Harbor Freight Mini Cut Off Saw | Can we make it better?

[@bobbyspenser7304]

Great video my friend thank you I am getting into small hobby an RC an model builds I got hurt about 4 years ago an I Am in a wheelchair now an I have took up the small hobby

[@Vintauri]

RC and model building are great hobbies. I knew a guy that was in a wheelchair and took up RC airplane flying and really enjoyed it with the electric airplanes. I hope you find enjoyment in your workshop!

[@Vintauri]

Thanks for checking it out anyway!

[@jimwiskus8862]

That was excellent! I think you could easily sell that assembled base to those who wish to buy the HF mini miter. You have to hope that they keep making them to the identical specs. The laser rule was amazing!

[@georgevillanueva6926]

Man I just love that there are people with the same thought frame but with a little more knowledge to fabricate our weak ideas 😂thanks big bro Noiice

[@georgevillanueva6926]

Yeah I have the same machine n when I started using it I realized they did not complete it but I came across your and was blown away thanks 🙏

[@Scottocaster6668]

I'd have a blast playing in your shop. To answer your question, Yes I did learn something, actually quite a bit. I'm just going to glue a wood ruler to a piece of wood for a measuring gauge. Good stuff!, thank you 🙏

[@Vintauri]

It is fun to play around in the shop and get creative. A ruler attached to a board would work just fine and hopefully makes a small tool like this more useful for you too!

[@chelin7023]

Wow! All that prep work is really impressive! It was delightful to see video. Thank you!

[@Vintauri]

Thank you very much!

[@vaseppi]

This is exactly the video I didn’t know that I was looking for 😂 perfect for what I’m trying to do!

[@HeatherTheHippyGardener]

Awesome little build. I feel more confident buying this now. Now I need to find a video like this for their 4-inch mini table saw. LOL!

[@Vintauri]

I have not played with the mini table saw. Perhaps I should pick one up and see what can be done with it. Thanks for stopping by my channel!

[@ayedee6681]

now to sell that as a kit :) I'd take one!

[@stevebedard9689]

Very cool! The laser engraved fence was genius!

[@Vintauri]

Thank you!

[@wobaguk]

Super, I was debating getting one of these for small hobby work, I'm definitely going to get use out of it with similar modifications

[@JackbenchWoodworking]

That's a great upgrade, Steve. Took an almost worthless saw and made it really functional!

[@Vintauri]

Thanks! It's filled a small niche in my shop when I'm cutting down small stick or dowel stock or my model airplanes.

[@geomcc39]

this little saw is great for building scale models houses & RC planes. To many people buy thinking it will work like a full size chop saw

[@louisduquet4003]

thank you. bought an upgrade kit. really love the last marked ruler !

[@Vintauri]

I'm glad the kit is working well for you! Thanks!

[@louisduquet4003]

@@Vintauri I was gonna buy it but shipping to Canada is not available. any way you can change this ?

[@orandilu989]

Excellent informative video, great use of a tool, and smart effective editing. Great work!

[@Vintauri]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@geomcc39]

I purchased mini cut off saw as well as the 4-inch mini- small table saw for building scale model houses and buildings works great for that and other soft woods !

[@Vintauri]

Small model building is the perfect use for these mini tools!

[@michaelhenderson5098]

Thanks for making this video. I am thinking about buying this saw to cut down 223/556 brass cases to make 300 Blackout cases. I have seen a lot of people doing it with this saw. It seems everyone uses the saw and has to chase it around the work table. I have all the tools you have so something like this project will be easy for me to build. My workbench is a Ron Paulk style bench (like yours) so the saw would be mounted on a board with dog holes so I can attach it anywhere on the workbench that is handy at the time. A couple of bolts/fender washers and knobs and it is fastened down, sturdy, and ready to use. My plan is to make my own jig for holding the cases while I cut them. I have a 3d printer, so that won't be a problem.

[@Vintauri]

For cutting brass, you’ll want to replace the stock blade with a cut off wheel. I found some online and they work well. They are just a bit thicker so it can throw off any marking gauge like the one I used in this video. But if you just keep that in mind and compensate for the difference you are good to go. I’m glad the video gave you some inspiration.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@Vintauri]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheCombatartist]

Well done! I didn’t know you could combine glues like that.

[@Vintauri]

Yep! When done right the CA acts like a quick clamp while the wood glue provides the more structural bond as it cures.

[@Gort54]

Nicely done Steve!

[@Vintauri]

Thanks! I’m sure this will come in handy for many airplane builds as well as general workshop making.

[@lesliek3794]

You could make and sell that. Since I don't have a way to make that set-up myself, I'd buy it.

[@MacProwler1]

Thank you for your input. I am new to this type stuff & just found your site!!

[@marynajarco84]

Wow that's wonderful

[@MarioIArguello]

Great video. Many years back, I did similar with a few of these machines, but using a much longer table to cut not only wood but metal and carbon rods, that come in 1 meter sections, but with a bit more thought into it for the carbon rods because they cut better under water with a diamond or abrassive blade. My table is built with left hand support bridge instead of on the right right, as you have it, this is because I can also hold the material with my left hand and work the up/down of the saw with my right , I am right handed, this also allows the right portion of the material to fall off without restriction or kickback. I notice you are locking the material on the right and holding the fall off pieces on the left, this tends to introduce kickback or restricts the cut if you hold it too tight. I used aluminum C-track and 3D printed stops so I could adjust for specific length of cut. This little mitter saw is great and can be used for more than hobby use if set up and modified properly. Safety is not an option. Must always be in the mind first before working with any tool. I have a saying that goes like this.. "if you know how to tame the tiger, there is no need to fear it".

[@darthmauljr]

I am so glad you did this. I just got one and wanted to make some kind of jig. I will be using your idea for sure. THANKS man.

[@Vintauri]

I’m glad it’s inspired you to make your own jig. It’s really made the mini chop saw far more useful to me.

[@darthmauljr]

@@Vintauri You did a good job. keep it up.

[@geomcc39]

I use it for scale model building and making picture frames etc. Works great for small soft woods ! Too Many people buy one thinking it will work like a full size saw

[@meriem.studio]

You are very creative!

[@Vintauri]

Thank you!

[@Northeastken]

Excellent! Real good job on improving that mini cut off saw. Your video really shows you know your stuff. Thanks! now my wife wants one for her craft room, lol

[@Dlogreen]

that was brilliant and fun to watch!

[@jamiwomack2129]

That was awesome. Thank you so much. Not sure I can make it as nice as you did but am going to try for sure.

[@mariaacosta9483]

Can you demonstrate the mini miter saws that are bigger? They are supposed to cut wood one inch thick! Thanks

[@cindeelurose9851]

Thank you for this video !)) I love your workshop by the way 😀

[@Vintauri]

Thank you, I do enjoy the shop for my various projects and builds!

[@htrabj]

This was great. I was transfixed

[@randallpatrickc]

Neat! I am off to Harbor freight

[@claytonmoore2091]

So great!

[@lucienmiller7704]

Nice work Steve! Looks like a great mod.

[@Vintauri]

Thanks Lucien! I've already found it quite useful!

[@angelhernandez-headden5576]

Do u make those for sale???? That was awesome!!!!

[@Vintauri]

I have not set up my website for offering items like this yet but I hope to soon. Thanks for checking it out!

[@juanjosehernandez46]

awesome job man!!! thanks for sharing!

[@Vintauri]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@emilystubbs5650]

Ohh this is awesome!

[@fountainvalley100]

Awesome modification.

[@Vintauri]

Thanks 👍

[@peterxyz3541]

Thanks! Looking into this drillmaster for an arrow cutter

[@Braedenfish]

I learned u should be selling that set up cause I will not be attempting that work of workshop genius🤣

[@Doubledealer_93]

Hey, how does it work with getting different angle curs the same length every time? Currently modding my own saw and that is a problem I ran into.

[@LarryDillon]

what program did you use to make the ruler svg

[@Vintauri]

I used a Vector Ruler Generator website. I'd have to search for which one it was. I just verified the dimensions in Lightburn after importing.

[@KaniZRC]

This is great tool for rc stuff👍

[@Vintauri]

Thanks, that was my primary reason for making the cut off fence, so I could cut carbon and wood to length for RC builds!

[@KaniZRC]

@@Vintauri can this cut L shaped aluminum? I'm thinking getting this 2" or the 6" off HF..

[@Vintauri]

I have not tried Aluminum yet but I do have some scraps I can test. I also picked up a 2" fiber cut off disc to test out to see if it made any difference as well. I'll try to follow up and let you know.

[@FPChris]

I need to convert one of these to a mini radial arm saw

[@coulterjb22]

How is that little mini Cut off saw working? I might head down tomorrow and get one if yours is still cutting.

[@Vintauri]

I still have this and I use it as needed. Mind you that it’s an occasional use type of thing and not something I use daily. It’s light duty for sure and my use is for cutting light materials for the most part.

[@grassCrow]

you are genius

[@Vintauri]

Well I'm not sure I'm a genius, my wife most often calls me a geek. :D Thanks for checking it out! I'll try to share more nuggets of shop tips as I come up with them!

[@shelondahughes-handy3100]

Can I buy a set up for the same saw from you

[@leslie9423]

Same here, I would love to have this!

[@karlarenfrow8357]

Me too!

[@awilde8815]

Would this cut up to 4mm tool steel pins if the user was patient and went slow?

[@Vintauri]

It's possible with some different cut off wheels. I've used the ones I have linked here to cut carbon and thinner metal rods. Going slow through steel pins might be possible. amzn.to/4byhv22

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Question, I am looking into getting one of these ,but can’t find info on how wide the jaw is , want to see if I can cut HO railway track

[@Vintauri]

The jaw has a limit of about 7/8"

[@fernandoenciso1411]

Great video! Any replacement wheels for this saw????

[@Vintauri]

I've used these cut off wheels for cutting carbon rods in the saw. Also works decent for soft woods and metal. amzn.to/3OkexCT

[@CeoSky]

Hey can someone help me solve a doubt please, I work with these 25 milimeter wide led profiles for upper furniture, they are less than 6mm height but indeed 25mm wide, Can you please confirm if I can fit those 25mm wide into the adjustable clamp space , thank you

[@Vintauri]

The metal clamp on the saw itself only opens up about 21mm in total.

[@davidhogue100]

Very cool, Steve! Have you seen Adam Savage's you tube video where he made a new vise for his? Really nice!

[@Vintauri]

I did watch his video. I’d love to have more metal working tools in the future to go all out like he did!

[@edsherrod5216]

I like the idea here - however seems like one may be out of luck if there is not a table saw available.

[@Vintauri]

I do sell kits with all the wood cut out. Check the link in the description if you are interested.

[@tango-bravo]

Bravo 🙌 well done

[@snesfan45]

Nice video!

[@Vintauri]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for checking it out!

[@mmssej]

That's awesome.

[@wdesigns44]

Outstanding!

[@Vintauri]

Thank you kindly!

[@RoundTownWithMike]

How deep can it actually cut? (What is the thickest piece of wood it will cut?) I need one to cut pen blanks and they are usually 3/4" thick. I see that those advertise that they can cut up to 1/2" but could I put in a bigger blade or do they actually cut 3/4"?

[@Vintauri]

It’s really limited to about 1/2” due to the casing of the motor. You might be able to squeeze a slightly larger blade on there but you’d have to remove more of the plastic housing and then I’d be concerned if the small motor could spin the blade with enough power for a clean cut.

[@RoundTownWithMike]

@@Vintauri Thank You! I really need to cut 3/4" pen blanks safely and accurately at 30* 60*, 45*, etc so I can do segmenting and things like Celtic knots. My chop saw is WAY too aggressive. Anyway, Thanks!

[@emilystubbs5650]

Hey will this saw cut 1/4" x 2" pine at a 45°? ( I can't find any info on how far out the vice grip goes out. )

[@Vintauri]

The blade on this saw is 2" in diameter at the arbor so its straight on cutting capacity is around 1.5". At a 45" angle it would be even less so I'm afraid it would not work for cutting a 45 degree angle across a 2" board. I would recommend looking at the 7.25" miter saws for making those cuts.

[@emilystubbs5650]

@@Vintauri Thank you so much!

[@CJRKENT7697]

How much would you charge to make that unit so I can attach to the cut off saw.

[@Vintauri]

I offer the kit on Etsy with all the parts precut. It's fairly simple to assemble but the last step is attaching the fence that requires your saw to be installed already to ensure the measurements are lined up correctly. So it need to be done with the saw on hand.

[@jaimeduran33]

Great video. Can you please share info on the laser writing machine you used? Like model, name etc. I would really appreciate it

[@Vintauri]

The laser is a generic 60 watt Co2 laser I bought on eBay about 6 years ago. You can check out my 5 year review of it on my channel here. eBay Co2 Laser - 5 Years Later - Was it worth it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4e5hImGrZVgo9U

[@BobMann58]

I just watched your video and was wondering what the measurements of your set up. I'm thinking about buying the saw.

[@Vintauri]

The saw with the table and fence are about 16" x 10". That could be a bit shorter in both directions if needed.

[@LillianKZ123]

Great Video!!! I just bought that mini cut off saw for a Kumiko project i'm working on. Have any advice for making more precise angle cuts? I need to make 45, 22.5, and 67.5 angle cuts.

[@Vintauri]

The only thing I can think of is to have some jigs setup to set the blade angle. You'd need a solid reference plane like this stop block rail to make them work well. You'd place the jig against the blade and the stop block rail to set the angle. Even the larger 12" miter saws are tough to dial in exact angles on.

[@termides]

Everybody on KZbin that buys a harbor freight tool the first thing they do is start trying to make it better.

[@heathertaz9743]

I just bought this mini cut off saw from Harbor Freight & would love to have the set up you added: the ruler/fence/stop block, would you make & sell one? Please let me know what price you would charge

[@Vintauri]

I know this is much delayed but I have made a few kits available on my Etsy shop. www.etsy.com/listing/1255180483/mini-cut-off-saw-stop-block-upgrade-kit

[@isaaccp25]

How much would you charge to make a table for the small cut off saw

[@diorama1125]

good jobbb bro

[@Vintauri]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@phyllismoulton3731]

Hi- would / do you sell that piece you made?? If so, price,& information, please

[@Vintauri]

I do sell the parts to assemble this upgrade to the saw. You can find it on my Etsy shop here. www.etsy.com/listing/1255180483/

[@scottmichael7178]

your kit on etsy comes with everything right ? Just needs to be put together ? I would really like one

[@Vintauri]

You still need to provide the mini chop saw but it includes all the wood parts and hardware to put it together.

[@scottmichael7178]

@@Vintauri of course, i meant everything but the saw👍

[@julieliyang3898]

Do you sell these? Can I buy it from you? I’m serious, I have no tools and small children that are disabled so I make small crafts and don’t have large tools to make this. Thank you

[@Vintauri]

I’ll see if I can make up a kit to offer. Shipping is the killer on things this size.

[@julieliyang3898]

@@Vintauri thank you!

[@tammyloftin9036]

Interested in buying this if you sell it

[@Vintauri]

I have made a few kits available on Etsy if you are still interested. Thank you! www.etsy.com/listing/1255180483/mini-cut-off-saw-stop-block-upgrade-kit

[@tammybowman3814]

I've been looking into one of these for my small diy crafts & projects. What is the maximum width that will fit I'm the machine? Can you cut a paint stick?

[@Vintauri]

It has a 2" blade but your maximum cut would be around 1 1/4" without flipping it over. I think a paint stick would be doable without issue.

[@tammybowman3814]

@@VintauriPerfect!! Thank you so very much. Have a blessed day.

[@ericaschultz1426]

Is this saw too small to cut 1x1's or 1x2's (wood)?

[@Vintauri]

This saw would be too small for cutting 1x1's. It's really meant for small items that are under 1/2" in thickness or depth.

[@leslie9423]

Can you make another and sell it to me? 😉😉😉

[@Vintauri]

I am looking into offering kits of the parts for others to assemble. Thanks for asking.