, how about an update?
Thanks for your comments. No, I never got a fence for the saw (make or buy). I wound up selling the saw so I could get a bigger, more powerful one. Yes, I did find a source for blades. www.olsonsaw.net/shop/band-saw-blades/wood-band-blades/62in-long-2/
UPDATE: Today, I bought another one of these saws because I missed the one I sold.
Great review. Very detailed. How long have you had the saw and do you have any issues with it?
I've had the band saw for a couple of years now. I don't use it that often, but when I do, it works great. I have not had any issues. The biggest thing I would look for in the next bandsaw I buy (if there is a next one) is better blade guides above and below the table. To get that though, I think I would have to jump up significantly in the purchase price.
Quite a while ago, I made a couple of videos comparing the band saw to a scroll saw and a Bladerunner. If you are interested, here are some links: ruclips.net/video/mVGa4cUj_nY/видео.html , ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html .
Thanks for your questions and for watching.
@@ImaginethenMake the comparison video was great! I am more inclined to get a bandsaw for sentimental reasons. I took woodworking for 3 years as a vocational option in middle school and every project was done on a bandsaw. :)
Thanks for you efforts in your videos!
Thank-you. Have fun with the band saw when you get it.
You should let us hear the saw when you're resawing the 2x4 so we can tell how much the motor is working. Otherwise nice vid!
Thanks for your feedback. I have a couple of responses for you.
#1) I probably removed the sound because the saw was most likely making a squealing sound but I honestly don't remember. I suggest you take a look at video #84 specifically starting at 6:49.
Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/eBQU1PT0EvM/видео.html .
In that video, I use 3 different tools to cut 2" diameter disks. In this video, you will here the bandsaw cutting and you'll also see the issues I ran into.
#2) Keep in mind that this saw has a low power motor. I don't mind this because if the blade twists or binds, it will stop (which in my opinion, makes the saw safer to use). This low power also helps to keep me focused on having the blade do the work.
Thanks for watching.
..not very flat". No big deal! That's one of the reasons why they make planers.
...And hand planes. Thanks for watching.
Slit or slot 🤔
After a few minutes of googling, I think slot is the correct word to use because the blade passes through the slot. Here's my reference: dict.leo.org/forum/viewGeneraldiscussion.php?idForum=4&idThread=457259&lp=ende&lang=en
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
It seems easier and faster than blade runner.
Yes, it is easier and faster than the Bladerunner. However, the Bladerunner can do inside cuts where the band saw cannot. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
Thank you for making this video! I have had this exact band saw for 2+ years rarely using it. I want to resaw some 2x4’s and didn’t know if it would handle it. Your video is the second one I watched about this band saw and I learned some things I didn’t even know about this band saw. Can’t wait to try it out now. Thanks again!! P.S. unless you already have and I didn’t see it, do you have or plan on making a jig for resawing? Something to clamp to the bandsaw to help with the cuts staying straight? Not sure the correct terms to use lol
Thanks for your question. I would suggest building a fence for the saw. In the video, my resawing test cut was not very straight because I did not use a fence. Thanks for watching.
Just clamp a straight piece of wood on the table easiest and fastest way
What, no fence?
Correct, no fence. I should add that in this video, I used the stock blade that already came installed on the saw. I found this blade to be very sharp which made it very easy to cut these scrap pieces.
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Ok. Mine has a problem I think. I'm not even at full tension and the top wheel is touching the top of the case itself! This must be a faulty product. Any ideas anyone????
Did you buy the saw from a HF store? Are you using the blade that came with the saw?
Google search:
Harbor Frieght 9" bandsaw manual
and you should find the manual in pdf format for download.
Is the blade the right length ?
@@MadHatter764 Yes, the blade that came with the saw is the correct length. Were you able to download the manual?
@@MadHatter764 I got it working. I just had to completely release the tension ... and then start over. I think they just set it at a bad default position at the manufacturing plant. It works great now. Thank you for the help!
Didn’t know to pull knob 😊
😎 Thanks for your comment and for watching.
what no fence??
Correct, this bandsaw does not come with a fence. Thanks for watching.
Can I cut aluminum with this one??
Thanks for your question. I have not cut aluminum with this saw. However, with the correct blade, I think you could cut thin aluminum. If you decide to try it, let us all know how it works out. Thanks for watching.
Unfortunately the 20% off coupons do not work on this tool.
Yeah, I don't think the 20% discount coupon works on the products from Central Machinery. Luckily, this bandsaw goes on sale from time to time. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Try to cut 12mm aluminum sheet 🤔
I'm not sure that this saw has enough power to cut through 12mm aluminum. I only cut wood with this saw so I have never tried to cut metal. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Just picked one up on FB Marketplace for $60.
Nice. Enjoy the saw. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Don't get Haber freight, get a WEN brand. Same price 10x more durable and will last waaaaay longer.
Can I assume you are talking about the WEN 3959 9" benchtop bandsaw? That looks like the same basic design as the Harbor Freight but comes with a fence. If I was in the market for a small benchtop bandsaw, I would consider this model.
Thanks for your comment and for watching.
👍
Thanks for watching.
'The blade moved around a little bit...' -- no telling what would have happened if you had used a fence.
Thanks for your comment. If you watch carefully, I actually moved the workpiece around (it didn't move through the blade in a straight line). Yes, I think if I had a fence, the cut would have worked out better. Thanks for watching.
No Fence-- No Good. I like Harbor Freight' but think ahead of your purchase.
I hear what you are saying. When I use this bandsaw, I am freehand cutting close to the cut line and then I sand (or plane) the rest of the way to the line. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Thanks for this. Will help put my saw together.
You're welcome. Enjoy the saw. Thanks for your comment and for watching.