Looking into Dimmers - a question or two

Chris Barcellos · February 28th, 2006, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis Khaye

Hey Chris, how's their customer service?

How's your hand by the way? Sorry to hear about it bud. Heal fast.

Its only been two weeks, but it seems like an eternity.. Hardest thing to do is button your pants with one hand and you can't tie your shoes.

Chris Barcellos · February 28th, 2006, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boyd Ostroff

I don't have any experience with their motor speed control, but I've bought a few shop tools from Harbor Freight and can say without question they were cheap junk which was designed to look like professional tools. Specifically I remember a bench mounted belt/disk sander that failed very quickly and a vise made out of cheap cast metal that snapped right off when I tried to bend something in it.

Now this was about 6 years ago, so maybe their standards have improved. I'm glad you're happy with your purchases, these products may be the exception to the rule. But I've run several professional carpentry shops for building scenery over a period of many years and spent tens of thousands of dollars on tools. I stick to the well known brands and avoid places like this. Caveat Emptor....

Boyd, I agree-- you have to be careful what your buying. But if you are caeful, you can get some deals.

Mike Teutsch · February 28th, 2006, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boyd Ostroff

I don't have any experience with their motor speed control, but I've bought a few shop tools from Harbor Freight and can say without question they were cheap junk which was designed to look like professional tools. Specifically I remember a bench mounted belt/disk sander that failed very quickly and a vise made out of cheap cast metal that snapped right off when I tried to bend something in it.

Now this was about 6 years ago, so maybe their standards have improved. I'm glad you're happy with your purchases, these products may be the exception to the rule. But I've run several professional carpentry shops for building scenery over a period of many years and spent tens of thousands of dollars on tools. I stick to the well known brands and avoid places like this. Caveat Emptor....

Boyd,

On the bright side a 1' x 30' belt last one hell of a long time, lots of surface area! :)

The sad thing is that I thought I double checked to make sure I didn't put feet, but must have been a senior moment. :)

It's true, a long time ago the stuff was not near the quality it is now. You have to remember my background was the machine shop business and I do know quality. Years ago the stuff was really junk, but they have really improved their quality. Hey, and if breaks------take it back!

I have tiny wrenches in my tools box that are from Snap-on and are only say 6mm, that cost $30.00+ each. I have thousands of dollars of tools in that box, but I don't think I would do it the same way now. Not that I would buy from Harbor Freight, but price is not always the best determining factor.

Thanks Boyd,

Mike

Ken Plotin · February 28th, 2006, 11:38 PM

I bought a couple of those dimmers on sale for $9.95 each...they work fine with the 250-650w lights in my location kit. No filament "singing" that I can hear with my units. I, too, was pretty surprised to find a 1500w dimmer at anywhere near that price, but they're very well made.
Ken

Phil Hamilton · March 18th, 2006, 08:19 AM

Just ordered two of these. I could not find anything above 300w at the Home Depot. So I am hoping these will work well.

Michael Carter · March 22nd, 2006, 05:24 PM

Those dimmers are also great for making your angle grinder variable speed (for the concrete countertop fans out there...)

OK, since Harbor Freight has hijacked this thread...handy place if you have to build some sets (or remodel your house). Got a 10 gallon compressor and a framing nailer there for 200 bucks. I can frame all day with no jams or misfires. Great place to buy things like clamps, tape, and protective gear. Circuit testers, work lights, extension cords, gloves... their air tools get good marks on web review sites.

They have good deals on hammer drills, but anytime you buy a drill, from ANYwhere... make sure the after-market keys available fit your drill (just walk down the drill aisle a bit). I lost the key to my 1/2" HF drill in the crawlspace, and NOTHING fits it.

March 18th, 2006, 08:19 AM	#20
Phil Hamilton Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 150	On sale for 9.99! Just ordered two of these. I could not find anything above 300w at the Home Depot. So I am hoping these will work well. __________________ Phil Hamilton hamiltonp@sbcglobal.net Dallas, Texas " I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! ..."

February 28th, 2006, 11:38 PM	#19
Ken Plotin Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 254	I bought a couple of those dimmers on sale for $9.95 each...they work fine with the 250-650w lights in my location kit. No filament "singing" that I can hear with my units. I, too, was pretty surprised to find a 1500w dimmer at anywhere near that price, but they're very well made. Ken

March 22nd, 2006, 05:24 PM	#21
Michael Carter Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 108	Those dimmers are also great for making your angle grinder variable speed (for the concrete countertop fans out there...) OK, since Harbor Freight has hijacked this thread...handy place if you have to build some sets (or remodel your house). Got a 10 gallon compressor and a framing nailer there for 200 bucks. I can frame all day with no jams or misfires. Great place to buy things like clamps, tape, and protective gear. Circuit testers, work lights, extension cords, gloves... their air tools get good marks on web review sites. They have good deals on hammer drills, but anytime you buy a drill, from ANYwhere... make sure the after-market keys available fit your drill (just walk down the drill aisle a bit). I lost the key to my 1/2" HF drill in the crawlspace, and NOTHING fits it.