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I got this a few months ago on Amazon for $40:



If you understand its limits and don't push them, it's fine.

However, for that price you do not get a tool with tight tolerances. The vise handle is threaded in the vise in only one location, and the threads are pretty loose. As a result, there is a lot of "slop". So I thought I'd give an improvement a try, and it turned-out great.

I cut a small piece of 1/2" x .032 brass and used a hand-punch to make a 9/32" hole. I then slowly reamed it until the handle would just screw into it. Next I put the parts together using silicone sealant to hold the brass in place. Once that cured I backed-out the handle, put on a clamp, drilled two pilot holes and then carefully tapped them for a 2-56 screw:





This made a huge difference! If you've got one of these saws, give this try. You'll be very happy with results.

I'm now working on another improvement. The jaw also has a very sloppy fit to the base. To test my idea, I made what I think is called a "gib" out of an old credit card:





This also did a very good job of removing slop. I know the plastic won't last long, but I don't have the tools or the skill to make a brass version of the correct size. And even if I did, I don't know how I could secure it to the base. But give me some time, and I'll come-up with something.

Ron

been looking at these for years, do you think it would handle 1\8th axles with a abrasive wheel?

Your tune up tricks look great thx for the review and keep us up with how it turns out with use :text-bravo: :text-bravo:

Yes, well done. Have had the same saw nut from HF for about 10 years. Still use it today.

Good tips.

I don't think so. It had a hard time cutting the .032 brass, it took probably 3 minutes. You've got to keep the load really light or the RPMs really drops. I'd go with a Dremel for cutting an axle.

FYI. It's rated at 7800 RPM and just under 1 amp.

Exactly right. I did the same things to mine, but I used brass for the gib, just as you mentioned.

About cutting, I got rid of the toothed blade as soon as I got it, because our member, Dan Dyke, warned us that his motor burned up after light usage. I use the diamond dust blade that HF has for their miniature table saw, and it does fine with brass in no time at all. But I wouldn't try it on steel. Its just too weak, and oz10k says, the Dremel is king of that task. This saw is particularly good for making identical parts, used much the same way that you use the various plastic anvil cutting tools that MicroMark sells. For chassis parts, this saw will make rails that are not only identical, but you can also "face" the parts for a better soldered joint.

I have an older version of this saw that Micro Mark sold. They also sell abrasive cut-off discs for the saws they sell. These might also fit the Amazon saws. These discs cut .032 brass strips & tubing okay but cutting .064 brass does slow down the saw.

I have the Harbor Freight one looks almost the same (it's Orange).
Been using for years ... have had no problems.
The vise says tight. I think there about the same money when they're on sale.

Hope it helps ... J Y D

Thanks ... J Y D

also on amazon at the bottom of the page I saw this.
It looks just like the one I have.
http://www.amazon.com/High-Speed-Miter- ... GBXD6RX92G

Hope it helps ... J Y D

replacement blades: http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-3- ... 42805.html

I just looked so I could get the link, and they don't sell the diamond blades for the cutoff saw anymore. They do have them for the mini table saw, though, #69656. That's a 4 inch blade, though.