HF keeps sending me 20% off coupons and I've been using them. Recently I
bought a 08897 metal-cutting circular saw and today I bought a 47840
portable bandsaw. $60 each including tax! I live near one of their stores
and can inspect stuff before I buy, and can easily return stuff that I'm not
happy with. So I had no concerns buying these two. Unlike most of HF's
power tools with shiny plastic housings which creak when you squeeze them,
these two are actually well made. Good quality plastic, good quality
aluminum castings, and decent fit and finish. While you won't mistake them
for Milwaukee, they do appear well made and are a noticeable improvement
over their earlier junk. They also do what they claim. I haven't had them
for very long and only time will tell how long they last.

I don't see HF selling stuff at a loss, so even on sale at 50% off, plus a
20% coupon, they must still be making money!

Now moving on. With spring around the corner, the local Farm & Fleet has
their winter coats at 50% off. I wanted to buy a Carhartt, but despite
their tough exterior, all of them had a thin cotton lining. That just won't
cut it when the temperature is in the single digits. I noticed 3
kinds--made in USA, assembled in USA and made in Mexico. All of them had
the thin lining. On the other hand, the half-price no-name copies all had
3M Thinsulate linings (which I like--not as good as down, but still very
good). I ended up getting two of these copies. What's up with Carhartt?
They've got the tough looking manly styling down. But do they expect people
to wear a second coat underneath?