Hercules Portable Bandsaw and Benchtop Stand: A Workshop Game-Changer
Today, we’re diving into one of Harbor Freight’s more recent offerings – the Hercules Portable Bandsaw and its Universal Portable Band Saw Benchtop Stand.
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Here’s links to the things I’ve mentioned in the video: Morse Blades – https://amzn.to/4g1J0nf Drill Press Style Clamp – https://amzn.to/4j1CAai Precision Square – https://amzn.to/3W5VPps 123 Block – https://amzn.to/4gTqm1K
Unmatched Versatility
This benchtop stand is like a Swiss Army knife for your workshop. It works with a variety of portable bandsaws – Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bower, and Harbor Freight’s own Hercules line. The stand lets you use your bandsaw in both chop and vertical configurations, giving you the flexibility of two tools in one.
Solid Construction
The build quality is impressive for the price point. We’re talking about an 8-inch thick steel base that’s powder-coated and solid as a rock. The gas strut makes switching between configurations a breeze, and the adjustability is top-notch.
Blade Considerations
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the blades. If you’ve been reading online forums, you know Harbor Freight’s blades have a reputation for being, well, not great. But don’t worry, I’ve got a budget-friendly alternative for you that’ll give you better performance without breaking the bank.
Work Holding Challenges
One thing to note – this stand doesn’t come with any work holding options. The drill press clamp from Harbor Freight works, but it’s not ideal. I’ve got a better clamp on order that I’ll link in the description once it arrives.
Precision and Adjustability
The universal nature of this stand means there’s some play in the adjustments, especially at the tail of the bandsaw. You’ll want to keep an eye on squareness over time, but with a little patience, you can dial it in pretty well.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, there’s a nifty on/off switch that contacts the bandsaw’s trigger. Just make sure it’s not too tight, or you might run into issues turning it off quickly if needed.
Final Verdict
Bottom line? For the price, this Hercules Portable Bandsaw and stand combo offers incredible value for us home hobbyists. It’s not perfect, but it’s a versatile tool that’ll help you tackle a wide range of projects.
So, what do you think? Ready to add this Swiss Army knife to your workshop? Let me know in the comments, and as always, let’s get out to the garage and build something cool!
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