Review by BinghamtonEd | posted 06-15-2015 02:23 PM | 5338 views | 1 time favorited | 20 comments | ![]() |
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- Harbor Freight Japanese flush cut saw
- Brand: Harbor Freight | Category: Handsaws
I’ve owned this saw for about 2 years now, and have been really pleased with it. I’ve used it for tasks ranging from flush-cutting hardwood dowels to trimming baseboard molding back in place to fit a heater. Just yesterday I used it to flush-cut some 1/4”x1/4” white oak filler strips. It’s still cutting well and very sharp. If this breaks, or wears down, or someone walks off with it, I will definitely go buy another one. I’ve tried a few dovetails with it, and it works, but I more prefer the feel of my Veritas DT saw for those. This saw has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Oh, and it’s only $8.
-- - The mightiest oak in the forest is just a little nut that held its ground.
20 comments so far
abie
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920 posts in 4739 days
#1 posted 06-15-2015 02:31 PM
Perfect..
I own two ( One not used yet) and use it constantly for flush cuts.
works on the pull stroke and is worth the price.
-- Bruce. a mind is like a book it is only useful when open.
BinghamtonEd
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2298 posts in 3338 days
#2 posted 06-15-2015 02:34 PM
As I was writing the review, I began to think that for $8 I might just go get another one. The one I have seems to disappear for a week or two at a time.
-- - The mightiest oak in the forest is just a little nut that held its ground.
Robert Brown
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152 posts in 3660 days
#3 posted 06-15-2015 03:48 PM
Ditto almost word for word what abie said. I have two. One not used yet. The other used for flush cuts. Bought first one a few years back. Bought 2nd about a year later for a backup.
cutmantom
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407 posts in 4003 days
#4 posted 06-15-2015 04:36 PM
I have two as well, I have used it to cut door casing and jambs when doing hardwood flooring and hit some nails, it still cuts but I bought the second one for a backup, I only paid 6.99 I think
MrRon
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5975 posts in 4212 days
#5 posted 06-15-2015 05:39 PM
Amen to all the comments. Harbor Freight has it’s gems and this saw is one of them.
bbasiaga
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1255 posts in 2963 days
#6 posted 06-16-2015 02:48 PM
I have looked at this the last few times I was in there. Been thinking about it, but will definitely have to pick one up now.
Thanks,
Brian
-- Part of engineering is to know when to put your calculator down and pick up your tools.
paxorion
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1107 posts in 3014 days
#7 posted 06-16-2015 03:55 PM
Same here. Been needing a flush cut saw and have been on the fence about this HF saw or another (Shark saw or Veritas). Read this review and pulled the trigger yesterday and got this HF saw.
-- paxorion
Richard
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1944 posts in 3658 days
#8 posted 06-16-2015 07:59 PM
This saw is great , it comes sharp and pretty much stays that way unless you really abuse it.
It’s true that not All HF tools are junk , Just like not all Higher Priced tools are good. You just have to check them out and touch them and you should be able to pick out the good from the bad.
I Shop at HF and also at HD and Lowes and Woodcraft and Rockler and even the Local Flea Market , they all have their place for finding good tools as well as Junk .
DaleM
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958 posts in 4352 days
#9 posted 06-16-2015 08:32 PM
I’ve had mine for over ten years. It still works great as a flush cut saw and comes in handy any time I need a clean cut with a thin kerf. I have thought about buying one as a backup too in case they quit selling them, but not sure if I’ll ever wear this one out.
-- Dale Manning, Carthage, NY
Scott Oldre
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1128 posts in 4399 days
#10 posted 06-16-2015 09:24 PM
I have one too. I’ve used the HF to cut perfectly sized fret slots for the one and only guitar I’ve made. The kerf was perfect and like everyone says it cuts very nice. I’ve found though that I like the sharpness and thinness of the Vaughn Bear Mini for most other things.
-- Scott, Irmo SC
dustyal
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1320 posts in 4443 days
#11 posted 06-16-2015 11:31 PM
I have similar comments as the others. My saw does have a problem of loose blade In handle. Easy fix if not so lazy.
-- Al H. - small shop, small projects...
Woodknack
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13543 posts in 3348 days
#12 posted 06-17-2015 04:43 AM
BTW, these are carbon steel blades and can be resharpened, that’s why they cut so well. They are also the perfect thickness for cutting fret slots.
-- Rick M, http://thewoodknack.blogspot.com/
BinghamtonEd
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2298 posts in 3338 days
#13 posted 06-17-2015 12:49 PM
Luckily mine is not loose, because I’m also a member of the lazy club.
See above, I’m lazy, I guess. With the number of teeth and the small size of them, I’ll just be spending another $8 if mine gets dull. Maybe the dull one gets delegated to trimming branches or something.
-- - The mightiest oak in the forest is just a little nut that held its ground.
Robin1
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137 posts in 2459 days
#14 posted 06-17-2015 04:15 PM
Been looking to get one and wasn’t sure. Bought it yesterday- thanks for the tip!
Richard
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1944 posts in 3658 days
#15 posted 06-17-2015 07:42 PM
I joined that Club a few years ago myself , need to take a break from it for a while though .
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