The High Cost of Cheap Tools

[@Jay-kk2rd]

John, I was just talking about your channel with a fellow smith (although he is much more skilled than I) and he asked if I had seen your channel. “Of course” I said. I then told him that I have been watching you since beginning this journey 5-6 years ago, and I have found you to be an honest smith who doesn’t mind letting you watch while you figure stuff out”. Good for you John. You have provided so much guidance and advice over the years. Keep it up! You should be proud of the contribution you have made to the community.

[@bigoldgrizzly]

As my grandad used to say " I can't afford to buy cheap tools - buy well and buy once" Where I do get great value is in hunting vintage and quality tools in car boot/yard sales and the like. It does mean a lot of repair and restoration but you do learn a lot about the tool while doing it. eg my 10" bench grinder is 60 years old and cost me £10 plus £5 for new bearings and some time rewiring it and a lick of paint. The wheels it came with needed dressing and balancing but it is now in great order to serve many years more.

[@toddcaldwell5614]

The 126lbs anvil is the only Vevor tool in my shop. For what I do I can't complain . Thanks for the honest review and opinion . That's why your channel is the one I take advice and learn from

[@6Sally5]

I bought a Vevor 7x14 metal lathe through Temu for $500. When it was delivered, the lathe had come loose from its mounting in the shipping crate….which also didn’t have any packing material around it. There was a bit of sheet metal damage, but maybe not anything more serious. I contacted Temu, and they refunded my money and let me keep the lathe. I’m pretty good with that.

[@edwinvazquez8874]

I bought the same one but off of Amazon instead and it came in well bolted and in great condition I wonder if it was the shipping company fault or you just happen to be one of the unlucky ones

[@JordyAuto]

My grandfather was a regular guy, teacher and principal. But he did have some old USA made craftsmen and snap on tools that got handed down to me. They work great and are still in phenomenal condition. Really made me conscious of buying quality USA made tools. Bite the bullet now, but have tools I’d be proud to hand down to my grandchildren.

[@n2omike]

Tool choice depends on how often it's going to be used. For occasional use, Vevor/Harbor Freight is the way to go. For something that is going to get constant use, name brand is a good move. Sometimes the less expensive tool allows you to get the job done and saves tons of money. Not everyone can afford a $2,500 plasma cutter that's going to get used once a year, but they can fork out $150 for a tool that will work 'just fine' and get the job done. Hard to beat the right cheap angle grinders, engine hoists/stands, Daytona jacks and jack stands, corded power tools, vehicle lifts, low use specialty tools, etc... basically anything that isn't going to have constant use.

[@FarmBossSaws]

I’ve found that cheap angle grinders cause more vibration and are hard on my hands after grinding for a few minutes.

[@Notdave29]

Absolutely love my cheap harbor freight tools. So many projects have gotten done that never would have been able to happen if I had to purchase quality tools to do the job. The only good quality tools that I ever buy are the ones for my daily work.

[@WillS-x9y]

Yup. Tool snobs are trash.

[@williambenson1477]

many people forget the magic is the hands of the artist, not in expensive shiny new toys...

[@n2omike]

I have a mix of name brand and Vevor/Harbor Freight tools. If it's something you use on a constant basis, name brand is the way to go. For something that's used on occasion, the cheaper tool makes sense. I needed to bust up a bunch of concrete. I bought a $150 electric Vevor jack hammer. It weighs around 55lbs and does the job. Using a 20lb sledge to crack the concrete, then this tool to open the cracks was the way to go! I don't see how they can sell it for that. FAR better than trying to pulverize all that concrete with the big sledge. Paid for itself on the first use. Tons and tons of other examples. Sometimes 'good enough' is good enough, and allows you to do the job yourself and not go broke.

[@imbrandon16]

Harbor freight shit has made leaps and bounds in the last 5 or so years, I don’t hesitate to buy harbor freight shit nearly as much as I used ti

[@ramblincapuchin9075]

It's a poor man's mentality not to invest in proper working order. This is why I'm not fond of the current market scheme. Everything is single use and made to order, which in turn translates into the way we approach projects. When companies know that their workers are layabout, mindless drones, they employ a similar policy about their overhead Builders are literally paid for idiot proofing which sterilizes the way we think about labor. Nothing is a case by case basis where the individual is rewarded for his/her insight. Laborers are employed to pad the margins. Useful idiots who can fix the hell out of a truck but know jack diddly about balancing a check book What I'm getting at is a cheap mentality makes it so that everything we interact with is homogenized. A very un-american approach to industry. When you have quality products you can afford specialized procedures. You're not wasting time making return trips to the store, you have the right whatchamacallit to get the job done It's the difference between a floor jack and one of those fix a flat tire style ones. How many of you would want to work at a shop that doesn't have a lift? Or insists that you buy your own compressor? If you don't want to do all the extra steps in a working environment, why would that mentality not apply to what you use in the field/on-site? The whole reason businesses succeed is because the investors _planned_ their outfit to be accommodating. They want their production to turn things around for profit so they don't skimp on quality where it's not trivial Someone once told us that the more money you earn the more things cost. I think in general, people like you just don't want to take the extra steps and plan for the workload. You just want to brag about how you can giterdone

[@yrrosimyarin]

Heh, I met a guy who sells used anvils. I told him I'd learned everything I know about blacksmithing from your channel. He said you were great, except for selling people on vevor anvils :-) Personally I'm having a great time in my hobbyist shop with my vevor grinder, my amazon forge, and my harbor freight anvil and hammers. I appreciate when people give cheap stuff honest reviews - it's easy to find out the good stuff, but it's harder to separate out the "good enough" stuff from the "complete crap." I probably would have better quality used gear if I'd gone to blacksmithing conventions to start, but I can't imagine doing that without the 6 months of figuring things out with cheap tools and youtube. I am a big believer in "just start doing stuff" and figure out the best way/gear after you know enough to have an opinion.

[@sherlock1159]

I really like the sponsorship policy you’ve come up with, it directly targets your audience in a way that they’ll actually care about the sponsors, great video John!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@TonyUrryMakes]

I appreciate your ethics. I learn more than blacksmithing from you often.

[@daividmenendez6791]

I just took my first blacksmithing class over the weekend and I’m hooked! I’ve watched a couple of your videos and I’m glad you’re around giving solid advice. It really does help someone like myself who is just now getting into smithing, I appreciate your work.

[@shortfuse43]

With blacksmithing, you either love it or not. Looks like you're hooked, now let John "set the hook". You couldn't pick a better smith to learn about blacksmithing than John. Stick with him.

[@fredfchopin]

I bought the vevor stick welder after I saw your review and watched about a dozen other similar reviews of the same welder, although I just realized that I got the 200amp version so that may be why I'm a lot happier with it. It definitely does exactly what I need it to do and is perfect for my current setup, although someday I'll buy a better multi-process welder probably. What's helped me the most though is channels like yours that post reviews of these types of tools. That way I can determine in advance if a tool is worth buying, how well it works (especially if those same channels have follow-up videos later on), and if there are things that I can do to modify that tool relatively easily that will substantially improve it. Ever since the beginning of youtube, I don't think I've ever bought a tool where I didn't know precisely how it would perform and what I had to do to it in order to get that level of performance, and I've never made a purchase that I ended up regretting or that didn't measure up to exactly what I expected. I think it really goes to show just how valuable videos like this really are to hobbyists like myself.

[@armageddontools]

HUGONG makes cheaper welders that actually work great.

[@fngrusty42]

Love it, started as a carpenter, many times i needed tools but didnt have the money, so bought the best i could now at 70, i hate to get rid of the good tool but have no need for them. Funny life

[@jwm6314]

I have a tooliom multiprocess welder and I love it. I don't make my living welding, I just need to make occasional repairs using mig, stick, and fluxcore wire (depending on the job) and I've successfully repaired a lot of equipment on the farm with it. Even hard faced a bucket running it constantly. Cost isn't just a number. It's a function of purpose AND cost.

[@johnrcoben]

I've really come to chafe at the phrase "A poor craftsman blames his tools". It was probably much more true in the past.

[@WillS-x9y]

You have it backwards. Tools are More accessible than ever before. Take that mag drill. I have it. I use it commercially. I spent $170 bucks on it. A “branded” one runs $900 bucks. That $170 tool is 95% as good as the fancy expensive o e.

[@johnrcoben]

@@WillS-x9y I mean that in the past people needed tools they could rely on because they couldn't mail/internet order anything and most people lived and worked in agricultural areas. That's why people buy lower quality tools now, if it breaks you can just drive over to the store and buy something else. I do think that this also drives up the price of high quality tools because not as many people are buying them.

[@AmalgmousProxy]

''The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.' - Benjamin Franklin

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Great Video John...I bought an old Harbor freight welder but my goal is to modify it with capacitors and upgrades...I found a Mag Drill on FB marketplace from a company that was going out of business and I was able to buy it for a really great price if I could get to the guys place before he left to get on a plane to Europe. I got there with minutes to spare and bought a name brand MAG drill for I believe $200...When I purchase something from an import company I already realize I am going to have to grind the bubble gum welds and re-weld everything...I just did that with a brush hog that came from an auction for a friend..-John

[@peterpeterson7665]

Thanks for the insight. I am not a blacksmith but have a small fabrication workshop. Heres a few great tools ive gotten from vevor: pipe stands - do what there meant to do as good as any other. machine skates - moved a 4500kg panbrake across the shop on my own with a big prybar. Not gonna use them often so fit for purpose. Rotary tool. Not so good: pipe/tube belt sander. But like you said gets the job done until i fork out some real cash.

[@billwoehl3051]

For my Mr. Volcano forge, I made a foot long copper tube for the connecting hose to the burner, and bought a 30# regulator with braided hose for safety.

[@myownspiritlevel]

I have some outstanding Harbor Freight tools in both my woodworking shop and my smithy. I’ve been pleased with my Central Machinery bandsaw, 6” jointer, the metal cutting band saw, and the $15 grinders that won’t die. My Hercules 12” sliding compound miter saw is as good as any of the bigger brands. I bought a cheap Amazon plasma cutter/stick welder and a cheap TIG welder. No complaints after years of use. My job site tools are all the best I can buy: Festool, Dewalt, Bosch, Paslode, etc. Can’t have my tools breaking on the job.

[@TiltedSaltMine]

Ive been looking into starting my blacksmithing journey and stumbled across this channel. It has been an incredible resource and I love how honest and educational you are. Thank you John!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@WonderingShadow]

Thank you for being an honest and straightforward person John and I’m wishing this channel and your other channels all the best moving forward!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us John, glad you are passing it on instead of trashing things. I have to make do sometimes myself and work up to the better tool. Good luck to those who get the tools and hopefully they can use them. Stay safe and keep up the fun around there. Fred.

[@sea_bass21]

I can mostly agree with what you said. I own quite a few Vevor tools and honestly, I think they're great! I have the plasma cutter you showed, the top tig, and top mig combo welders and I have no complaints. I also own their dehydrator and it's meh and my mother owns their 36" griddle and she loves it. This is a decent company that makes tools suitable for a DIYer or hobbyist. Totally worth it. I have welded two full exhausts and multiple other projects with no issue. I'm no pro, but they work really well.

[@qzb2ymig]

One of the top lessons I learned from my dad is that life is too short to use cheap tools.

[@BlackBearForge]

So very true

[@justawoodsman]

I started blacksmithing about 4 months ago, but i have definitely learned so much from your channel! In my opinion you are the best channel for beginners to learn from

[@BlackBearForge]

Enjoy the journey

[@coyotecanuck]

Always prefer when review is about a thing the person actually likes rather than something they were paid to say they like. Keep up the great work making good videos!

[@whiskeyinthejar24]

I bought a cheapo mishto gasless mig/MMA welder to use in my outdoor blacksmithing area at my old house. I previously used my entry level gas mig welder for everything. I'm very happy with the cheap welder for what it cost. I'm a hobbyist not a tradesman though.

[@steveRBForge]

Im still new to blacksmithing but have been doing other metal work for some time. I bought what was a cheap import plasma cutter because I was not sure how useful it would be. I guess I’m lucky five years later it still runs great. I did buy a made in the USA forge, I have a Mr. Volcano about the same size as the vevor you have. I’m very happy with my forge. Since I don’t have any power tools for forging I work with 1/2” or smaller steel so I’m happy. Someday I will build a coal forge so I can do large projects, I hope. Thanks for the video.

[@erikcourtney1834]

This is why I love this channel. John is honest and doesn’t sugar coat things. I’m a 19 year boilermaker/welder by trade (among other things) but I completely agree with everything in this video.

[@gideonevans9717]

What local? I'm 242!

[@samuelsnyder5169]

L104 shout out. Lol

[@erikcourtney1834]

Local 40. Was 3 year apprentice with local 20 (sheet metal worker) after high school then I jumped trades

[@LOGDOG131]

Hello from L128

[@patriciamay638]

It also depends on the what the tools are being used. Professionals need contractor grade for longevity and precision. Diys like me can get away with base model plus one. Yes, I've toasted a few of them and replaced the particular high use tool with a better model.

[@joannishansen453]

I like your videos. Good honest talk with a good tone :) and a lot of useful information

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@CJBanks-nc5re]

I have to say in most cases I agree with you about cheap tools. I will also state that I have two Chicago electric portable welders that I purchased from harbor freight tools. And for my purposes and the number of times per year that I use them, they are perfectly fine. I also agree with you that they are not anywhere near the quality of a brand name like Hobart or Lincoln. For the hobbyist like myself, for the price they are hard to beat. I enjoy watching your videos and benefiting from your experiences, keep up the good work and I'll keep watching.

[@doylerabjohn3435]

I definitely agree....The only time I get cheap tools today, is when I bought tools in bulk like for example... Sometimes I buy shed full of tools or small Warehouse.

[@MrMeat-pv3ni]

Im on my 3rd belt sander, 4th on its way. Get what you pay for. Reviews can be deceiving. I really hope the one being delivered today is "the one". Love you channel.

[@armageddontools]

If you have skills to make it do it yourself ,atleast you know how to fix it if it gets broken and there is like 1 bilion videos on internet how to make one.From wood to high end laser cut plates and cad files.

[@MrMeat-pv3ni]

@armageddontools I agree. I make and modify 90% of my equipment. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to over build and ends up costing more. Lol Thank for the words of wisdom

[@AlarKemmotar]

I bought a cheap belt sander about 30 years ago at a tool sale and I've used it extensively ever since. The problem isn't that it breaks, but that it's just not very good. The platform is wobbly and it's underpowered, but it's just good enough that I haven't gone out and bought another one.

[@MarzNet256]

Excellent video. A tool in the hand is certainly better than one in a drawer.

[@Lev53420]

I got the 66lb blue vevor anvil and my first forge was the single burner vevor forge. I still use the anvil but I did get another 3 burner forge. But I upgraded the hose on the single burner to a steel breaded hose with reg and it worked great. I still use it every once in a while but I use 3 burner more often now. But until I have the money to buy a good anvil or i find one in my local area I gotta stick with the beat up 66lb vevor anvil

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Right in the middle of this video a commercial popped up and guess who it was? Vevor!!! I know, You Tube is in charge of those commercials but I chuckled when it popped. up.

[@brittsellers3627]

One major tip I can give when buying tools that are more expensive such as welders or similar is to look at used and if you don’t know you’re looking at then talk to someone that knows. For example, there’s many old Lincoln tombstone welders for $100. These are old welders that have lasted for years. We got lucky and got a good welder for free, but the leads were shot.

[@mikelastname]

Love your ethics and approach to sponsorship. If you get some time, it would be great to see what "expensive/quality" tools you do use, enjoy using, and help your workflow.

[@christopherguy1217]

I've found over the years that it's expensive to be cheap. You buy the cheap tools then you end up buying the proper tools, you also lost the time working with the crappy tools.

[@jonathonrossebo1783]

Buying quality name brand tools is a good insurance policy.

[@Jon2jammy]

Thanks John for the very good info as usual. Cheap tools can be good?? starters to learn with so people can have a better idea what is better for what they need and is that tool the type they need. If a cheap tool gets wrecked by mishandling( or teaching it to fly, thrown or kicked outa the shop😊) you can learn and better appreciate good tools.

[@lyleharkness-rv5vf]

I respect your policy on less expensive tools 👍 They have their place, like you've said, for testing the waters to see if the function is something you can use. Good video, I enjoy your content 😊

[@glencrandall7051]

Good comments all. Thank you for sharing.🙂🙂

[@iraqiforever3665]

Iam from IRAQ and my eyes looking to your workshop 😊.. you have many amazing wood tools ❤

[@rafaelkestafa]

I had an old transformer arc welder from when my dad used to do repairs at home. For me that was the push I needed to buy a mig welder. I saw how useful it was to me that needed up spending several hundres from a 0$ cost machine lol. Just like you with the plasma cutter.

[@KeithSkates]

I started blacksmithing with a Vevor 88lb steel anvil. It's been an amazing little anvil for my little garage shop so far. I wouldn't mind eventually getting something a little bigger, but so far as quality goes it's surprisingly good.

[@CelticArmory]

I got their 2 burner forge. Works great, though it does have a very minor leak around the regulator. I may change that up some day.

[@brianadamsjr2664]

Thanks for all the honesty and hard work you put into your videos, Jon. Much appreciated 👏

[@1crazypj]

It's always been true that 50% of something is much better than 100% of nothing. I can't afford to buy 'nice' tools for hobby work particularly since retirement. My wife resents what I spend on even cheap tools (it was kinda funny when I told her I was spending $900 on a cheap mill 20+ years ago, she was convinced she could find one cheaper, then saw 'real' mills were $25,000 +)

[@samuelmellars7855]

Thinking about cheap tools: (Not blacksmith tools, but) I bought a cheap circular saw. I later bought a (still somewhat cheap, but more than twice as expensive) battery circular saw. The improvement in quality is so so worth it! The same "buy once cry once" applies even more for consumables, like saw blades. Cheap hacksaw vs Bahco hacksaw, the oscilating multitool blades that came with the tool compared to some makita brand ones, even just the handles on scrapers can make a massive difference! Of course, for the one-off jobs, if you can't rent the best tool cheaply, buying a cheap tool might be enough to get you by

[@conmanumber1]

Fuller tools is Harbor freight grade. The Fuller pro 40 piece combination 3/8 metric / standard socket set is insane as it has lifetime warranty. I have 4 sets and never a breakage in sockets.

[@akbychoice]

Used a lot of different welders in a fab shop, Lincoln’s, miller’s, Hobart but my favorite was the PowCon, but they were bought out and eliminated.

[@runningbird501]

Import tool shopping is an in person experience, the bad ones usually scream garbage once it's in your hands and you can nope right out of those ones. Mail order or online is pretty hit and miss and takes a lot of research to get a good buy.

[@bobbylibertini]

I bought exactly one thing from Horrid Freight in the last 15 years- a 3-ton Badlands off-road jack. One of few truly good buys there. 98% of their stuff is crap. There's nothing worse than having tools that don't do the job, or make doing the job hard, or break..or worse yet: Break the thing you're working on! I can't afford to buy the best, but I I'll improvise, or do without before buying junk. And there are some good deals out there. I got a brake line flaring tool at NAPA for $17- best one I've ever used- better than a tool-truck brand one I borrowed from someone years ago.

[@melgross]

Good video. I agree with what you’re saying here. I generally buy excellent equipment. My welder is an ESAB 205, my plasma is a thermal arc, etc. but I admit to have bought cheap tools at times. Since I have a machine shop and other shops, I can usually modify something to work up to specs. I bought a Vevor 3 ton ratcheting arbor press. It sort of worked. But was very sloppy, didn’t have the full range of arm movement because of the design of the casting and ratchet, and worse, according to my pressure gage, only gave a bit over one ton of pressure. Fortunately, these were all fixable, and now, these problems, as well as several others, are corrected. But it took time, work on the mill, hand grinding and purchase of a longer bar for the handle, plus adding weight to the counterweight. Yes, their 132 pound black anvil is pretty good, though I did drill a Prichel hole near the rear.

[@gb123-ej8wh]

I have had plenty tools from Harbor Freight with no issues. I have had a couple hand tools fail but they were quick to swap them no questions asked. I broke a 1/2” breaker bar and they were so quick about replacing it I bought the next size up while I was there exchanging it. Power tools seem to work fine but the tray/guides on my belt sander are NOT square to the belt or disc at all.

[@PatriotForgeOhio]

I have several Vevor tools in my shop. A few aren't up to par, most of them are pretty good. I own the anvil, flex shaft rotary tool, and i must say it is really incredible. I put together pieces for an air over hydraulic 30 ton press, it's reasonable and all Vevor. The motor on the 2x72 i made is a Vevor 2 hp farm duty motor 120v and has ran without issue for 2+ years. My bench buffer is vevor, it works flawlessly for $70. I also own their 145 mig welder with their locking cabinet welder stand. I have ZERO complaints about it. Yes there are better tools out there, no doubt. But I don't weld every day. I don't buff everyday, i do use the anvil daily, and very often the rotary tool. Also keep in mind. If you need to tack things together quickly to forge, you probably will never need a $2,000 miller welder. I buy my tools based on value. I make my own tools but i have to have the basics to get to that. Thanks for your channel i watched before i started. I make knives but consider myself a blacksmith. I make my own tools for everything other than the basics.

[@1pcfred]

2 HP on 120V is marginal no matter what. Single phase induction motors have high start up current. Up to 6 times their rated running current. So if it's a 10 amp motor it can pull 60 amps to start up. Breakers are designed to handle that overload. But it's still sketchy. It's one of those just because you can do it doesn't mean you should deals.

[@fordlav]

I totally agree with everything you say sir. I will say as a guy who does all types of work I got a arcaption stick welder last year and it works great for mid size jobs beats me loading my big welder generator up to stick a part back together on the farm or equipment to easily get stuff done. You gotta buy tools on how you plan to work them.

[@00fordxlt]

Bought a vevor greenhouse and it was trash, sent it back but ive had great luck with the vevor chamber vac, drywall skimming blades, anvil, impact sockets, etc...

[@staneastin719]

I bought a Vevor gas forge and a Vevor 66 pound anvil earlier this year. I bought them based on (1) my budget, and (2) your review. Are they the best tools available? No. But do they meet my minimum requirements? Yes. Of course, they are not the best around, but as a workshop blacksmith, they perform satisfactorily. I wish I had a better forge and a bigger anvil, but right now, these work fine. In time, I might buy others, maybe not, probably based on budget. I agree with you regarding cheap tools, but these work satisfactorily for me.

[@JohnJude-dp6ed]

A quality tool often pays for themselves once . The price of the well made tools is often forgotten long after the tools are still in use. The problem is in recognition which is a great tool without owning it.. Brand name of the manufacturer is often a clue or words from someone that has experience. Thanks John Switzer

[@billwoehl3051]

My run in with cheap stuff is rebuilt starters for my 78 ford inline 6 300, with 3 on the tree. Last 2 starters I put in died (shorted out) within a day.

[@larrymills8527]

I think that was the best motor that ford ever made i had 2 older ford trucks back in the day motor ran good but the body just rotted a way.

[@IsaiahMalin]

I definitely have my share of cheap import tools and machines, but all of the issues I've run into over usability, repairability, and just overall pride in the tool, is why I buy alot of old American tools and what have you. Good, solid magnesium bodies, bronze bearings that last for so long, just the works. And thankfully my shop and usual jobs allow me to use corded tools, which opens up alot of opportunity for good tools, that I don't have to spend alot on, as someone dud that for me 50 years ago 😊

[@DavidSellars-b8l]

Hello John, Another big problem with cheap, disposable tools is that they use energy and resources that are not easily recycled. I hate disposing of things in the "gray bin" so I try to reclaim any components that I can. Not generally possible to reuse everything. A quality tool will be around for a while and, as such, makes better use of resources. Miller, Hypertherm, and Milwaukee are generally tools that you buy once. The problem with Milwaukee is you can't buy a tool with the newest and greatest because the old one is still working well.

[@AmIAntiAntianti]

This is so true

[@BlackBearForge]

Excellent point. We have become a disposable society

[@robertlamb7513]

The thing I am getting from this video is cheap tools are good for someone that is just starting out in blacksmithing will work just remember there is better tools when you can afford them. I thought that might be the case now I have proof

[@robertlamb7513]

I thought of something I can see why he he doesn't want to do cheep tool reviews anymore but it now looks to me that he could continue to do it just every once in a while just for as he said he did and when he comes to shome show he could just give them away to someone just starting out like a raffle for that blacksmithing group he is a member of

[@chriscook6075]

Greatly appreciate and respect your time and thoughts !

[@905orange]

I bought a cheap plasma cutter because it costs less than a tank of acetylene. 1 year of use and it is still going.

[@xephael3485]

This... Price is not linked directly to capability or quality. This is a concept many people don't get. A Rolex likely won't give you as accurate time as a Casio.

[@MyKnifeJourney]

For some tools I go with the start with a basic set and if I use it alot or wear it out then I can invest in what I need based on my own use and experience. Some things like safety you just can't cut corners with.

[@robertm5969]

As a new homeowner, harbor freight tools have been perfect for getting projects done where youll rarely ever use a specific tool again. Some of their tools are junk while others can last a lifetime (Icon wrenches for example). Cost isn't always quality, and a lot of branded tools are still junk made in China. Check project farm for unbiased tool reviews. For tools you use all the time, tools that are potentially dangerous or tools you use for work it's worth paying more for quality. However my tools are now 80% HF and they've held up for years. Most of my other tools I've gotten at flea markets or trash picked and fixed up. You don't need to spend a fortune for quality tools.

[@billwoehl3051]

Only plasma cutter I've had experience with was an industrial design, so big and heavy you had to move it around the shop on a hand truck. Couldn't complain about it's cutting ability and accuracy.

[@bigredbeard65]

I've had some very good cheap tools and I've had some cheap tools that weren't worth bringing home, I agree that if it's a tool you're going to be using a fair amount try to get one that is a good one. I've had a hypertherm plasma torch for several years and have used it a fair amount with good results. The mag drill is a tool I've thought about but just don't think I'd use one enough to justify the cost.

[@KaiserTom]

A nice thing about it being "good enough" is it doesn't tend to get trashed. People upgrade and hand it down to someone. Reselling a working tool or for free.

[@Rob11235]

Some places are where the tools you buy are really just a collection of parts that you need to put back together into a working tool. Others are places you get more expensive tools that eventually will become a collection of parts that you need to put back together into a working tool. You will need to repair eventually, might as well learn how to early. It's more when you will be spending money and less about what you will be eventually spending. The question I ask is "can I fix that".

[@glenndarilek520]

Just bought a Vevor chop saw. After about a minute of grinding the brushes start sparking and sometimes trips the GFCI. Live and learn!

[@BlackBearForge]

+-That certainly highlights the problem with cheap stuff.

[@1pcfred]

There's no way motor brushes wouldn't spark. But there's an acceptable amount and excessive sparking. Chop saws can draw a lot of current too.

[@glenndarilek520]

@@1pcfred yep, but they were throwing sparks almost out of the housing!

[@1pcfred]

@@glenndarilek520 a few things could be causing that. Bad springs, inferior brush holders, poor quality brushes or something wrong with the commutator itself. Inspection would determine the cause.

[@glenndarilek520]

@@1pcfred thanks. I will at least pull the brushes/ springs for inspection

[@PDZ1122]

The thing is, even if you do pay more it's no guarantee it's any better. I had Harbor Freight tools outlast Craftsman tools which cost twice as much.

[@rabeekhalil4391]

Thank you sir. There is a saying in Romania: I am too poor to buy cheap stuff

[@countryracer69]

My company choice depends on what I'm doing. For instance I have 2 hypotherm plasmas. An 800 and a 900. I finally updated my welders and I found a cheaper company not quite as low as a Vevor but with quality of the big names. But a couple weeks ago I bought something from Vevor. I already had planned to rip it apart and modify anyway lol. And its working great. I just found you here. Was following close on Fb but in typical fb form they have kept you off my feed. Sucks I missed out on the giveaway. I seriously need a mag drill and keep putting it off. I built my own fabrication table and I want to put annular cut 5/8" holes for tooling. Anyway glad to have found you here. And I will check out your website now that I know.

[@dr.feelgood2358]

I actually bought a 110 lb anvil from Vevor after watching your review, it's certainly functional, but after a bit of use steel bbs started falling out from underneath. they used JB weld or something similar to patch voids on the underside. slightly disappointing, but for the money I DO have a workable tool, that's not too bad. All in all, I'm glad I took your recommendation to give them a try. I highly recommend Everlast brand plasma torch...the 50 amp model came in under $1000, and is rated for clean cutting 1/2" material....in fact I regularly cut 1" steel with a bit of difficulty (and not as pretty result) but it's definitely capable! generic torch consumables are actually dirt cheap for the IPT-60 torch that it came with.

[@aaronsmith593]

Chinese do make some interesting super compact drill drivers cordless tools that even pro tool companies don't even offer or come close. And aftermarket batteries work good descent for the price.

[@travisbard4670]

I use an harbor freight angle grinder. That thing is a little beast. Works flawlessly. That said, I agree with you. You get what you pay for...most of the time.

[@BigBing1987]

My general philosophy is its okay to buy the cheapo/generic version of a tool for starting out in a hobby/job, with the understanding that any tools you use often enough or hard enough to wear out/break replace it with the proper brand name version of it. I am not talking about wish/allibaba obviously to cheap to be useful tools when i say starting with cheap/generic stuff, at least buy from a reputable company.

[@jeff1176]

Harbor freight ,Vevor are absolutely great tools if you need something for 1 time particular job. I have a couple of Vevor products that I absolutely couldn't do without. Household use but still, they do what I need. Im not using these for industrial type jobs and not making money with them. I just need some tools here at the house to get little jobs completed cheaply.

[@jondrud3742]

Hi there John. Thanks for another great video. I agree with every word except the "import" part, because I don't think there is such a thing as a mass market non import tool. I know a guy who used to work as an engineer and designer for one of the top tool companies, and according to him, nothing is made where you'd think and/or are told. At most it's assembled in those countries, but it's all made from the same asian-recycled steel, which is of fairly decent quality but not made in the US or the EU.

[@justingoodman5600]

Wow you went from a Yugo to a Cadillac! Hypertherm is pretty much top of the line stuff. In my real job we make parts for them, Lincoln, Esab and Victor. Even with that, they won’t give us a discount 😢. As for Vevor, I bought their 2x82 belt grinder and have had mixed results. I’ve had to change a few things to make it work better for me and plan on several more changes to really get the full value out of it. I’ll still be way under the cost of an Ameribrade or like manufacturer but like you said there not a lot of support for these machines.

[@rodneyallen4039]

AMEN I still use some cheap tools and I mostly use name brand tools

[@ironhead65]

Hi John, good advise!

[@wolfbushcraft3369]

my dad keeps buying cheap stuff and when i brake it he acts like its my fault that the tools quality is bad and he don't use them at all and wonders how he can have stuff for years but i cant

[@wolfbushcraft3369]

same with bikes he don't use them when i use them daily and he is shocked they break

[@DreadKyller]

Quality control is not a strong point of most cheap tools, so sometimes you get one of surprisingly good quality, and other times you end up with major defects, most of the time it's a lottery, and it's worth noting that when these companies send tools out for review, they're likely checking and sending one of the better quality ones they have, or at least checking for major defects, so reviews of cheap tools should always be taken with a grain of salt. this said I'm sure these videos, especially the forge and anvil ones, have helped many people get into blacksmithing, thanks for being an honest voice.

[@UncySpam]

My first TIG welder was a cheaper unit. I couldn’t get a decent weld out of it, no matter what I did. I blamed my lack of experience and gave up. A couple of years ago I was at a mates and he let me play with his expensive TIG. While my welds were obviously those of a beginner, they showed me the problem I had was the cheap welder. I ditched it and got a decent machine and have been slowly learning. Moral of the story? When you’re just beginning you won’t have the experience to know where the problem is. So buying cheap maybe not a good idea, as it maybe the cheap machine that is the problem.

[@CanadianSpaceBoy]

I own tool that my grandparents used and personally i always buy the best quality there is because i also want my grandchildren to be able to use my tools.

[@davebrookbank4831]

Thank you, I have learned a bunch from you.

[@johnronsmith]

I believe in buying quality tools, but, I also think that having these cheap import tools is nice. Take for example the Vevor mag drill I bought a few years ago. I have only used it a few times but it has made my life much easier when I need it. I'm not out much and it has served me well so far, but if it ended up being something I used a lot and wore out, I would know that it is a tool I use enough to justify buying a higher quality one. It also helps that places like Vevor and Harbor Freight actually have decent quality tools, they last decently well and perform well enough, where 20 years ago, Harbor Freight pretty much just sold single use tools.

[@Rob-Hannon]

I keep getting distracted by that vise. That thing looks like a beast.

[@circletech7745]

Adam Savage from the Mythbusters put it well: "If you need a tool for a single job, buy cheap. And if you break it you use it enough to justify buying an expensive one".

[@twestgard2]

My son just told me that he and his friends have a joke that Harbor Freight is where you get single use hammers.

[@BlackBearForge]

😂😜

[@glebtcheslavski1085]

I actually like my HF hummers! I use them for many years without any issues. 🙂 Some electric tools of theirs are a different story. However, I use their $10 angle grinder for 5-6 years; just clean the brushes from time to time.

[@twestgard2]

@@glebtcheslavski1085 The truth is, the joke is funniest for those of us who shop there and see the best and the worst of it.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

Sounds like they don't have complete information

[@MorbidEel]

Tell your son it is a good opportunity to learn how to make hammer handles? I can't imagine the hammer head breaking since the weakest part should break first.

[@mickdog2]

Do you know what the cfm rating is for a small plasma cutter ?

[@msk3905]

I have purchased and used both high quality and cheap tools, there have been some cheap tools that were crap but for the most part all have worked for what I wanted them for. If total crap I toss out but I bought a cheap heat gun from Harbor Freight for one specific project, paid $9 for it and nearly 5 years later and countless uses later it paid for itself many times over. If I know that I plan to use a lot I bought bets bang for buck.

[@garthland]

My personal mag drill is a Fein,love it! That being said,my workplace purchased one of those Vevor ones. what a crappy thing it is-magnet doesn't hold,the head is sloppy in the ways,variable speed is a joke

[@BlackBearForge]

I really like the few Fein Tools I own

[@bobrees4363]

My rule for Harbor Freight/Cummins/Vevor or other cheap tools is to buy them if I only need to use it once. If I need a tool for everyday use, I buy good quality from the start.

[@ericjason5773]

My Cummins drill press was built in 1978.

[@1pcfred]

I have some Harbor Freight tools that have worked well for decades. Some didn't stand the test of time though. There's no blanket statement that covers it all. I've paid top price from name brands and gotten defective merchandise too.

[@peteengard9966]

My dad used to say. There's nothing more expensive than something cheap. There's cheap tools and there's inexpensive tools. My almost six decades fixing big trucks. I've broken cheap tools and expensive tools.