droseraguy
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 426
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Post by droseraguy on Oct 18, 2014 19:56:50 GMT -5
Tomorrow I'm going to look and maybe come home with an older 24" Highland, Model U. It's been painted a brownish color from the pictures. Guy says it's been in his garage for the last 15 years. What I'd like someone help with is anything specific to those saws that might be shot ? He said it runs quiet and all works. There is a blade in it but he's not sure what kind of what's left. I figure it's worth the 1.5 hour drive to see it and maybe persuade it in the trailer. i can do bearings and the fixing up if needed. The 1 horse motor has been replaced with1.5 on the new ones I found on the web. Wonder if they should have had the 1.5 to start with?
Tony or anyone else speak up if you're out there. It would be great to here any tips and get a ballpark figure. I don't want to pay too much but don't want to take advantage either. I asked about other things to "bundle" as the pickers would do but this is all he has left.
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droseraguy
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 426
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Post by droseraguy on Oct 18, 2014 20:53:35 GMT -5
Ok now Its confirmed. I'm a nut job. Didn't even realize that Dr. Who was on and I forgot to record. Got too exicited about researching this dang saw. My only other admitted vice has always been that Galilifreyan time traveler. Oh well the rerun should be on soon enough......
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Post by catmandewe on Oct 18, 2014 23:26:48 GMT -5
Any older 24" Highland Park saw is a good buy. Price should be somewhere between $500 to $1500 depending on condition. (If it is in primo condition it would be worth $2500) Try to move the blade up and down, if it moves or clunks it needs bearings. Not too big a deal but something you can use to negotiate a price. Square rail carriage is worth more than round rail carriage. If it has all the pulley covers that is a plus.
Good luck with it.................Tony
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 19, 2014 0:06:50 GMT -5
There are so many variables to consider when trying to set the value of a saw but I'll try. If the arbor bearings are 2 pillow blocks on the outside of the saw it's the oldest design, still a good saw but turn the arbor by hand and see if it looks bent at all. Does the vice carriage roll down the ways on bearings and do the bearings roll freely? If they don't the bearings are inexpensive but it's still a bit of work to replace them. The vice carriage may also be drilled and the ways are round rod passing through the holes, not sure if HP did this on the big saws but it works ok. Since a good 24 inch blade is about $500.00 the condition of the current blade is a major factor, I paid $750.00 for my FranTom 24" with the blade almost done and a motor that had to be spin started, turned out to be a $20.00 capacitor for the motor but you never know. We have a friend who is very pleased with getting a 24 inch HP for $2500.00, probably a decent deal but more than I would pay. My 24" has a 1HP motor and has never bogged down at all, if it dies someday I may consider a 1.5HP after I see if my circuits can handle it.
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droseraguy
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 426
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Post by droseraguy on Oct 19, 2014 5:43:18 GMT -5
Thanks guys, the last time I spent money that was a "really good idea" it was for a '87 Grand National. Past its prime but still a heck of a lotta fun. Eventually it had to go, lost a job and bills came first. This time I'll heed the advice and bargain accordingly. Gotta have something to do when the house remodel stuff is done right ?
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mikeinsjc
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by mikeinsjc on Oct 19, 2014 11:46:51 GMT -5
I have two 24" saws in my possession I have reworked. They are easy to work on. On one I replaced the arbor pillow blocks, drive screw bushings and pillow blocks on the pinion gear shaft. The blade adjustment can be tedious- not like the old Nelsons.
A word of caution. I would be cautious about assuming you can get replacement parts from the new Highland saw manufacturer. I have talked to too many people who use these news saws about quality issues.
Don't be afraid to jump into it. PM me if I can be of help.
Mike H
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 19, 2014 13:04:16 GMT -5
My 24" HP ran on a 3/4 HP motor, and never bogged down. The 1 hp should serve you well. I've kicked myself many times for letting my big old HP go.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2014 13:37:36 GMT -5
I paid $900 for a 24" Frantom with a blade that had 50% life on it, cutting perfectly straight and already contained oil. The seller even helped me load and unload the saw at his and my home(s)!!
Good luck with your buy. You will not regret it; if you follow the advise from the pros above. They are smart men and have provided valuable intel.
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droseraguy
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 426
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Post by droseraguy on Oct 19, 2014 16:02:31 GMT -5
Well...... My wallet is lighter by $1200, but it is old and in great shape other than needing to be cleaned up. Ran quiet and straight. Still on the road though, at least I have a loader to help get that beast off the trailer. Not much of an argument from the wife too. Makes me wonder what is coming down the pike that I have to grin and bear. Thanks all for the tips I will surely take them to heart. Pics hopefully in a day or so.
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Post by captbob on Oct 19, 2014 16:29:09 GMT -5
Congrats, and pictures are a must. Yup, keep an eye on yer wife, 'cuz it's coming!
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 20, 2014 10:10:35 GMT -5
You gotta keep an eye on the wife for sure. Last time I bought something big like that, (my hot rod), the wife went out and bought herself a new Ford Edge. Gonna be paying for that for a few years. LOL
You won't be sorry you bought that big old HP. With a little bit of TLC, it'll outlive you.
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