Many folks look down their noses at anything that comes from Harbor Freight stores but when you're a budget minded hobbyist like myself laying out large chunks of cash for top quality gear is out of the question. With many of the items I've bought from Harbor Freight it true that they are very low quality but, the vast majority of tools etc. that I've bought from them have worked out real well and have lasted just as long or longer than many of the Snap-On, Craftsman and other high dollar name brand tools I've bought.
I started out my metal working hobbies with a Harbor Freight mini mill and mini lathe. From there I kept upgrading till I reached my present state of Tormach CNC mills and full sized gunsmithing lathes. I'd love to own a Sand Blaster and several other items but right now I just wouldn't have the room to put them all.
MetalShavings