EricD
Cave Dweller 
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 10, 2020 11:23:41 GMT -5
I'm very seriously considering purchasing one of These, an HP16 slab saw. Since it's the most critical part of a slab saw (or so I think), what do you think of the carriage design? It looks quite a bit better made than Covington's current carriage and ways on their 16".
Honestly the whole machine looks more durable and the price is very comparable.
I've attached the photos from HP's site for those of you that don't want to open the above link.  
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Post by aDave on Jul 10, 2020 11:48:42 GMT -5
I am not a saw guy...at all, and I've not looked at these. But, here is just one thread about HP. Granted it's a few years old, and things might have changed some. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/72450/hp-china-farMost recommendations I've seen here are to find a good used saw. Tony catmandewe may be able to help. |
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Post by greig on Jul 10, 2020 11:49:57 GMT -5
Great machine. My next purchase will be for a larger one (min 24"), because I have too many oversize rocks and am tired of undersize saw. Bigger is better. ;-)
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Post by Peruano on Jul 10, 2020 13:37:18 GMT -5
I'll offer a few observations. I started with a home-made 12" slab saw and found it met most of my needs. When you have a small saw you tend to gather smaller rocks. I later fell into a 14/16" old vintage HP slab saw and with a bit of work to make a top came up with a great saw. It obviously accommodated big rocks when needed, seemed to cut faster, and was a great addition to my shop. Not long after that I "fell into" a 20" Covington (again an older model) and so I can compare with a spectrum spanning 12 - 20". Maybe its me but the larger saw is my least favorite. The design of the new HP's is very similar to the old ones. I know there have been critics of the Chinese fabricated HPs but I still think they are a good option for the money and in the right hands (i.e. someone who respects what the machine can and can't do). Yes, given the option I'd buy an old HP saw, or a Diamond Pacific Saw, but we can't all get that lucky. Many skin divers dive to 90 feet because that's the limit, but things can be just as much fun at 30'. I feel that way about saws, you will cut material to meet the capabilities of your saw and most of us can be satisfied with what will fit in a 12 or 16" saw. Clearly much depends on where you get your material and how big it is when it first enters your shop. Me, I'm an old 75 years and like to work with manageable sized rocks and am used to working with smaller sized slabs. Go figure.
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Post by stardiamond on Jul 10, 2020 19:02:00 GMT -5
A few years ago I needed to get my Covington 16 inch saw fixed. I went to the HP site to consider buying another saw. I looked at the 10 inch and 12 inch. They were starting out and the prices were about $200 less than they are now. I think the reviews here were around that time. The saw you are looking at wasn't being offered. I bought my Covington 13 years ago and it sat in the box for 7 years until I retired. In that time the price went up substantially. With oil and shipping, I paid about 50% of what the Covington and the HP saws sell for now. The only issue with the Covington is the clutch which can be an advantage or disadvantage and one more thing to have an issue with.
If I were looking for a saw now I would do what you are doing, looking for feedback. The Covington has been around for quite a while and is made in California. I emailed HP and they were helpful. You might want to contact them and get some references for the saw you are interested in.
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 10, 2020 19:29:52 GMT -5
I am not a saw guy...at all, and I've not looked at these. But, here is just one thread about HP. Granted it's a few years old, and things might have changed some. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/72450/hp-china-farMost recommendations I've seen here are to find a good used saw. Tony catmandewe may be able to help. Thank you. Tony confirmed that they are made in china now. I'll be seeing what Tony has and likely buy a used one.
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 10, 2020 21:00:59 GMT -5
This photo appears to show really low quality of production and I’d look at other options. Not arguing with you, but when casting there are some imperfections that normally don't affect performance and longevity, such as those. That would be acceptable to me in that area and even some others. The forces in many places on a saw are not extreme and the finish doesn't matter a whole lot in the end.
I would have cast another one for the saw or at least taken a picture of a better one, if I were them
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jasperfanatic
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 463
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Post by jasperfanatic on Jul 10, 2020 22:04:57 GMT -5
For what it's worth, I've had their 14" model for a little over a year and a half and it hasn't had one hiccup (knocking on wood). Looking to upgrade size myself and wouldn't hesitate to purchase another HP.
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 10, 2020 22:10:46 GMT -5
See now we are headed for another hot debate over saw brands and designs. This is not meant to be! Let us discuss this like gentlemen!
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 10, 2020 22:38:29 GMT -5
See now we are headed for another hot debate over saw brands and designs. This is not meant to be! Let us discuss this like gentlemen! Lol! Okay, yeah I can get a little bit excited, I only want you to make the best purchase possible. Check out cigar box rock, they specialize in lapidary tool restoration. The best of both worlds, old school quality refurbished by people who stand by their work. Thank you for being you |
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Post by stardiamond on Jul 10, 2020 22:43:01 GMT -5
I just did some web searching for slab saws and it was depressing. The best source would be from someone on this board. There are members who refurbish used saws they find on estate sales. I see saws on ebay but they are almost always for pickup and without a physical inspection buying one would be risky. When I bought mine there were two choices Covington and the Lortone.
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 10, 2020 22:53:18 GMT -5
I just did some web searching for slab saws and it was depressing. The best source would be from someone on this board. There are members who refurbish used saws they find on estate sales. I see saws on ebay but they are almost always for pickup and without a physical inspection buying one would be risky. When I bought mine there were two choices Covington and the Lortone. Your time was wasted and I am sorry you had to go through that |
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ivan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 165 
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Post by ivan on Jul 11, 2020 12:37:51 GMT -5
Seen your posting. Hope that this may help. Highland Park Lapidary has a number of instructional & information videos. On their site, I believe and youtube. They have been well done and should address most of the equipment they manufacture and sell. 3 years ago I purchased the exact model you have pictured. It has worked out very nicely. I like the idea they have incorporated with the shut off. When your cut is finished the machine shuts down and has a number of safety features that when you open the lid or cover it WILL not start/kick back up ... giving you an oil bath an every thing near by  . Check out their videos if you get a chance. I liked the way the saw was constructed and operated, that I purchased one of their Highland Park Model HT 12 to replace the Lortone LS 12 and the oil baths that this SC would get from time to time. With that said I don't think you'll be disappointed. Thanks for sharing and keep us posted. IV |
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rixrocks
having dreams about rocks
Member since September 2019
Posts: 51
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Post by rixrocks on Jul 11, 2020 13:30:17 GMT -5
I have heard some very bad reviews about HP's customer service. I'm sure you have seen those reviews also, there's plenty of them.That concerned me as well as being made in China and that could be a problem in the current political trade war if you need parts. Covington is made in the US, they have moved from California and are now located in Idaho. Also their customer service is outstanding.
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Post by stardiamond on Jul 11, 2020 16:59:52 GMT -5
With the global economy a U.S. manufacturer may use parts made in China. I wanted to buy an 80 grit flat lap for my Genie from Diamond Pacific and it is made in China. I ordered it in May and it is still back ordered. Barranca is selling the HP saws.
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 11, 2020 18:05:57 GMT -5
This looks like two pieces laminated together, not a single casting. Almost looks like it was poured in 2 stages, doesn't it |
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AzRockGeek
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2016
Posts: 703
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Post by AzRockGeek on Jul 11, 2020 20:01:19 GMT -5
That vise should have never made it to assembly!!! The new HP is actually a decent saw, but their customer service is HORRIBLE!!!! Last year at the Tucson show I stood in their booth waiting for support, 5-6 people working, 2-3 customers and I can not get any one to give me the time of day. Lost that sale. If I was going to buy a new saw, it would be an HP. But, I prefer finding older units on CL and refurbing them.
Tim
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 11, 2020 20:17:40 GMT -5
That vise should have never made it to assembly!!! The new HP is actually a decent saw, but their customer service is HORRIBLE!!!! Last year at the Tucson show I stood in their booth waiting for support, 5-6 people working, 2-3 customers and I can not get any one to give me the time of day. Lost that sale. If I was going to buy a new saw, it would be an HP. But, I prefer finding older units on CL and refurbing them. Tim Aside from some very much more expensive saws it looks like the best choice for a saw that size, if you cannot find a used one. I never see any lapidary machines anywhere near me on CL. I'll see what Tony can drag out of the rock dust and oil. Should be better than any new saw at the same (or less) price point.
I personally would not judge their customer service on 5 people at a show, but heck, they should have had backup people waiting to jump up and do acrobatics for any new customer that looked even a tiny bit interested. That's just how it should be.
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AzRockGeek
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2016
Posts: 703
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Post by AzRockGeek on Jul 11, 2020 20:53:08 GMT -5
Tony always has a few saws on hand, I am sure he will take good care of you. Take road trip and save on shipping cost and hit his rock pile while you are out there.  |
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jul 11, 2020 21:50:23 GMT -5
Should be able to drive 16 hours round trip and fit a saw in the back of my Subaru. Doesn't leave a lot of time to take all the best rocks (that you want) from the piles though  |
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. Check out their videos if you get a chance.
