Harbor Freight Rotary 19.99

Eliot Ness · 12-23-06, 05:31

I was out getting some cheap tools for my nephew (I'll get him Craftsman when he's old enough not to loose them) and I spotted the Harbor Freight 92623 rotary on sale for $19.99. Since I rarely use a rotary, and my older style Harbor Freight has served me well, I couldn't pass this one up for just $20.00.

Some people either love 'em or hate 'em, but for $20 it's hard to beat. I noticed that member justin30513 just picked one up, and while he hasn't given a review yet, he seems pleased with it:

http://autopia.org/forum/833797-post14.html

I'm not sure how long they will be on sale, but if you're thinking about a rotary and have a Harbor Freight store near by you might want to check it out. I would suggest replacing the backing plate on these units with a good 5" or 6" one depending on what size pads you use.

justin30513 · 12-23-06, 05:41

WOW!
It's simply an amazing tool. Even at the 30.00 I payed.

Did you look at it or fire it up?

I'll be giving a lengthy review as soon as it has a few more details under it's belt errrrrrr.....pad that is!

Eliot Ness · 12-23-06, 05:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by justin30513

......Did you look at it or fire it up?

I'll be giving a lengthy review as soon as it has a few more details under it's belt errrrrrr.....pad that is!

I just got home from Christmas shopping so I've only glanced at it. Not sure when I'll have a chance to hit a car with it, but I look forward to your review.

Surfer · 12-23-06, 05:59

How is this rotary so cheap, are the Makitas and others just that much better?

TH0001 · 12-23-06, 06:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

How is this rotary so cheap, are the Makitas and others just that much better?

Yes, you get what you pay for.

The Harbor Freight lacks many of the features that the others have. However it does provide the power to get the job done, so...

Surfer · 12-23-06, 06:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by TH0001

Yes, you get what you pay for.

The Harbor Freight lacks many of the features that the others have. However it does provide the power to get the job done, so...

Like what features?

Eliot Ness · 12-23-06, 06:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by TH0001

Yes, you get what you pay for.

The Harbor Freight lacks many of the features that the others have. However it does provide the power to get the job done, so...

Yeah, that's sort of true. If I used a rotary very often I'd want a Makita, Hitachi, or maybe even a Metabo, but for occassional use they (at least the older one I've got) will get the job done.

The one feature that I wish this one had (and I don't think it does) is a "soft" start via the trigger. But since this one goes down to 300 rpm I figure I can just start out slow and step it up via the speed knob.

The older versions of the Harbor Freight seemed to hold up pretty well, and even Jimmy Buffit has used them in his shop:

http://autopia.org/forum/good-deals/...25-rotary.html

I haven't really read much about this newer model except what Justin briefly mentioned.

This wouldn't be the best rotary for a pro, but for occasional use it would be hard to beat for $20.00.

GregCavi · 12-23-06, 07:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

How is this rotary so cheap, are the Makitas and others just that much better?

Its cheap because it is a piece of junk lol. Having used these buffers all summer long while detailing boats for a company, I know these have no torque and will bog down under the slightest amount of pressure.

That said, having a makita, I can safely say it is a way better machine that the Harbor Freight, and is worth every penny. Is it worth $20 bucks, yea, but I wouldn't count on it as my main machine.

Greg

qadsan · 12-23-06, 07:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

Like what features?

For starters, electronic speed control. This key feature keeps the RPM at a constant speed at varying loads. Most of the HF rotaries I've seen do not have electronic speed control. The more pressure you apply to the surface through the tool, the slower the pad will turn if you do not have electronic speed control.

Hitachi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Metabo, Porter Cable, Makita and other rotaries that have electronic speed control in addition to a soft start feature, variable speed triggers, etc. HF also has or had a rotary with electronic speed control and soft start, but that tool was only available through the internet. The HF tool from their retail stores is down a bit on power compared to some of the tools mentioned above and it lacks electronic speed control, soft start, etc (maybe also lacking variable speed trigger ???).

But, for $20 I think its a great deal and a heck of a tool for some people. There's always a better or more expensive tool on the horizon, but what really matters is the end result it produces in addition to being usable, reliable and meeting your productivity needs. A rotary tool like the HF unit is as simple as it gets. It may not be the best tool out there, but in the hands of the right person, the end results can be outstanding. The tool definitely has something to do with the end result, but its the person using the tool and their process + techniques that brings out the results. If you're going to use it alot, then its definitely worth the added money to move into something like the Makita, Hitachi, etc.

wannafbody · 12-24-06, 09:13

a lot of the cheaper rotaries have 4.5 amp motors. the better units have 11 amp motors. There are several varieties of the 11 amp rotaries in the $50-$75 dollar range.

icu812 · 12-25-06, 07:11

yes the backing plate is cheap and it does bog down when you apply pressure , but for $20 you can't beat it, and that is what I cut my teeth on when I first started using a rotary.
I still have it although it is a little worst for wear now. I just use it when I do semi's and such( aluminium tanks, stainless) so I don't beat my Dewalt down early. would I buy another onen ? most certainly. it is a good tool for beginners being inexpensive so no sticker shock.