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.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Machine Shop
• Tubing Notcher
• How To
• Welding
• Fabrication
• Harbor Freight

[gamble1997]

Couldn't you just square up the piece with 3 washers?

[JHV166]

@gamble1997 Sure, that would work too. I like the plate because it supports the entire assembly. The washers would work in a pinch. But if you're a metalworker, why wouldn't you just make the plate and have a solid tool?

[chepiner]

Yea i like metal working even though im not the best. Im in to trucks with air ride and want to make tubbing around the engine bay such as nascar or racing cars.. or use it on my next fure project i get .yea their tools are very fragile . But theres little things that are sold there that have to be ordered trew summit racing or other big shops.yea for the price no one cant really wine lol

[JHV166]

@chepiner There is only one way to get better at metalworking and that's to keep doing it! Taking that extra 5 minutes of time to make sure that a joint is tight or that you have the bend in the right location makes all the difference. Don't be afraid to try new things and use the internet to see different techniques for doing things. IT's all just repetition and knowing the proper order of doing things that will get you better at the craft. Good luck and keep at it!

[chepiner]

Taking taking the cash u paid and little modification this is a wonder tool thanks for the video i will deff purchase one .

[JHV166]

@chepiner We have several very expensive notchers in the shop (over $500.00 each) and outside of the fact that this notcher won't do some of the work that the high priced tools will, if you do the little tweaks shown here, use a high quality saw, and mount the unit securely, you won't have a bit of trouble making top quality notches. We even lend this one out to customers and they haven't been able to break it (*yet LOL!)

[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!

[chepiner]

Yea true tools are expensive if only gona b used once . But i want todo it for quite a wile thanx man keep up the vids

[JHV166]

@bravecat100 Grease is a bad idea as it traps metal filings and will wear out things prematurely

[JHV166]

@TheWaterman1000 If they are the correct thickness to bring things to center, sure.