Harbor Freight Tubing Notcher Modifications
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- The inexpensive Harbor Freight Tubing Notcher can be a useful tool for the fabricator that doesn't want to spend a lot of money on a high end tool. This is a perfect alternative for someone who doesn't do enough tubing work to justify the more expensive notchers. With a little time and some simple modification, this tool is perfectly capable of producing top quality notches in most tubing materials.
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Dang 13 years ago and I just bought what looks like the same exact one yesterday 😂👍🏻
Your presentation and descriptive vocabulary was SPOT ON. No more or less was required to exactly describe your modifications. You're a pro who makes it all so easy to understand.
I've had mine for several years now. Found the same problem and did the same solution with the shim. It works great, have used it a lot and no problems.
This thing will not (at least for me) work in the drill press. Not enough feel of the cut to control pressure.
I would love to find some hole saws with fine teeth. Large teeth with this notcher causes a lot of stress on the clamps.
Good video, right on the money with your analogy of this tool.
Thanks for the tip. Going to search for them now. :)
Your video shows "we" can always bump up the performance of our lesser tools with a bit of work. Thanks for the demo!
Thank you for educating the masses. What it showed me is that YOU ARE A REAL OLD SCHOOL MECHANIC,,,and not today's parts changers. It is obvious that you can OBSERVE AND OVERCOME the dilemmas we older guys have been faced with for years in actually FIXING AN EVIDENT PROBLEM. Thank you again for posting a video showing how a REAL MECHANIC handles everyday issues. Looking forward to more!!!
yes
Thank you for the kind words Frank.. It's the way I was trained (back when your foreman could hit you if you messed up...LOL)
I have the same HF notcher and made the spacer using thick and thin washers. Nice video. Thanks.
Technically they are hex head cap screws, so you are correct calling them screws. Screw is the angular movement around a cylinder. Ships move by rotating a screw(propeller).
Bolt is a cylinder shaped object, rifle bolt, door bolt, bolt of fabric, etc.
Screw is the function, bolt is the shape.
I purchased the HFT notcher a couple years ago which I have never used. I am preparing to do a job for aircraft tubing so I really appreciate the tips, especially the center trueing and lubrication ideas.
Great vid-You are a good teacher.
-Christian
Screws vs Bolts - Actually, yours are Machine Screws. Screws thread into a threaded frame, part, machine etc. Bolts thread into a nut. You were correcter than you thunked. Thanks - Lumpy
Thanks Lumpy! Listen up kids! Im RIGHT even when I thonk I'm wrong! 🤣
But Lumpy. How do the bolts / screws know if they are going into a frame or a nut? Your gonna give 'em nightmares.
Thanks Jim , you have touched some important points that the weekend warrior would have over looked....
Thanks Joe. I hope that people learn and can save money and time
I don't work with round tubing often but this simple cheap tool looks to be perfect for me. Thanks for the tips!
Some people said they would of used washers which was my first thought too. But I think what he did was a better idea for the long run. For me i have always used my drill press with 2 pieces angle welded to a flat steel plate with a hole in the center of it. Works great for me. I also use a 1/8 inch larger hole saw than the tubing size it seems to fit up better. I always like to see these videos and thanks for taking the time for posting it. Also pay no mind to the negative comments.
thx for reviewing, up till now hadn't even considered HF
eldigitom glad you enjoyed it. For occasional use and careful setup you'll have great success.
+1 on using a Lennox hole saw. We were consuming 2-3 hole saws per day at work. Switched over to Lennox, and now we replace a hole saw ~5-6 days. There are times were it pays to use a higher quality tool. Good tips.
Hole saw update. Found that manufactures rarely tell you if their hole saw sets take a threaded arbor or take an arbor with flat sides that locks in to flats on the hole saw. Found both styles at the big box stores and you don't know without breaking open the box. Clerks give dirty looks but they couldn't tell me either. Buying on the internet you rarely see them marked. Pretty dicey. Thanks for the help guys!
would be nice if there was an adapter to use either.
Something I have noticed about "Chinese" hacksaw blades & hole saws is that they are tempered differently from most American products. Meaning they are less flexible and therefore are more brittle. The ones I use seem to stay sharper longer if you just slow down the feed rate and keep the lube flowing. Mine hold up to American brands if I use a lighter touch on the feed rate.
What I did was made a L bracket by welding a 3/4 tube 90 degrees onto a 1 inch tube, then used washers to fill the gap you filled. Was very accurate.
Good vid Jim. Answers some questions I had. You are right. If you are using this tool every day, then spend the big bucks to buy one, but for guys like me working on their own projects in their home garages, this is perfect. Also, a plate is always better than washers in my humble opinon
Thanks for showing us how to make it more accurate.
Mr. Jarvey you just helped me decide on buying this notcher from HF, also very well mado video and explanation of details, tnx bro for sharing it with the world!!!
glad this helped you. best of luck.
Great video! I really appreciate people like you who take the time to share your knowledge and opinions with others. Cheers!
Thanks for this, if there's a way to improve cheap tools to get great results then that's a plus 👍
They have hole saws with a drill bit in the center. They're great for notching in low quantities on the cheap. Remember to drill pilot holes on both sides first.
making a small rack for my side by side this is just the kind of info and tool i need to do like 4 notches thank you for sharing this info .. great video...
Good work. I did the quick fix on mine I used washers and it worked fine had I had the time and materials I would have definetly done the plate.
Thanks for taking the time :)
i bought one of the originals called "ye old joint jigger" i use it in my drill press and have it all bolted to the table in a very solid fashion. i use the good bi metal saws and use wd 40 to lube with and it keeps the blade cool and clean. i just spray the shaft as well.i use it a lot and never had an issue with it. had no need to shim it at all. must have got lucky. it was a bit more $ though than the hf model lol. great video and great explanations. like you said if you are doing this stuff everyday then buy a really good one. even mine is not for everyday use. thanks again.
thanks Jim for the great review
i just got me one of these and i thought about its modification to address its weakessness
your video tackled really good 💪
Thanks for the review and tips... It is a good tube notcher, for the hobbiest, and with your quick fix and tips... It will last a long time, and for the price can't be beat! thanks again!
Thank your for your time making the video. Very helpful.
A good video. Concise, direct, informative.
I Tapped the little hole that the shipping lock pin came in and threaded a zerk grease fitting so i could pump a little red grease into it to help that bronze guide bushing last longer and keep heat down when cutting.
Great demo. Done by a real craftsman. And good point about using quality hole saw. An explanation of bi-metal saws would add to it. Most people don't know why they should pay more for this. I have found the Harbor Freight white bi-metal hole saws to be good. Probably not better than a Lennox or Milwaukee, but far better than plain carbon steel saws.
Great video. I’d heard on the newer ones this had been corrected, but I just got one and discovered it has this problem. Overall for the money it’s useful, but I’m surprised HF hasn’t fixed this.
Cody, as you're saying you build enclosures for horses etc, then your method is fine. I was under the impression you were building for automotive. And an 8k notcher is WAAAY overkill for chassis work...kind of like a gold plated hammer. It won't drive a nail any better than a plain hammer, but it sure impresses the audience .good luck in all your endeavors.
Thanks for posting this video! The one I bought was out of alignment by 0.095 inch. I used flat washers to shim. I am using mine on a bench-mounted drill press. I had to bend the angle plate to get it plumb with the quill. The top brass bushing spun out after the third cut. I think it will be useful once I get it rebuilt. Regards.
Great video.
Shim fix, which I think is better than washers (but washers would work too), could possibly be made more accurate with a little measuring and math. I understand the whole point is to bring the centerpiece of the V clamp in line with the centerpiece of the shaft.
For those advocating washers remember, most washers are stamped out and will not be flat and will need to be dressed
Good video
I got one of these, worth the price. You have to look at it as a improvement over cutting by hand, not a substitution for high end. The bearing lube is key, lube liberally. I found the biggest limitation was the design of the clamp band. It can't be removed or bigger spots / bends won't slip through it. I cut the sides at the top and added bolt on brackets. Now I can disassemble the clamp and reassemble on the spot of the tube.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to make and post this video. I have one of these I bought for a project about the time you made this video, 12 years ago or so. I used it for one job and set it on a shelf w a bunch of other junk. After watching this, I'll bust it out and go over it...I may have a better tool than I thought. Oh, and those are "bolts" not "screws".
Thanks Kevin!
Good catch, but I'm farsighted (hence the magnifying glass...but thats probably what you meant lol!) As for the skateboard, unfortunately, that belonged to my son...if it had been my old skateboard, it would have had steel wheels!...so you DID get the "OLD" part spot on!
Thank you for watching
I always accept that what I buy from Harbor Freight will need a little love but, for the savings, it’s worth it
Thanks, for the response...Also, i saw your band saw video in conjunction with the fabricated band saw stand. I will be getting that set up for sure..its a perfect combo for a small shop.
Thanks for this video. I am getting ready to build a roll cage and needed a cheap way to notch the tubing (DOM). This looks like it may work well for me. Thanks for your upgrade.... I will use your method.
U Rock Jim! Gonna pic one up soon! Thanks for sharing with Us!........ Gus
What a fantastic video you couldn't have promoted that piece of equipment no better you should get paid for showing them guys how to fix their new tool themselves great video unbelievable I got to run get me one doing a roll bar thanks a bunch
IT's so good to know that even after years, this video is still helping people utilize their tools more efficiently. Thank you for the nice comment. Yeah, if I had been smarter, I would have monetized these video! LOL Take your time with the toll bar and it will come out just fine! Happy New Year!
Thx for the video, I like that you pointed out the how it comes unpackaged! many times in retail the item is returned for something so simple!!! seriously!
I kinda agree with the washers resolve... anyway, your video was to the point and got the demo done!
Two thumbs up on the video. Nice job showing what can be done with a little forethought. Some of the best tools in my shop aren't the most expensive ones. I will also buy this notcher and tweak it to suit my needs- just like you did. Thanks again for the vid.
Great info! Hade mine for years and have never used it! Time to get it out!
I spent fifteen minutes trying to figure the tool out, because that collar was packed flipped over as you noted .. wish i had watched video first 👍
te felicito es bueno que gente como tu nos oriente a nivel tecnico,gracias desde mexico
Great vid Jim Harvey !!! This is exactly what I need in my garage for some projects I'm working on. Good to know I can hit up Harbor Freight and save some scratch.
Very good video. Thank You for your experience. The shim is very good, it solves the flexing issue.
I just picked up this notcher. Got it on sale for $44. Gonna try this lil' trick and definitely going to use lennox.
I love the word "snot" it fits so well in so many applications. lol.
thanks. recently bought one of these although I havnt used it yet. glad I saw this before I had the opportunity to use it
Great video...very useful. I bought one of these last week (although I paid £90!) and I've shimmed the clamp as you have to get a good centreline. I still find that even though the clamp, tube and holesaw shaft are all at 90 degrees I don't quite get a 90 degree cut. I could compensate but its trial and error every time I set a new angle. Maybe I need to get the saw closer to the job before I start. Still a great tool.
Well, I've got 2- $50 gift cards to H.F. Your video, has pretty much sold me on the notcher.. 🍻🍻.. Thanks for the upload.
The threads on the shaft block stripped out so I enlarged them to 3/8". I got plenty of notching from mine and the job finished.
you could mill, sand or grind down the block that holds the drill shaft as well. I think that would be the most accurate way to get the centers aligned.
thats badass ive been using a grinder this will save me so much time!!!!!!
great video, really nice cut for the price & faster than figuring & cutting by hand, worth the investment. Saw info was great as well.
Thank you Ed. I'm happy that 9 years after this was originally posted, people are STILL learning and enjoying it.. Best to you.
Interesting. I have never used a notcher like this before. I have used hydraulic ones that shear the notch in, hand lever action shearing ones, belt sander type, and the old-fashioned angle grinder free hand. If the hole saws get a pretty long life this might be worth a shot in my home set-up.
I made a motorcycle frame with one of these...worked great.
Im thinking three flat washers would have been much easier
Tommy , that’s exactly my thoughts.
There’s no amount of measure for this kind of stupidity.
Albert Einstein
I scrolled down to write that very same thing...
@@kurtbennett1164 well mr genius you don't even know what you're talking about, I do have help videos on here . Why don't you get down off your soapbox and quit trying to censor people's opinions...
Using a piece of sheet stock provides full contact with. The base. This will make the saddle assembly much more rigid. Good job!
@@Waffle_cones Please send us a link. We always like to learn.. That's what these video's are all about.. If you're smarter, faster, or easier in YOUR methodology, well, we'd love to see YOUR solution...
I think JHV166 knows what he's doing - washers were my first thought also. But then i saw what he did & noticed that the sheet metal shim gives full support not only to the three points at the cap screws that washers would support, but to the entire surface, especially the edges (which have the most leverage for support) that otherwise would float in air - more slop is no good thing on tool that is specifically made to be just better than not having one at all
And for that, I DO give it 5 stars!
Thank you for the tips. Yes, washers might have been used, but I don't think that they would have been as stable.
Great video. I have been thinking about getting one of these for a long time. Now that i watched your video i am going to get one. Thank you
Jim Harvey sez "This is haw we do it in joy-see, ya see?" Thanks for the video.
Great video.
Great Video and review. I have a bunch of Harbor Freight Hand tools but haven't tried to many of their other pieces. This seems like it would be a tool worth the money. I have the bead roller and edger from them and it works fine. My next trip to the store just might put a Tubing Notcher in the cart.
You could either grind away one side of the v notch to bring into alignment of tack on a piece of plate the right thickness to bring into assignment..... Could also make some Shims that go on the v for offsetting the notch
Very good review, good information and tweaks !
LOL! "Just like in the cooking shows, I have got one that I've already done..."
@JHV166 In case people don't have the tools to cut out the metal with a plasma or a dremel or saw or someone just wants a quick fix. I think I'm going to buy this notcher. Thanks for the video!
Nice video! I'm going to just space it out with washers instead tho :)
Good thorough, to the point, Video. I always say Harbor Freight has some useful tools, some tools that are great ideas and most of them can be tweaked a little and beefed up here and there by most any Craftsman to get years of good solid use out of. If it's a tool you need for your everyday proffession, you could start out with the Harbor freight models, earn a little capital and then invest in the real nice brand tool, (you'll also then appreciate the high end ones a little more too).
Sounds like Bill O 'Riley doing a very helpful video.
Thanks
So far so good on all HF tools......inexpensive but capable tools that get a job done. My air gun has been framing for 4 years now and no problems. jack hammer has busted up yards and yards of concrete.....these tools, while being a bit flimsy sometimes in some areas, generally are very good, they just can't take a real bad beating like tools 10 times the cost. Take out the warranty and if it breaks just go back to the store and get a new one, no questions asked..... How can you beat that?
First thing, never leave the store without unboxing the tools, got a 12 ton shop press a few weeks ago and the jack was trash. Had to make the trek back to the store for a good one.
Nothing I have gotten from HF was workable without some modification, after all cheap tools are not going to last for long without an upgrade.
Lennox brand hole saws are awesome. I just hit my rollcage tubing with a chopsaw.
Cheap saws needs lots of water and slow penetration. They can also be resharpen. Works only for a few people. But for larger project, good saw is a must. Cheap tools are educational. Lets us know our materials and learn to work with a budget.
Thank you! Needed this lol mine was cutting not center
1use in drill press 2 u will go thru a few hole saws to get one that cuts true ,but with cutting fluid has long life
Not rigid enough--I've tried. Then I got this and it works great.
Great Video ..... your instruction is superb, thank you !
John Warfield thank you for your kind words. It's truly gratifying when people feel that they have not wasted their time and have learned something useful
Your suggested fixes and for a home gamer, maybe not bad.
Get what you pay for, but with a little extra effort, it's worth considering for the cost
The idea here is to help those who AREN"T professional bu have an occasional need to notch tubing for a project.. This is a very capable machine for a VERY small amount of money..As you say. if you put a little effort into it, you wind up with a very nice tool .
Thank's geezer
More videos are welcome.
Sold, I'm gettin' one this weekend!! Thanx for the info.
To align the debt I would use a metal wedge scraps laying around along with some washers. hammer the wedge in. Grease, instead of oil on the shaft, could give less run out.
Good view, thanks.
It's me,
Sule Shangodoyin.
applying oil to the cutting surface when the jobs done is bolting the stable door when the horse is gone
And you just contaminated the tubing for welding. Saws should be cooled with water not lubricated with oil. Oil actually causes premature dulling of the teeth.
Old video but a better idea is to shim the drill guide. Square shim’s are easier to make and tubing vise is stronger if kept closer to base.
2022 price is 79 dollars, doubled in ten years but I purchased mine ten years ago and have yet to need it till today
Great video ! Very helpful.... Thanks.
Absolutely Excellent Video! Very informative! You did a great job! Thanks for the Learning session!
Thank you for the information video...well done.
thanks
was thinking the same thing. had to do that to mine. 3 washers and done
Good review , Thanks Jim!
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My sentiments exactly.
Thanks Martin, Glad you enjoyed it.
The only thing with that is that you may not be able to find washers of the correct thickness. But if you can find some with a couple different thicknesses, then I'd give them a try...definitely. If I couldn't, then I'd use aluminum sheet in order to avoid differential metal corrosion. But for $30-40, this fixture seems well worth it for someone that only needs to use it occasionally.
Excellent. Top work here!
GREAT STRAIGHT FORWARD VIDEO!!! THANK YOU!!! NEW SUB.
'It is what it is' with the coupon and a better cutting bit can't go wrong...
Great video. Very informative. Thanks for posting!