[KenWittlief]

look around for equipment auctions too. Ive seen Bridgports go for $500 at shop-closing auctions.

Harbor Freight is a very unique store. Its like there is some disturbance in the time/space continuum when you walk through the doors

it feels like you are back in the '60s, cause that is the last time I was able to buy tools at those prices

and you run in there to pick up a pack of cutting wheels, or a spool of flux wire for your welder, when you walk out and look at your watch you have leaped 90 minutes into the future! Where did that 90 minutes go? I dont know.

Ive gotten some great stuff there, esp if you catch a sale - like my 4.5" angle grinder for $18. You put a cutting wheel on that baby and you could cut the roof off a car in less than 60 seconds.

Trailer hitches, welding tanks and name-brand welders, big things like engine stands and floor jacks - you pretty much gotta look things over like others have said. So far I have not had a problem with any of their brand-name tools and equipment.