snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on May 19, 2009 18:30:33 GMT -5
Hello, fellow members. A couple of weeks ago I posted about looking at two saws. The large one did not have a name on it. Last night,I looked back at all the old posts in this section, and it is definitly a Highland Park saw,a 16 in. youd almost need a forklift to move it. Just cant rationalize buying it for my personal piddling around. Asking price is 850 ,Im sure he would take less. Need input, please. Thanks........Gerald
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Post by johnjsgems on May 19, 2009 19:14:02 GMT -5
Let's see. Highland Park was probably the best equipment ever made. It is commonly said they went broke because their equipment was so good nobody ever needed to replace it. Heavy means built to last not some tin box that rusts away and flexes where it shouldn't. Also their 16" saws would take an 18" blade so measure and see if it is truly a 16" with room to spare. I moved a 24" HP twice with no help. What Texan would admit to being less of a man than some weakling from California? See what shape it is in and offer maybe $500-$600.
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Post by texaswoodie on May 19, 2009 19:46:22 GMT -5
I have an HP 16 with an 18 blade. It is a perfect saw. You could not pry it out of my cold dead hands for less than $850. If you can get this one cheaper than that, I highly recommend it if it's in good condition.
Curt
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Post by catmandewe on May 19, 2009 22:27:12 GMT -5
I have 2 of them, great saws, and the price is very fair. It would take at least several thousand to get mine away from me. I think they are worth more than a brand new saw, you can't get them made like that anymore.
Thats my 2 cents worth..................Tony
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,278
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Post by mossyrockhound on May 19, 2009 22:58:06 GMT -5
I also have two of the the HP 16's (with 16" blades). They are just good work horses. I only paid about $500 apiece for mine, but that was quite a few years ago. Two things: (1) If you can, have them cut a rock while you watch before you buy it and check the position of the blade when the saw finishes the cut and is turned off. If the blade springs away from the stone or is really tight up against the rock, you're buying some problems (fixable, but still problems), and (2) If you get it, put some casters on it - really helps when working on or around the saw.
I bought my HP -24" when I was a kid and have been cutting with it for 51 years now. I wouldn't try moving it up stairs by myself though (I'm not a Texan). When I brought it across the state in a utility trailer, the HP legs (with casters) punched holes in the trailer bed. Yeah, they're heavy.
As far as the price goes, there are many, many variables that would determine a good/fair price. If it is clean and has been kept inside, & hasn't been excessively used, I would maybe offer a little less than the $850, but would be willing to pay that price. If it is at the other end of the spectrum (rusty, dirty, really worn out, etc) I would offer no more than $350 because you'll probably have to put $200 to $300 into it (not counting labor).
Good luck!
Garry
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on May 20, 2009 10:29:17 GMT -5
I have an 18" HP (probably a 16" that I have an 18" blade on) and I love it. It doesn't have ball bearing guides but it cuts straight as an arrow. I bought it for $400 without a blade and the owner thought the guides needed work since it flipped the breaker when it ran. I checked the wiring on the motor and found the problem. Been running like a clock since.
The motor has a vibration so I suspect a bearing is going out. It's a 3/4 hp motor. I would like to replace it with a 1/2 hp motor and save a little electricity. Do you think 1/2 hp with a capacitor start is big enough?
Rick
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Post by johnjsgems on May 20, 2009 13:31:54 GMT -5
Rick, actually a half horse or 3/4 will draw exactly the same connected to equal load. Covington uses 1/2 hp on their 18". Barranca with the old Highland Park belt drive system uses a 1 1/2hp. The only way to know what size you need would be to use a clamp on amp meter and measure the running amps while saw is working. Data plate amp rating is maximum (plus service factor overage). Better to have 3/4 hp working at 2/3 capacity than 1/2 hp working at full capacity. Whatever motor would have to be a capacitor start, high torque motor.
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on May 20, 2009 14:20:28 GMT -5
Thanks John!
You are the resident expert on motors for lapidary use. I'll replace it with a 3/4 hp then...
Rick
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Post by rocklicker on May 23, 2009 14:23:41 GMT -5
I have a HP 16 inch saw and think it's the best thing since sliced bread. It's rugged and heavy duty. It's wonderful. I was able to get it home and set up by myself by using a piece of plywood and a hand truck but it wasn't easy. Like others say, nothing else like it out there. I would highly recommend getting a good used HP saw over a new saw anyday. $850 sounds good if it is good shape and the blade is straight. Looking back, I'd pay that but it doesn't hurt to ask for a lower price. BTW Rick and John, I run mine with a 1/2 hp motor and it seems to be fine. Steve
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on May 23, 2009 15:34:32 GMT -5
I want to thank everyone who replied giving me enough info on the saw.Im picking it up next week. Got it for 700.I figured I may not see another one for sale this close to home and would kick myself for not buying it. Thanks again ......Gerald
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