I have seen a few videos with people having all sorts of troubles with these type imitations from Harbor Freight and Chinese made that simply don't have enough power in those little motors and while I appreciate the fact that they, they were cheap from about $30 or so, I have also seen this type imitation saw selling on eBay for up $80 and that starts to be not so cheap after all, particularly if it doesn't work as we all wanted it to so, I suggest that, if you have plenty of use for one of these type mini drop-saws, you should consider a quality brand that will cost a bit more but will work and last a lot longer.
I'm talking about theses machines from Proxxon, they worth it.
PROXXON - KG 50
or
PROXXON - KGS 80
I have 2 drop-saws but none as a mini, I don't really have a need for these smaller machines and for the amount of tubing I cut, I can use any of the drop-saws I have which are an overkill but get me out of troubles.
I have also seen chainsaw chain electric sharpeners being modified as a drop-saw, that will also work, you only have to get a mini vice and some blades.
There are always trying to save a buck when it comes to equipment and accessories, in a way we are lucky that we can buy Chinese made stuff that the proper brands are excessively expensive, unless you need something that will work all day, every day, in that case, Chinese stuff won't make it and believe me, I have tried more times than I can remember, I endup spending more money in the end by replacing the cheap stuff that seems always a good idea at the time but very rarely works so, I have to admit, when I need something that I need to be strong and reliable I chose quality branded stuff.
Good luck,
Cheers
George
