HF keeps sending me 20% off coupons and I've been using them. Recently I bought a 08897 metal-cutting circular saw and today I bought a 47840 portable bandsaw. $60 each including tax! I live near one of their stores and can inspect stuff before I buy, and can easily return stuff that I'm not happy with. So I had no concerns buying these two. Unlike most of HF's power tools with shiny plastic housings which creak when you squeeze them, these two are actually well made. Good quality plastic, good quality aluminum castings, and decent fit and finish. While you won't mistake them for Milwaukee, they do appear well made and are a noticeable improvement over their earlier junk. They also do what they claim. I haven't had them for very long and only time will tell how long they last.
I don't see HF selling stuff at a loss, so even on sale at 50% off, plus a
20% coupon, they must still be making money!Now moving on. With spring around the corner, the local Farm & Fleet has their winter coats at 50% off. I wanted to buy a Carhartt, but despite their tough exterior, all of them had a thin cotton lining. That just won't cut it when the temperature is in the single digits. I noticed 3 kinds--made in USA, assembled in USA and made in Mexico. All of them had the thin lining. On the other hand, the half-price no-name copies all had
3M Thinsulate linings (which I like--not as good as down, but still very good). I ended up getting two of these copies. What's up with Carhartt? They've got the tough looking manly styling down. But do they expect people to wear a second coat underneath?