HF clamps, any thoughts...

[BEN7002]

I'm starting my first true work bench. Nothing fancy at all ( no funds for maple, ect... ). Probally going to laminate 2x4 for the top. i really don't care how nice it looks, just tired of saw horses and plywood.

I really want a couple of decent woodworkers vise. I've shopped ebay, woodcrafters, ect.... As you all know they are quite expensive. But when I checked good ol' Harbor Freight. They are much cheaper. My real question is are they junk? Or do they run smoothly, and are a good buy?

[scottspencer]

I like HF's Pittsburg bar clamps for the price...not so much their bigger aluminum clamps or pipe clamps.

I had a $20 HF wood vise but it's not in the same league as my Record vise.

[rhull]

Ben,
Are you talking about clamps, or a bench vise?

[deepsplinter]

I fell for they're low prices once, years ago. I bought a box of C-clamps. They were made from cast-junk and most of them have snapped in half under not much pressure. I also bought two sets of 3/4" pipe clamps. One wouldn't even start to screw on the pipe, the other one would go on about two turns.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!
Don't get me started on hf. 'nuff said

[robhannon]

I have had a very mixed bag with HF. If you have one near you I recommend going in there and getting your hands on things before buying. I got 4 of the really cheap 3/4" pipe clamps (like $3-4 ones) and 2 worked ok 2 slipped under any pressure. I also got 4 of the expensive ($8) 3/4 pipe clamps and they all work well and are almost identical to the rockler ones. I got some 90deg clamps that are helpful for holding things in place but I wouldn't use them for final clamp up. I have some quick clamps from them. Half work great half slip before getting full pressure. Also got a pipe die set. Cuts threads good but very slowly. If you do have one nearby you can get a pretty good feel for most of the hand tools quality, but if it’s like the one here don't expect anyone in the store to be helpful. I would avoid the quick release ones if I were you along with any of the potable ones.

[AZBri]

I bought a few of the bar clamps when they where on sale for a couple of bucks each. The 12" clamps are okay but I've replaced the 24" ones. When you put pressure on them they bowed. I now use Bessey or Jorgenson. They're twice as expansive but they're worth it.

[BEN7002]

Talking about a bench vise that mounts under the table top

Something like this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42494

[rhull]

My opinion:

It's only worth it if you're resigned to the distinct possibility of wasting $20.

[BEN7002]

Kinda what I was thinking.

[fenders]

I built a 200 foot long retaining wall using HF pipe clamps to draw the 4x6 to the posts for spiking. Couldn't have been happier. And now........ for the rest of the storry. I bought a dozen small C clamps for use with my welder. They are absolute trash. I throw one away every project it seems.

I bought a Menards bench vice and it seems decently smooth. A bit cheaper than HF in fact. I haven't had it long though.