Harbor Freight Tubing Notcher Modifications

The inexpensive Harbor Freight Tubing Notcher can be a useful tool for the fabricator that doesn't want to spend a lot of money on a high end tool. This is a perfect alternative for someone who doesn't do enough tubing work to justify the more expensive notchers. With a little time and some simple modification, this tool is perfectly capable of producing top quality notches in most tubing materials.

[@Sunrayman123]

Your presentation and descriptive vocabulary was SPOT ON. No more or less was required to exactly describe your modifications. You're a pro who makes it all so easy to understand.

[@danmoreton1788]

Your video shows "we" can always bump up the performance of our lesser tools with a bit of work. Thanks for the demo!

[@dieseldaddy4205]

Thank you for educating the masses. What it showed me is that YOU ARE A REAL OLD SCHOOL MECHANIC,,,and not today's parts changers. It is obvious that you can OBSERVE AND OVERCOME the dilemmas we older guys have been faced with for years in actually FIXING AN EVIDENT PROBLEM. Thank you again for posting a video showing how a REAL MECHANIC handles everyday issues. Looking forward to more!!!

[@fuhaotan6546]

yes

[@JHV166]

Thank you for the kind words Frank.. It's the way I was trained (back when your foreman could hit you if you messed up...LOL)

[@matthewgray1990]

Dang 13 years ago and I just bought what looks like the same exact one yesterday 😂👍🏻

[@TheWoodWerker]

U Rock Jim! Gonna pic one up soon! Thanks for sharing with Us!........ Gus

[@1musicsearcher]

I have the same HF notcher and made the spacer using thick and thin washers. Nice video. Thanks.

[@facesmasher4216]

thanks Jim for the great review i just got me one of these and i thought about its modification to address its weakessness your video tackled really good 💪

[@tbirdracefan]

I don't work with round tubing often but this simple cheap tool looks to be perfect for me. Thanks for the tips!

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

I purchased the HFT notcher a couple years ago which I have never used. I am preparing to do a job for aircraft tubing so I really appreciate the tips, especially the center trueing and lubrication ideas. Great vid-You are a good teacher. -Christian

[@simpleinseattle]

Great video! I really appreciate people like you who take the time to share your knowledge and opinions with others. Cheers!

[@joelouis6106]

Thanks Jim , you have touched some important points that the weekend warrior would have over looked....

[@JHV166]

Thanks Joe. I hope that people learn and can save money and time

[@jdwisdom9433]

A good video. Concise, direct, informative.

[@Freelancelance]

Thanks for the review and tips... It is a good tube notcher, for the hobbiest, and with your quick fix and tips... It will last a long time, and for the price can't be beat! thanks again!

[@CraigLumpyLemke]

Screws vs Bolts - Actually, yours are Machine Screws. Screws thread into a threaded frame, part, machine etc. Bolts thread into a nut. You were correcter than you thunked. Thanks - Lumpy

[@jimharvey6368]

Thanks Lumpy! Listen up kids! Im RIGHT even when I thonk I'm wrong! 🤣

[@snakerstran9101]

But Lumpy. How do the bolts / screws know if they are going into a frame or a nut? Your gonna give 'em nightmares.

[@MarshWildman]

Thanks for showing us how to make it more accurate.

[@magwamagwa45110]

making a small rack for my side by side this is just the kind of info and tool i need to do like 4 notches thank you for sharing this info .. great video...

[@imprtracer2000]

thanks. recently bought one of these although I havnt used it yet. glad I saw this before I had the opportunity to use it

[@tylermccall2484]

Thank your for your time making the video. Very helpful.

[@eldigitom9680]

thx for reviewing, up till now hadn't even considered HF

[@JHV166]

eldigitom glad you enjoyed it. For occasional use and careful setup you'll have great success.

[@grassroots9304]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to make and post this video. I have one of these I bought for a project about the time you made this video, 12 years ago or so. I used it for one job and set it on a shelf w a bunch of other junk. After watching this, I'll bust it out and go over it...I may have a better tool than I thought. Oh, and those are "bolts" not "screws".

[@black88coupe]

Two thumbs up on the video. Nice job showing what can be done with a little forethought. Some of the best tools in my shop aren't the most expensive ones. I will also buy this notcher and tweak it to suit my needs- just like you did. Thanks again for the vid.

[@BoricuaSalsa]

Good work. I did the quick fix on mine I used washers and it worked fine had I had the time and materials I would have definetly done the plate. Thanks for taking the time :)

[@DoItWithDerek]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks for posting!

[@snakeoil24]

Very good video. Thank You for your experience. The shim is very good, it solves the flexing issue.

[@MrHarborFreight]

Absolutely Excellent Video! Very informative! You did a great job! Thanks for the Learning session!

[@eln74]

Mr. Jarvey you just helped me decide on buying this notcher from HF, also very well mado video and explanation of details, tnx bro for sharing it with the world!!!

[@JHV166]

glad this helped you. best of luck.

[@hotrodjim58]

Good vid Jim. Answers some questions I had. You are right. If you are using this tool every day, then spend the big bucks to buy one, but for guys like me working on their own projects in their home garages, this is perfect. Also, a plate is always better than washers in my humble opinon

[@Tepulevengador]

te felicito es bueno que gente como tu nos oriente a nivel tecnico,gracias desde mexico

[@JunkStarBuilds]

Thanks, for the response...Also, i saw your band saw video in conjunction with the fabricated band saw stand. I will be getting that set up for sure..its a perfect combo for a small shop.

[@lvalle1994]

Thanks for this, if there's a way to improve cheap tools to get great results then that's a plus 👍

[@garyfraser341]

i bought one of the originals called "ye old joint jigger" i use it in my drill press and have it all bolted to the table in a very solid fashion. i use the good bi metal saws and use wd 40 to lube with and it keeps the blade cool and clean. i just spray the shaft as well.i use it a lot and never had an issue with it. had no need to shim it at all. must have got lucky. it was a bit more $ though than the hf model lol. great video and great explanations. like you said if you are doing this stuff everyday then buy a really good one. even mine is not for everyday use. thanks again.

[@rdspeedfab]

Fantastic review. Thank you for sharing!

[@ebrown2469]

Thanks for this video. I am getting ready to build a roll cage and needed a cheap way to notch the tubing (DOM). This looks like it may work well for me. Thanks for your upgrade.... I will use your method.

[@raymondpetersen3543]

Some people said they would of used washers which was my first thought too. But I think what he did was a better idea for the long run. For me i have always used my drill press with 2 pieces angle welded to a flat steel plate with a hole in the center of it. Works great for me. I also use a 1/8 inch larger hole saw than the tubing size it seems to fit up better. I always like to see these videos and thanks for taking the time for posting it. Also pay no mind to the negative comments.

[@badbreathbilly]

Great vid Jim Harvey !!! This is exactly what I need in my garage for some projects I'm working on. Good to know I can hit up Harbor Freight and save some scratch.

[@dialeonor6768]

Thx for the video, I like that you pointed out the how it comes unpackaged! many times in retail the item is returned for something so simple!!! seriously! I kinda agree with the washers resolve... anyway, your video was to the point and got the demo done!

[@SteveK1953]

Very good review, good information and tweaks !

[@cmsracing]

Great info! Hade mine for years and have never used it! Time to get it out!

[@Metalunique]

Sold, I'm gettin' one this weekend!! Thanx for the info.

[@Kntryhart]

Thanks for posting this video! The one I bought was out of alignment by 0.095 inch. I used flat washers to shim. I am using mine on a bench-mounted drill press. I had to bend the angle plate to get it plumb with the quill. The top brass bushing spun out after the third cut. I think it will be useful once I get it rebuilt. Regards.

[@ljohnson820]

Technically they are hex head cap screws, so you are correct calling them screws. Screw is the angular movement around a cylinder. Ships move by rotating a screw(propeller). Bolt is a cylinder shaped object, rifle bolt, door bolt, bolt of fabric, etc. Screw is the function, bolt is the shape.

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

Great demo. Done by a real craftsman. And good point about using quality hole saw. An explanation of bi-metal saws would add to it. Most people don't know why they should pay more for this. I have found the Harbor Freight white bi-metal hole saws to be good. Probably not better than a Lennox or Milwaukee, but far better than plain carbon steel saws.

[@tlsalt]

Great video. I have been thinking about getting one of these for a long time. Now that i watched your video i am going to get one. Thank you

[@starlessredbrush]

Excellent. Top work here!

[@raysult]

Great video ! Very helpful.... Thanks.

[@timhodge8128]

Very informative JIm, thanks... :)

[@karlackdamack4238]

Great Video and review. I have a bunch of Harbor Freight Hand tools but haven't tried to many of their other pieces. This seems like it would be a tool worth the money. I have the bead roller and edger from them and it works fine. My next trip to the store just might put a Tubing Notcher in the cart.

[@4seasonsbbq]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@JeffinTD]

Great video. I’d heard on the newer ones this had been corrected, but I just got one and discovered it has this problem. Overall for the money it’s useful, but I’m surprised HF hasn’t fixed this.

[@lal5555f]

thats badass ive been using a grinder this will save me so much time!!!!!!

[@Mentorcase]

I love the word "snot" it fits so well in so many applications. lol.

[@joeroberts37]

+1 on using a Lennox hole saw. We were consuming 2-3 hole saws per day at work. Switched over to Lennox, and now we replace a hole saw ~5-6 days. There are times were it pays to use a higher quality tool. Good tips.

[@gospeedracer40]

Hey great video thanks for your info!

[@JohnLopez-jt1cj]

thanks 4 da info,dats something I'm lookn forward to,I'll know now wut 2 expect,thanks...

[@MaeveTremayne]

What I did was made a L bracket by welding a 3/4 tube 90 degrees onto a 1 inch tube, then used washers to fill the gap you filled. Was very accurate.

[@JHV166]

Cody, as you're saying you build enclosures for horses etc, then your method is fine. I was under the impression you were building for automotive. And an 8k notcher is WAAAY overkill for chassis work...kind of like a gold plated hammer. It won't drive a nail any better than a plain hammer, but it sure impresses the audience .good luck in all your endeavors.

[@Turl2]

Great video...very useful. I bought one of these last week (although I paid £90!) and I've shimmed the clamp as you have to get a good centreline. I still find that even though the clamp, tube and holesaw shaft are all at 90 degrees I don't quite get a 90 degree cut. I could compensate but its trial and error every time I set a new angle. Maybe I need to get the saw closer to the job before I start. Still a great tool.

[@Kntryhart]

Excellent presentation...Thanks!

[@tradmanmike3360]

GREAT STRAIGHT FORWARD VIDEO!!! THANK YOU!!! NEW SUB.

[@johnwarfield7742]

Great Video ..... your instruction is superb, thank you !

[@JHV166]

John Warfield thank you for your kind words. It's truly gratifying when people feel that they have not wasted their time and have learned something useful

[@ed9958]

great video, really nice cut for the price & faster than figuring & cutting by hand, worth the investment. Saw info was great as well.

[@JHV166]

Thank you Ed. I'm happy that 9 years after this was originally posted, people are STILL learning and enjoying it.. Best to you.

[@ZeeCaptainRon]

Jim Harvey sez "This is haw we do it in joy-see, ya see?" Thanks for the video.

[@motomahem83]

Nice video! I'm going to just space it out with washers instead tho :)

[@suleshangodoyin]

Good view, thanks. It's me, Sule Shangodoyin.

[@adkrick5331]

Thank you for the information video...well done.

[@JHV166]

thanks

[@raysplace6548]

Well, I've got 2- $50 gift cards to H.F. Your video, has pretty much sold me on the notcher.. 🍻🍻.. Thanks for the upload.

[@johnt9810]

Great video. Shim fix, which I think is better than washers (but washers would work too), could possibly be made more accurate with a little measuring and math. I understand the whole point is to bring the centerpiece of the V clamp in line with the centerpiece of the shaft. For those advocating washers remember, most washers are stamped out and will not be flat and will need to be dressed Good video

[@erikconchas3880]

Great video.

[@NeverSquid]

Good review, thanks!

[@boneal4942]

Thankyou, Great vid!

[@stevenhatfield1961]

Hole saw update. Found that manufactures rarely tell you if their hole saw sets take a threaded arbor or take an arbor with flat sides that locks in to flats on the hole saw. Found both styles at the big box stores and you don't know without breaking open the box. Clerks give dirty looks but they couldn't tell me either. Buying on the internet you rarely see them marked. Pretty dicey. Thanks for the help guys!

[@jola689]

would be nice if there was an adapter to use either.

[@SadekMediouni]

thanks a lot for the demo :)

[@marty01957]

Good review , Thanks Jim!

[@alishajahore9149]

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[@jimharvey7507]

My sentiments exactly.

[@jimharvey7507]

Thanks Martin, Glad you enjoyed it.

[@wb8ujb]

I've had mine for several years now. Found the same problem and did the same solution with the shim. It works great, have used it a lot and no problems. This thing will not (at least for me) work in the drill press. Not enough feel of the cut to control pressure. I would love to find some hole saws with fine teeth. Large teeth with this notcher causes a lot of stress on the clamps. Good video, right on the money with your analogy of this tool.

[@wb8ujb]

Thanks for the tip. Going to search for them now. :)

[@Metalunique]

I just picked up this notcher. Got it on sale for $44. Gonna try this lil' trick and definitely going to use lennox.

[@chevyvictor]

great info thanks. hi from NZ

[@evtribon9155]

Something I have noticed about "Chinese" hacksaw blades & hole saws is that they are tempered differently from most American products. Meaning they are less flexible and therefore are more brittle. The ones I use seem to stay sharper longer if you just slow down the feed rate and keep the lube flowing. Mine hold up to American brands if I use a lighter touch on the feed rate.

[@rangerstl07]

LOL! "Just like in the cooking shows, I have got one that I've already done..."

[@bravecat100]

They have hole saws with a drill bit in the center. They're great for notching in low quantities on the cheap. Remember to drill pilot holes on both sides first.

[@TheCabinetmaster]

Good thorough, to the point, Video. I always say Harbor Freight has some useful tools, some tools that are great ideas and most of them can be tweaked a little and beefed up here and there by most any Craftsman to get years of good solid use out of. If it's a tool you need for your everyday proffession, you could start out with the Harbor freight models, earn a little capital and then invest in the real nice brand tool, (you'll also then appreciate the high end ones a little more too).

[@aztekwarrior518]

I spent fifteen minutes trying to figure the tool out, because that collar was packed flipped over as you noted .. wish i had watched video first 👍

[@FISHBREATHH]

nice job on the vid, thanks

[@DaFonz29]

Thank you! Needed this lol mine was cutting not center

[@JHV166]

Thanks Kevin! Good catch, but I'm farsighted (hence the magnifying glass...but thats probably what you meant lol!) As for the skateboard, unfortunately, that belonged to my son...if it had been my old skateboard, it would have had steel wheels!...so you DID get the "OLD" part spot on! Thank you for watching

[@MakerTable]

Good info, I love hacking HB tools

[@rockymontana1]

Hi Jim I just found your channel and subbed.I like you buy some tools thru Harbor Freight and I have had a good laugh at some of the things I bought and sent back.I remember buying an air lift for one end of a car and just looking at it I could see the welding was pretty good but as far as square goes forget about it.I was shocked to see what passed an inspection.I figure since I already had the jack I wanted to see how it would lift the front of one of my cars.Wow ,I was a little scared it picked the car up so fast I thought it would go up into my storage space in the garage.LOL...I sent it back and didn't ask for a replacement after seeing how crooked all the welding was.I really wonder if they had students at a school in whatever country it came from weld it together.I guess square means something else over there....I do have a lot of other tools from H/F and I am happy with them and they are cheap enough if it goes wrong,you just throw it out and get another one.Oh I do have gOOd name brand tools as well ,but I don't worry about H/Fs tools if they break or someone gloms one.Anyway I look forward to seeing more of your video's...Thanks for this one,I was thinking of buying a tubing notcher from them as well.

[@theflyinwop]

Thanks for the front research work. Paisano

[@bud1412]

Good job, thanks

[@snakerstran9101]

I got one of these, worth the price. You have to look at it as a improvement over cutting by hand, not a substitution for high end. The bearing lube is key, lube liberally. I found the biggest limitation was the design of the clamp band. It can't be removed or bigger spots / bends won't slip through it. I cut the sides at the top and added bolt on brackets. Now I can disassemble the clamp and reassemble on the spot of the tube.

[@chevyman6975]

What a fantastic video you couldn't have promoted that piece of equipment no better you should get paid for showing them guys how to fix their new tool themselves great video unbelievable I got to run get me one doing a roll bar thanks a bunch

[@JHV166]

IT's so good to know that even after years, this video is still helping people utilize their tools more efficiently. Thank you for the nice comment. Yeah, if I had been smarter, I would have monetized these video! LOL Take your time with the toll bar and it will come out just fine! Happy New Year!

[@GaryLeventhal]

Nice work

[@Craigpasold]

you could mill, sand or grind down the block that holds the drill shaft as well. I think that would be the most accurate way to get the centers aligned.

[@gamble1997]

@JHV166 In case people don't have the tools to cut out the metal with a plasma or a dremel or saw or someone just wants a quick fix. I think I'm going to buy this notcher. Thanks for the video!

[@parajeeper]

I always accept that what I buy from Harbor Freight will need a little love but, for the savings, it’s worth it

[@kerryroberts4540]

ive used something similar and its awesome drill presses are for shop this is for field

[@alcoppa2682]

Thank you for the tips. Yes, washers might have been used, but I don't think that they would have been as stable.

[@thunder43dwayne]

very good video thank u

[@jeremyxman]

Very helpful! Thanks

[@Quarterlb18]

Kool video love it

[@070basemetal]

Interesting. I have never used a notcher like this before. I have used hydraulic ones that shear the notch in, hand lever action shearing ones, belt sander type, and the old-fashioned angle grinder free hand. If the hole saws get a pretty long life this might be worth a shot in my home set-up.

[@MrXenophile]

I made a motorcycle frame with one of these...worked great.