Harbor Freight Mobile Base - Is it really the Delta Universal?

Andrew P. Bajorinas

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Mar 10, 2002, 9:23:45 AM3/10/02

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Is the mobile base sold by Harbor Freight really
the Delta universal mobile base? (HF ITEM 41915-0VGA)

Does anyone know?

I looked at the picture as close as possible and it sure
LOOKS like the Delta 50-345 Universal Mobile Base.

FYI:
The HF base is $30, and the Delta is $50 at amazon.

AndyB

Henry Bibb

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Mar 10, 2002, 10:05:25 AM3/10/02

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One of the things that really gets folks knickers in a twist about
Harbor Freight is that much of their merchandise looks *exactly like*
a name brand, but isn't.

My take is, if it doesn't *say* it's the name brand, it's probably a
copy, most likely imported, most likely Chinese. Factor that little
tidbit into the equation and shop away.

I've bought more than a few things from them, and with this little
idea as my guide, haven't been disappointed.

Hope it helps,
Henry Bibb

"Andrew P. Bajorinas" <And...@optonline.net> wrote in message
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EdV

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Mar 10, 2002, 12:23:48 PM3/10/02

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I bought the HF mobile base for my Jet bandsaw and another for my soon to
be delivered Jet Drill press. I can't say if it is the same as the Delta
base, but it works just fine for me. It is Chinese, and the carriage
bolts can't take much torque. I "popped" the head off six of them, and
don't think I over tightened them. In fact, some of the heads didn't pop
off immediately. The base sat for a few minutes after assembly, and I
would hear a "ping, rattle" sound as two of the six heads popped off.

As for price, I happened to get lucky (gloat), and caught a sale price of
$20 on Feb 25th. I'm happy with the base so far.

Ed

Henry Bibb wrote:

--

Remove "STOPSPAM" from email address to reply directly

mark halla

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Mar 10, 2002, 12:39:42 PM3/10/02

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I purchased one a few months back and there not the same quality. The
corner parts are close enough but the bolts where junk and the lift is
slightly lower? Not bad with new bolts, their bolts heads snapped off
on four or five replaced them all. I'd also passup if more than 200 lb
machine, they say 300lb? Goes on sale for 19.99 occasionally.
Henry makes an excellant remark.
Mark H

Don Ask

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Mar 10, 2002, 1:59:32 PM3/10/02

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I purchased two from Harbor on sale for 19.99. They are made in
china. They are OK for a weekend wood butcher and will probably hold
up to normal use for years. I purchase from Harbor in their store,
only after I can see it, touch it and smell it. So much of their
stuff is crap, however I would recomend the Mobile base for equipment
that needs to be moved occasionaly.

M. L. "Pete" Hunter

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Mar 10, 2002, 2:06:04 PM3/10/02

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The HF base is exactly the same as the Delta mobil base. I was leary of
them too until I looked at both bases closely. If you catch them on
sale HF has them for $19.99 sometimes. I have a 6" jointer on one and
plan on buying 3 more in the near future.

--
Lord help me be the person my dog thinks I am.

Andrew P. Bajorinas

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Mar 10, 2002, 6:36:28 PM3/10/02

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Thanks (everyone) for the stories.

If I order one I will just pick up some better bolts locally.

"mark halla" <mmh...@buffnet.net> wrote in message
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dan

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Mar 10, 2002, 7:50:11 PM3/10/02

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Who knows??? I have have it ordered since Feb 8, still on back order.
Dan

"Andrew P. Bajorinas" <And...@optonline.net> wrote in message
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George Burdo

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Mar 10, 2002, 9:24:49 PM3/10/02

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You might want to contact them. I ordered a DeWalt Scroll Saw and they
shipped it parcel post. Got lost in the mail. After filling out a claim form
they shipped another and got it three days later.

George Burdo

"dan" <dh...@copper.net> wrote in message
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Bruce Garland

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Mar 11, 2002, 9:15:50 AM3/11/02

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I have 2, the bolts should not be used. One is on my copy of Norm's
router table. I move it probably 10 times a week (I'm not too organized
at the moment). It is actually a much smother action than the mobile
base that is on my unisaw. Other one will be on a flip top stand for
the planer and jointer. I will definitely buy more of them.

--

BRuce

bcgarlan@ciscoTAKE THIS OUT.com

"George Burdo" <gab...@gte.net> wrote in message
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dan

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Mar 11, 2002, 3:05:27 PM3/11/02

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Naw, they informed me it is still on back order. Plus I ordered a dado set
about a week later, and it is still on back order also. I am beginning to
think they don't stock anything, just wait for orders, then go get it.

"George Burdo" <gab...@gte.net> wrote in message
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antonio

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Mar 12, 2002, 12:40:21 AM3/12/02

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"dan" <dh...@copper.net> wrote in message news:<Se8j8.231$ee.2...@newsfeed.slurp.net>...

I have 6 in use on machines from 100 to 350lbs.I used 1.5" steel
tubing for all, and roll`em all the time,Work very smooth and
stable-up and down.
They are Always on sale for $19.99 in some form.Catalog-Internet-Wood
Magazine Ads?-Retail---somewhere.You guy`s that paid more than $19.99
got a refund(price adjustment) coming--If you bought online or Catalog
in the last year! We all know this--Right? ***You just need a
code--------