Build it Yourself

[Franz]

I was gonna post this on HoreFart, till the little truth slipped out incident.
This guy builds some interesting toys,
http://www.frugalmachinist.com/projpage.html

His belt sander/grinder looks to be an easy build for anybody interested in one.

[cutter]

Franz, this guy's site should be a must read for all these guys that buy the Harbor Freight horizontal bandsaw. His article on beefing his up is very thorough & probably applies to most competitive brands as well. He even added a coolant tank & pump from a surplus mini parts washer. Lotsa good suggestions & plans.

[fla jim]

Thats a cool sight.

[Scott S]

Thanks Franz, There alot of great projects to keep us busy for a long time :D

[Banzaitoyota]

yep, I have nothing against HF, I know I am purchasing "chineese" when I walk in the door. I like to supprt the USA, but greedy CEO's and Shareholders have made that near impossible for me to afford.find "MADE in the USA" products

[Scott S]

Banzaitoyota,
Yes it is frustrating trying to just buy American. As you can tell from my Avatar, I am VERY PATRIOTIC. You should see my house, cars, trucks, plane, boat, even my snowmobile all have at the very least, a flag on them. But it is getting harder and harder (as we just found out from Hobart/Miller) to buy made in the USA! Something has to change.

[Scott S]

Following with that line.... There are over 150 planes based at my local airport. And I can't believe that Mine is the only one that has The American Flag on it! That was the first thing I added to it when I bought it two years ago!!

[Snidley]

Banzaitoyota

There is more then enough blame that can be shouldered around by everyone as to why things can cost so much and why they are parted and sourced out, etc.

- Shareholders want some bang for their buck - they want more then just bank interest rates.

- CEO's being driven by the shareholders and the award of big bonuses if the make the profit margins.

- The Unions (while they have their place) sometimes are no big help for the bottom lines with their Fair wage demands (which sometimes are questionable and have no relation to the industry)

- To the Government and the taxes they add and stick to you just for even having the appearance of being successful.

- To the customer, who wants all the quality, but of course wants just the wholesale prices. (we're probably all (well mostly) guilty)

Are our expectations to high? What major product dosen't contain outside parts? I guess all we can do is trust or not ask.

[Snidley]

By the way Scott S - nice plane. Between your boating, your snowmobiling, working on your house, cars and trucks. You've got time for welding?? :D

[Scott S]

Thanks Snidley,
I don't have alot of free time, but I try to get a few hours a week fabing up something. My 14 yr old son makes sure that I do. He likes to get in and help! :)