Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Three Finger on March 06, 2011, 03:03:00 PM

Title: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Three Finger on March 06, 2011, 03:03:00 PM
I was just wondering if anyone has used one of these to cut off carbon or aluminum arrows.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: canadian on March 06, 2011, 03:11:00 PM
Works great for me.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: TDHunter on March 06, 2011, 03:14:00 PM
They work fine, I''ve used mine for a few years and just moved to a proper arrow cutter, but it did the job fine
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: LH Keith on March 06, 2011, 03:22:00 PM
I also use one. Does a decent job for me.
                          Keith
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: BOWMARKS on March 06, 2011, 03:24:00 PM
Works like a charm,
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Three Finger on March 06, 2011, 03:36:00 PM
Cool thanks. I plan on getting one they are on sale for only $25 can't beat that for a cut-off saw.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: jcar315 on March 06, 2011, 03:47:00 PM
I use one too for alum shafts. Do your self a favor and order replacement blades at the same time.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Coonbait on March 06, 2011, 03:49:00 PM
I like mine!
Glenn
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: JRY309 on March 06, 2011, 04:20:00 PM
I have one and it works great.I mounted mine on a board and made an adjustable stop for repeatable cuts.On the stop I drilled a taper in it,to keep the nock end centered and to be able to rotate the shaft as I cut.This will give you a square cut,by bringing the saw blade just into the shaft and then rotate it as you cut.This is how the more expensive arrow saws cut.They just have a portion of the blade exposed,you bring the arrow into it and rotate.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Bjorn on March 06, 2011, 04:30:00 PM
It is OK. Barely cuts hardwood and is a bit slow to load and awkward to use. I prefer a regular chop saw-cut 10-12 shafts at a time and easy fast loading.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Ragnarok Forge on March 06, 2011, 07:07:00 PM
I have one mounted as mentioned above with a ruler, a end stop with a hole for the nocks, etc... It works fine.  I make slow cuts, and don't use it for woods.  It tends to burn thru them more than cut thru wood.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: ranger 3 on March 06, 2011, 07:26:00 PM
You can get a different blade for wood.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Blackstick on March 06, 2011, 07:59:00 PM
I also got a pack of 3' metal cutoff  blades for mine.

 http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-5-3-inch-metal-cutting-discs-66393.html  

I ground them down to 2" to use with this saw. Worked great on the 24 carbon arrows that I have cut so far.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: leatherneck on March 06, 2011, 08:19:00 PM
Works great for me. If I had a shop where I did alot of arrows then it would be kinda slow. But only doing a dozen here and there it is perfect.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: 30pointbuck on March 06, 2011, 08:45:00 PM
A buddy of mine uses one ans swears by it.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: L. E. Carroll on March 06, 2011, 08:57:00 PM
Thanks for the "heads up"  I'm going down tomorrow and pick one up..have been meaning to do so for some time now.

Two questions Please for those of you familiar with this saw:      :thumbsup:    

Gene
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: SERGIO VENNERI on March 06, 2011, 09:08:00 PM
Mine works very well!
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Bel007 on March 06, 2011, 09:31:00 PM
That's what I am using too, on carbon and aluminun.  Have used the blade that came with it w/o problems.  I have used sandpaper rolled into a cone (like writing end of pencil) and knocked down any burrs.  Piece-o-cake !
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: DBinAlamo on March 06, 2011, 10:36:00 PM
I, have had good luck wtih the blades that come with it, mostly use mine for just tuning if I need alot of shafts cut i go to the archery shop not far from me...DB
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: champ38 on March 06, 2011, 10:49:00 PM
For the price, cant beat it.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: huntwithastick on March 06, 2011, 11:39:00 PM
Great price, but under powered.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Ragnarok Forge on March 06, 2011, 11:44:00 PM
Gene,

Get the carbide blades, do not use the metal blade on carbons.  It tears the ends up.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: NYArrow on March 07, 2011, 04:25:00 AM
Thats alot cheaper than a arrow cutter. I'll have to pick one up.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: NYArrow on March 07, 2011, 04:28:00 AM
This one I assume you guys are referring to?

http://www.harborfreight.com/bench-top-cut-off-saw-42307.html
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: leatherneck on March 07, 2011, 07:28:00 AM
I dont use the steel bit that comes with it. I bought the black cut-off blades.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: swarbt119 on March 07, 2011, 09:57:00 AM
I use mine on wood shafts, works really good. I built a jig and mounted the saw to it. It has length measurements marked and keeps the shafts level, makes great cuts with the wood cutting blade.

Derek
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 07, 2011, 02:19:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Ragnarok Forge:
Gene,

Get the carbide blades, do not use the metal blade on carbons.  It tears the ends up.
Best advice so far!
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: LongbowGuy83 on March 07, 2011, 03:03:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by NYArrow:
This one I assume you guys are referring to?

 http://www.harborfreight.com/bench-top-cut-off-saw-42307.html  
I would like to know the answer to this one also. IF it truly is underpowered then would this one not work slightly better?  http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-cut-off-saw-41453.html
Or wouldn't it work? A little higher RPM's and pulls more amps. Shouldn't bog down as easy. Anyone????????

And it's only $5 more right now.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: BOWMARKS on March 07, 2011, 03:21:00 PM
You are only cutting arrows not steel pipe!!   The mini saw works just fine for this.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: two4hooking on March 07, 2011, 03:52:00 PM
Works great!  Had one for years!
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Ragnarok Forge on March 07, 2011, 04:09:00 PM
I think the larger cut off saw would be overkill.  The mini saw works great.  I just take my cuts at a steady slow speed and get very clean precise cuts.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: stagetek on March 07, 2011, 04:32:00 PM
Works great. When I cut carbons, I wrap masking tape around the shaft, it stops the splintering. I also found, you need to go slow and let the blade do the work. Great little saw.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Andy Cooper on March 07, 2011, 05:07:00 PM
OK...taking y'all's word for it.  Mine should be here in 3-5 days. I don't like using my Dremel for cutting carbons!  :cool:
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: nurayb on March 07, 2011, 05:30:00 PM
They work great if you spin the shaft while cutting
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Knapper on March 09, 2011, 04:06:00 PM
I have one mounted on an adjustable board also.  I find the same draw back as some of you in that it  just does not have the torque that the high dollar cut offs have, so you just have the cut slowly.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: LongbowGuy83 on March 09, 2011, 04:50:00 PM
Haven't been able to find a wood blade for this saw. Anyone??
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: BOWMARKS on March 09, 2011, 06:36:00 PM
LongbowGuy83  

Go back to page 2 NyArrow add for wood blades.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Bill Turner on March 10, 2011, 08:49:00 AM
Works great for me on aluminum and carbon. Bought mine new off the auction site.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: tradbower on March 10, 2011, 09:12:00 AM
Works great, just get get the metal and carbon blades, and go slow.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: michbowhunter on March 10, 2011, 11:26:00 AM
Like the others said...works great!  Mount it to a piece of plywood and add some stop blocks.  I use the abrasive blades on carbon and just sand off any burrs.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: MikeW on September 15, 2011, 01:08:00 PM
Where you guys finding these other blades at? All I see are these after searching & searching.
 http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-3-2-inch-cut-off-wheels-42805.html
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: tradlongbow on September 15, 2011, 01:12:00 PM
Mine works great, been using it for about 5 years. Picked up blades from the flea market, really cheap.

Darren
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: frankwright on September 15, 2011, 03:29:00 PM
I have always heard good reports on these.
I also heard to just use the more common 3" wheels. You can't use the guard with the bigger cutting wheel but you should be wearing safety glasses anyway.

Lots of options on 3" wheels.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: kenn1320 on September 16, 2011, 12:37:00 PM
QuoteThey work great if you spin the shaft while cutting  
I have only cut about 6 carbons on mine with great results. I use the blade it came with and slowly spin the shaft "into the blade" as I cut them. It has plenty of power, cause I'm not using it like a chop saw. I don't get splinters and have cut 2 different brand name carbons. I clamped mine to the bench and use its vice/clamp as one of my V blocks. I open the clamp so the shaft rides on top of it, not down in it (if you can picture that). At the other end I have a 2x4 with a field point stuck in it(threaded into a hole in board) and I set my shaft length and clamp that 2x4 down. I remove the nock and the shaft fits/spins perfectly on that field point. Sure its a crude set up, haven't had time to make a jig to hold everything and get it precise. Id rather be shooting, then building a chop saw.    :)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Neon Quiver on September 16, 2011, 12:55:00 PM
Just like Frankwright said....Off with the saftey guard and on with a 3" abrasive wheel. More options in the 3" variety. They work fine for small arrow projects to tune a few arrows. Gives you the option of running in from the backyard and whacking off a 1/4" and going right back out and trying them out. I chop them and have never had any splintering. Find what length you need and take a full dozen to someone that has a arrow saw if you wish...
Mark
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: Dan in KS on September 16, 2011, 06:28:00 PM
Can't be beat for the money.  You will need an exstra pack of blades---especially if you are cutting carbon shafts.

DB
Title: Re: Harbor Freight mini Cut-off Saw.
Post by: LA Trapper on September 16, 2011, 11:52:00 PM
Check this coonass engineering.  Jason put this on the Bayou State Bowhunters forum some time back.  I liked it so well I built a modified version.  Jason can build some stuff guys.  

http://bayoubowhunter.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=homemade&action=display&thread=239

Same saw you have been referecing.