Anyone have a *2.5hp* Harvey HW110HB-30?

I'm looking into buying my first table saw! I've done some research and am thinking hard about the new 2.5hp model Harvey HW110HB-30.
Does anyone have one or used one? How have you found it?


hw110hb-30.jpghw110hb-30_top_view.jpgimg_8657_2_2.jpg


Major Woodworking in Sydney sell the HW110HB-30 for just under $1,900 and their partners Woodworking Warehouse and Get Woodworking and in Melbourne sell it at a similar price. I want to note that all three companies have been very easy to deal with, taking the time to answer all my questions!

Before you all tell me to get the 3hp big brother LGE, yes I'd love to but I'm renting and am stuck with 10amp sockets for now. The new Harvey HB isn't so bad though, I'm sure 2.5hp will be enough for most of my work and I don't mind taking it slow on the odd thick bit of hardwood. Plus, like the LGE the trunnions in the new model mount to the base of the saw rather than the underside of the table so there isn't a great deal of difference apart from the motor and overall weight (yes, both important factors all the same!).

Everything looks good on paper with the HB but I can't find any reviews or forum posts about the new model which makes me nervous about committing. Harvey seem to have a good reputation, as do the companies who re-brand their saws - Laguna, Grizzly, Craftex, Baileigh etc. but I haven't found anyone else selling the new model yet so again, no reviews or feedback.


Here's what I've gathered so far, let me know if there are any other considerations or if some of the below isn't really worth worrying about!

The good		The bad
2.5hp This is the most power I can get without a 15amp socket		No reviews I can't find anyone who has this saw, that's where you come in!
Affordable $1,900 isn't the cheapest but it's more affordable than most of the similar models from respected brands: Laguna, Jet, SawStop		Single V belt drive The professional/more expensive saws all have 3 belt drives but I'm not sure how much this really changes things, feel free to share your opinion
Biesemeyer Style Table Saw Fence This is the same fence as the previous model and seems really nice		No dust extraction on guard The guard looks pretty good though, and I might be able to make something or find an after market guard to fit
Well built Solid construction and angle/elevation knobs move smoothly		Minimal manual/documentation We're woodworkers though, do we really need instructions?
Easy alignment Trunnions are mounted to the base of the saw rather than the underside of the table		Average miter gauge The miter gauge is nothing special but I think there'll be and Incra in my future at some point
Quick release riving knife You don't even need to take out the insert!		Table insert isn't zero-clearence But I've heard none of them are out of the box, and it's not hard to make your own

Attached Images

• hw110hb-30.jpg (50.0 KB)
• img_8657_2_2.jpg (67.0 KB)
• hw110hb-30_top_view.jpg (58.9 KB)

Anyone have a *2.5hp* Harvey HW110HB-30?