I can understand your frustration concerning the vise. HF does have some junk. It also has some decent things (sometimes referred to as HF Gems). I have several things from them (34706 lathe, dust collector, drill press, mortiser, 3 air nailers, and have had absolutely no problem with any of them. If I was operating a full-time woodworking business from which I earned my livlihood would I use HF tools? No. But as a hobbyist who doesn't feel he has to have, or need, the Rolls Royce of woodworking tools, yes. I do have some good old made in the USA tools also such as a unisaw, etc.
I would never be presumptous enough to tell someone how and where to spend their money, but I would suggest that there is a place in the shop of a hobbyist for certain HF tools.
QUOTE=algustaf;262760]I won't spend money on their stuff anymore. I haven't bought much from HF, but I did buy a 5" or 6" vise from there one time. I swear it broke the 3rd time I used it. I am not a huge strong guy (about 160lbs) and the darn thing cracked the casting in half on the upper jaw by me hand tightening some metal in the jaws. I didn't even bother taking it back to get another.
On the flip side, I hope your $50 compressor holds up for you.[/QUOTE]