Harbor Freight Hercules Miter Saw Review and Adjustment
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- Опубликовано: 19 ноя 2024
- A very short look at this 12" sliding miter saw, and then a detailed adjustment of the bevel angle. The manual says the bevel angle is to be adjusted by a service technician. Of course, who listens to the manual?
12/21/2019 About 6 months with the saw. I've used it a LOT! I've cut up to 4x6 pt posts, and miles of 1x4 for a large picket fence. Also made several cabinets. So far I'm really pleased. I checked it on a 6" wide piece of plywood making several cuts. 90 and 45 degrees were spot on. the vertical cut was checked on a 4x4 and was still square.
My one learning curve was the shadow guide, as it nears the wood it gets bigger, so you find yourself adjusting the piece with the blade really close to the work. I've pretty well got a mind picture that sets it ever so slightly off the mark so that when the blade touches, it's exact. We're talking hundredths here, but I get that way lol.
I'm still very glad I got the saw. Saving several hundred, and getting some extra features, makes it a win for me.
4 years later......Well done, thank you very much for this video .
I was able to adjust my Hercules. It cuts just perfect !!!!!
I just purchased this saw and discovered that it was just slightly off. I, too, read the manual and found the statement about taking it to a tech. I began searching the internet for a solution and I found your video pretty quickly. Thank you for this video it is EXACTLY what I was looking for. No extra fluff. Just the facts. Thanks again.
Just bought this saw after watching a number of videos on miter saw reviews. You were the only one who showed how to adjust for accuracy. I appreciate that detail. The big selling point for me was that most who have this unit, say it is one of the best saws they have owned. The fact it does not use a laser, and they incorporated such a great idea using the shadow of the blade was the other thing I liked. I will not use this every day, but I have a flooring project to do at my house. i borrowed one last time from a friend, but if I need it twice, I figure it's time to buy one. Thanks again for the video. You have a new sub.
I have had one of these for 3 years now. Used it through many projects and three home renovations. Love the saw. Cuts straight, and has done everything I have needed. About to start another renovation.
I just got my Hercules yesterday. They no longer warranty them for a year, just 90 days with option to purchase 2-3 extended warranty. I'm also new to seeing your site. I watch tons of instructional videos & I'm impressed with how succinct and simple you explain things. I look forward to seeing more of your content. Prior to you, Stumpy nubs has been a great example of how instruction should be made. Thanks.
I just bought the Hercules last week. Does your model have the two screws on the back bevel plate like in this video? Mine doesn’t, it has the two on the front and it looks like the back two are deep in the back housing and hard to get to
Just got this saw and the stand for it the other week. My first one and can say I’m very happy with it. Barely needed calibrated which surprised me after watching dozens of videos on all the other brands and such.
got the saw 2 years ago
. and just this past week got the ridged rolling miter saw stand . ck out the reviews on the stand.
I've had mine for about 2.5 years. I was going with a DeWalt but decided to go with this Hercules. Made a great choice. It was out of alignment and like you, I wasn't about to go to a "professional". I got very lucky I guess. I got mine totally square with two slight taps. Thank you for your video, man. It was very helpful!!
This is exactly the video I have been looking for. I was all set to pick one of these up but then ran into a video where the guy talked about this problem (page 9 in the manual) and I, like him, said this is a deal breaker. But I knew there had to be a way to correct this. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
I heard about this adjustment while reading the HF reviews. Took me forever to find YOUR video, but it was well worth the time spent looking for it and watching it. THANK YOU! I've had an issue with my miter cuts being off no matter how much time I took, and how careful I am. Making this adjustment resolved my issues. I'm a happy camper. Thanks again!
Thanks for a no bull review that was well illustrated and important to know. I used to service power tools in the field for Sears and understand how important accuracy, and the ability to attain it is. Sometimes it takes some fiddling and fixing even on new stuff. Strange that there was no help from the manufacturer on this.
Love mine! I bought one to build a new shop. Works very well. Mine was square in both directions. Thanks for showing how to adjust this in case I ever have to do that... This and my framing nailer was an excellent buy!
Excellent instruction video. I have had my saw since late 2018. It came with a 1 year warranty and no extended warranty available. My bevel is very slightly off, maybe it has drifted over the years. Since most of the wood I cut is only 1 1/2" thick it was never a big problem, especially since I usually true up my ends on a shooting board. That said, I will be doing an adjustment in the next few days.
Just bought this saw last weekend - joined itc which took 20% off. I am impressed with the quality...Happy camper here!
I got mine in June 2019, on sale for $326 delivered. I have been very happy with it. Just ordered the Hercules Universal Aluminum Mobile Folding Miter Saw Stand to go with it today.
I am a retired journeyman cabinet maker. I have the DeWalt sliding saw and it's a great saw, but if I were going to purchase a saw today I would purchase the Hercules. A great saw at about half the price.
Thank you. Have had mine over a year now and noticed it was off slightly and your video helped me. Could have been that way from the factory for all I know. Either way the saw has been amazing and I’m very glad o got it vs the dewalt.
I have this saw and I think its great. I bought mine open box ($179) and the manager knocked it down to $150. The blade that comes with it is very good too.
Thank you for this! I just got a 12" Herc and was really surprised the instructions are void of any adjustment info - for both this, and the fences. However, I love this miter saw! Especially at this price!
Thanks for sharing your experience on adjusting the bevel angle. I bought one of these yesterday as my first miter saw and was generally curious if this needed to be checked and if so, how to adjust. Your video was very helpful!
Simple video but great info!!! This is exactly the information I needed.
Thanks for posting this. I had gone through the manual also and was trying to figure out how to fine tune it. It's really helpful. Really happy with the saw.
Thank you. This is the only info I’ve seen on how to adjust the detents. The instruction manual was not helpful. Great saw, though.
Thanks, Butcher. Very helpful Would like to see a video tour of your shop sometime. Take care.
you say you don’t make a lot of videos, but you did a great job on this one. Thanks for sharing. I have been looking at this saw. Most say it’s been very good value so far.
Light on the saw is bad ass" Shadow" laser line just comon sense tech so I like that great video review
I recently got this saw and just realised that mine is not square either. Him about to start this same project. I appreciate your video. I think what I will do before I begin to adjust the detent bar , is I will take a paint pen and make a mark and then with an awkl, make a scratch mark in that so I can see exactly how much I am moving from my starting reference point. I could see how it would be very easy to move it too far and lose a reference point from where I started at since the saw is obviously not really designed to be adjusted by the end user . That is a significant oversight in the design to not Engineer and a way that is intended for the end user to be able to tune up in a adjust his saw
Thanks for showing this, Gordo. My Hercules miter saw required adjustments to both the miter and bevel angles before it was "dialed in" to a level of accuracy that I require. These saws don't come from the factory perfectly calibrated; they're in the right ballpark, but they certainly aren't "dead-nuts" accurate. If you're just building a deck or doing rough framing, I'm sure that's good enough. But if you're doing fine woodworking, or installing casings around doors/windows, or installing crown moldings, the factory setup won't provide the results you're looking for. I'm confident that this would be true of the Dewalt DWS780 too, so don't blame Harbor Freight for this lack of precision from the factory. It's expected that the buyer will need to perform final calibration on all precision woodworking tools.
I don't know why the owner's manual doesn't show how to adjust the bevel angle as you describe; it's not any harder to do than the miter angle adjustment.
One thing I noticed after performing the adjustment as you show in your video: you don't need to remove the blue angle gauge to access the front two screws. There are holes in the blue angle gauge that provide access to those screws.
Yep I just looked and you're right, those screws are accessible that way lol
I guess since I didn't know what I was getting into I just started taking things apart.
I just bought the Hercules Table saw and used it for three days completing a laminate floor install. It worked great with the Hercules blade. The miter saw I used was a inexpensive “ Tool Shop” from Menard’s. I used the Tool Shop for the majority of cuts and I could feel the bladed getting dull with each cut. I will go purchase the Hercules miter saw because of the quality and because the table saw worked really good. It’s kind of like the first time I drove a BMW, and I said to myself, “why did I not buy one years ago?” Hercules provides great quality and pricing is reasonable.
Great video. Liked the light demo at end. I think I'm convinced to try this saw.
Thanks! Just picked my saw up today. I really like it. My first harbor freight tool. Will reference if needed.
Just ordered mine and this will be the first thing I do. Thank you!
I've watched several vids on this saw. You are the first to have this issue. Thank You for sharing the remedy. I bought this very saw last night and it is still in its box. Think I'll go unbox it right now
Be sure to let ius know how you like it. So far I'm very happy with my choice.
@@SawDustGordo Well, I did unbox it, much to the wifey's displeasure. I brought the box inside and opened the box in the family room to make certain everything was in there. WOW, it is a piece of artwork, worthy of display in a place of honor.
I'm pleased on several levels, one of which is that the saw is made in Taiwan, not China as I had been told it was. Or so the box is labeled. It will be next week before I get the chance to really use it. Looking forward to it. HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
@@victoreous626 I did the same thing. Opened it in the living room and got the same reaction from my wife. I also bought mine in early November. She likes to complain when I buy new tools, but she is always dreaming up and demanding projects be done. She likes to supervise and micro-manage the projects too. So every time I get to use the new tools, I'm sure to point out the time savings and cost effectiveness of having the right tool for the job. She swallows her pride and agrees,...until I buy the next tool. Then the process begins all over again. I don't like the complaining phase very much, but I sure love watching her eat crow when the tools pay off.
@@tangoindiamike9189 LOL . Hey Tim, is her name Linda by chance? I had no idea my wife had a twin.
@@SawDustGordo Wow, this saw is perfect for the extreme DIY'R that I am. Perfect straight out of the box. By Christmas I will have Wood Flooring, T&G interior walls, Wood shingle roof and wood siding on all exterior walls. Just kidding of course. I do admit to studying hard other projects I can use this saw on.
That’ll be helpful when I get around to buying the Hercules saw, thanks!
Thanks for sharing. I love mine so far but going to be doing finer stuff soon and will need to know I’m true and square.
Helpful how to. Thanks for posting. Love your moniker, btw. Best name on RUclips.
Great video showing the bevel adjustment! I bought the mobile saw stand and looked at the saw. The motor sure looked amazingly small for a 15 amp motor was the only major thing strange i noticed. Its not brushless so that wasn't the reason. I will wait to see some long term reviews, it does look like a great value for a 12" miter saw, but I don't expect it to be the quality and durability or life expectancy of a Makita or Bosch or whatever. probably fine for the average home woodworker tho.
I have the old Chicago Electric 10 inch, and I can't get an accurate cut from that thing to save my life. That's why I'm here looking at reviews for this thing. Every year family members always get me gift certificates for either harbor freight or Amazon. This year I'm requesting harbor freight, and am getting this 12 saw.
I imagine the CE one isn't great, at 1/3 the price. I was (still am) skeptical, what sold me was the 1 year "no questions asked" return policy. I've got the box, receipt, etc, after 11 months, if I'm not happy, I'll return it no hesitation. But so far it's great. I checked it last week, and I've cut a LOT, and it's still spot on.
I returned two of the Chicago Electric saws (12" version). Couldn't get them squared up and the guard kept hitting the blade and could not be corrected. I bought the Hercules and could not be happier. The last time I used it was...today.
Great info. I like the hip accessory:-)
Great video, thank you! I wish I had space for this saw. It hurts me to spend the same amount of money for the V20 Dewalt, but due to my townhouse constraints it needs to be portal. Or maybe I need to start lifting again so I can carry the 60lb saw outside.
Thanks for demo on adjustment and here's a suggestion to help with alignment. First put a scribe reference line on the curved detente bar, doesn't matter if saw is aligned or not, its for reference of how much its moved. Buy Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape thats typically used on table saw fences, get metric as its finer increment. Kreg, Starrett and others are on Amazon. Looked like you could tape it over the saw body at rear side of the curved detente bar. You can even temporary tape it in place if you dont want it permanent. Loosen the screws so there is very little friction, that way you dont have to tap hard and over move the detente bar, which may have happened with you keeping screws tight. Once you have the bar scribed and measure tape on, it doesn't matter if the detent bar slips all the way as you have the reference marks. Gosh Hercules, what would it do, add 5 cents to cost if they added a scribe mark and reference markings of the tape??????
I'd really like to see someone make one run of 0, 30, 45, 60 degree cuts in the highest vertical hiegth axis & for both bevel directions and see how accurate they are. Thats typical crown molding / finish woodworking / cabinets standards and thats the true difference between this and 2 of the high end saw vendors (as well as motors & power). But it is big bang for the buck & a nice tool to drool over. Thanks for the adjustment demo.
I’d like to know about the 30, 45, and 60 as well. If those are off when your 90 is on, what good is the saw?!
I just bought this Hercules last week. My Hercules model (brand new) doesn’t have the two screws on the back of the bevel like it does in this video. It looks like they are deep in the housing there and hard to get to. I will have to mess around with it more
Very helpful, thanks for posting. Thanks for showing that shadow effect.
I was thinking to buy a D Walt miter saw but look in your video I think I’m gonna go tomorrow to Harbor freight👍👍👍👍✅
Great video, thanks for the leg work and description. Very helpful.
VERY helpful video. I was thinking that a digital bevel gauge would be very helpful when calibrating for plumb/square to the table?
Yeah was thinking the same thing.
i thought just maybe using a speed square standing up along the blade?
Great video, very in depth explanation and detail. Thanks
You are a rebel! Good Job! Thanks for the Video. - Can you let us know how the saw is working after this long period of time?
Have you looked at their Hercules miter saw stand? Was wondering what kind of reviews was available?
I have looked at the stand in the store, and it is a beast. looks way stronger then the dewalt one.
Does it have a depth stop, so you can make half laps with it?
What saws are comparable to the Hercules? Do you have a good better best for a saw around $300-$400? Is this saw more for a beginner? How often do you use the double bevel or why do I want the double bevel vs the single?
Also, I forgot to mention having a double bevel is great since you won't have to switch around the wood when cutting a bevel and you don't have to worry about if you did it correct. Because if you do mess up then you have to cut it again and if you're working with expensive wood then you might have to buy more wood or cut another piece.
Not sure if it any longer comes with a 1-year warranty up front. I think it's back to a standard 90-day, unless u pay extra for the extended warranty.
I have this saw and it kicked back on a not and now the blade will not move. How do I unlock it
Great info, thank you sir.
What a great video
Thank you
Great video. Now I am more confused than ever!? I saw one review that rated the Bosch #1 another that rated the DeWalt #1 but now I see yours on the Hercules. Really like the shadow feature of the blade! I was wondering, I guess it would be easy to check the square if you took a perfectly square board, then ran a pencil line down the center with a true square, and if the shadow matches the pencil line, then your calibration is perfect, right? Great video, thank you very much for taking the time to explain this nice tool.
As luck wood have it I am here on July 22, 2020 is it still holding up well?
Yeah, it's great. One of those tools you don't think about after a year. I just cut.
That's great to hear. I just bought one today.
I ordered a digital miter gauge last week and think I just found a way to justify that😁
Is the saw still holding up? Great video, I bought this saw the other day. Cut a 4x4 at 45° stuck the two pieces together and made a perfect 90° My Dewalt out of the box couldn't do that. But the Dewalt lasted me 10 years. Above average DYIer.
Where/how did you get it for $300? I've only seen it for $350
Watch for coupons. And ask, the cooler clerks will often have them on there phones
Awesome video! Great job
It’s been 5 years. Still pleased with the saw?
@@SethParr actually yes! I use it at least every week. Sometimes daily all day for a week. Still a beast
My cuts are rounded. I'm gonna have to adjust everything to get it to be straight...
I bought mine almost a year ago (black friday sale) for $249, then waited for (seemed like forever) for the stand to go on sale for $149. Mine was dead-nuts accurate outta the box. I did manage to destroy the dust "funnel" behind the blade, does anyone know how to get that part?
Some Consumers got amazing prices on this Miter Saw. Currently they want (and are getting) $380. I want one but no Sales coming up. BTW, if you own this Saw, remove the Belt Cover and check the Aluminum Pulley on the Blade-end of the Belt. From the factory, some of the Saws had the retaining screw for the pulley too loose. Since the Pulley is aluminum, it can come loose and wear out the inner hole. They can't get you a new Pulley.
I’ve had this saw a little over a year, and for the first time I am trying to do some picture frames that need to be exactly 45°. Even though my 90° cut is dead on, I’m slightly off at 45. Does anybody know how to adjust that?
If you want perfect picture frames look up a table saw frame jig. Uses an aluminum square as the jig, every joint every time will be perfect.
My experience is no miter saw will produce perfect frames. Very, very close. But not perfect.
Awesome video love that saw
Gordo, I bought this a month ago or so. I also got it all squared up when I got it home.
However, when I tilt the saw down to a 45 and put a square across the the cut edge, its WAY off. It's like the whole top half of the saw is leaning forward causing any cut other than a perfect 90 to be off. Are you having this issue?
I don't really understand the question. Are you saying using the compound feature? Left or right "tilt" 45 degrees vs 45 degrees miter? Mine was dead on 45 either way anyway, but I haven't looked at that lately. I haven't done any serious crown molding or anything lately. I can look at it when I get home though. Let me know if I'm not understanding.
@@SawDustGordo yeah, that's exactly what I'm saying.
I just messed with it. I turned out it was out of alignment. Barely noticeable on 90 degree cuts, but when you tilt the saw, it was much more noticeable. I adjusted it better . ButIt's still just slightly off by a hair. When I have more time, I'll try to get it perfect.
Anyone checked out the "bed" flat surface on this saw? The center part of the bed that rotates is slightly higher than the fixed part on the bed on both sides. It's brand new and I went back to the store and the one on display is the same way. Trying to decide to take is back. If you slide a ruler/level across it you can feel and see that it is higher. Trying to determine if i got one from a bad batch. appreciate any help.
Hmmmmm. I've had my 8' straight edge across my whole miter saw stand and haven't noticed. I'll look later with a 12 inch rule.
Looks like I have a slight gap on the 'inside' part of the fixed part. Like a few thous, you cant get a business card under it. But a definite manufacturing discrepancy. My cuts are still perfect so I'm not going to change anything. But is a good catch Grover.
I wonder...anyone have a competitor saw to check?
If you use a digital saw gauge it makes it easier and you'll be right on.
Informative video. I was wondering what you planned on doing if a belt went out. That seems like the one drawback of this saw. It looks solid though. Do you think a dws780 belt would fit.
No idea!
Thank bro
I’d really appreciate it if you could please show a vid replacing the blade
Done friend.
Gordo the Wood Butcher I just watched it and loved it!! You did an awesome job! I will subscribe, smash the like button and leave a comment! Again thank you sir!!!!
Still cutting?
Not that I’m smarter than anyone but I loosen the screws then put the plate back on then knocked the plate over until it read exactly “0” and first time perfect
So you've had this saw for six months now. Just wondering what you think? I'm considering going to pick one up this weekend with a 25% off coupon.
Hi Ryan. I posted yesterday, but I realize now I was responding to another comment, so I'll make a comment in the description with a date. Thanks for the interest
@@SawDustGordo : Yep, just saw your response to my other comment. Thanks a bunch.
@@SawDustGordo Something sort of interesting, years ago I purchased the cheap harbor freight 10" table saw, before they were even carrying the Chicago Electric brand. It's still the only table saw I own, and believe it or not, it's made by SkilSaw, which actually has a pretty good reputation for making "decent" tools. However, this table saw is just as incredibly inaccurate as my Chicago Electric 10" miter saw. I can't get an accurate cut from it either. It's pretty much the exact same $115 table saw Harbor Freight sells today, but with the SkilSaw name. The same HORRIBLE fence system, and the same HORRIBLE miter slots. So this many years later I've gotten to the point where I'd like to start building some things and actually have the joints line up for once. I see Harbor Freight now sells a Hercules 10" job site table saw as well. Do you have any experience with that? It's pretty new to the market, so I can't find much about it. In any event, I may just bide my time though, save my pennies for a while, and some day purchase a Sawstop contractor saw. From everything I've seen and read, you really can't get a more accurate out of the box saw than Sawstop. Plus, I can probably get away with doing whatever I need to do with a good miter saw, and maybe pick up a decent track saw for breaking down sheet material. Sorry, just realize I got far chattier than I intended.
@@SawDustGordo : I pulled the trigger on the Hercules 12 miter saw today, so just I'm just waiting to finish waking up from my afternoon nap before unboxing it. Thanks for the great information.
@@pumpkinheadghoul cool, let us know what you think. I'm not here to cheer on HF, just state my experience. I have a 50s model Delta table saw. It's cast iron and cuts perfect. I've had that Skill Saw and it sucked just as you say.
good vid, thanks
Good info!
Can you cut steel square tubes on this saw with a proper blade of course? Thanks
You should definitely NOT cut steel tubing with this or any other miter saw meant for wood. Get the inexpensive metal cutoff saw from Harbor Freight and put a proper metal cutting fiberglass cutting wheel on it. I've got one and it does the job. www.harborfreight.com/14-in-35-hp-heavy-duty-cut-off-saw-61481.html
At 6:08 you can see the multi tool
Yep. 🧐🙄😳🤐
My face today 🤦
Good review, but please unplug the tool before calibrating it
The problem with that shadow for the blade is using it outside in the sun.
Never thought of that. Probably couldn't see a laser either. But a good point on the limitations. I'm still loving it.
Helpful info.
One comment - too long.
You will get more clicks if it is more compact.
( less talking at the beginning and end of the show)
Power seems great by his description but why in the blue hell would u want to bring a brand new tool that u took straight out of the box to a qualified technician .. it should be working perfectly as it should because it's brand new ...
One annoying thing when changing the saw blade, the guard has to come off first.
It's made in Taiwan .
Thank you,
Very helpful vid.
Great video thank you!