Thread: Hare and Forbes Panel Saw - any good?

Hey there,

Anybody have any experience with Hare and Forbes and their own brand of machines? Particularly their PS-1810 panel saw.

I've been to look at it in their shop and it seemed to be fairly solidly built, although it was hard to be sure as the sliding table did not run smoothly at all - the salesman told me it had been stripped for spare parts for another machine which seemed reasonable, but you can never be sure! Apart from this, in every other way it seemed well thought out and pretty well equipped, especially considering the price.....I'm an ex-cabinet maker (both the Australian and English sense) so have had experience with old and knackered Griggios and Wadkins to shiny new top of the line Altendorf, and while I know it's never going to compare with the likes of a 3 phase industrial machine I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw.

However, looking like a decent machine doesn't always mean it will be, hence the questions...

• Build quality - this saw, and Hare and Forbes in general? Is it built to last some moderate abuse?
  
• Accuracy of fences and angles - will i need to develop some elaborate system to guarantee I'm going to cut what I hope to cut?!
  
• Alternatives? single phase, similar spec and size, and somewhere around the same price point.

I'm looking into replacing my 10" Jet table saw for something a little more versatile and suited to cutting ply etc. Whatever I end up getting to replace it, it's not going to be flogged on a daily basis but it does need to be up to the job of machining a new kitchen every once in a while, with the odd bit of solid furniture in the meantime.

I did consider a used full size panel saw, but it becomes an issue of space, as well as the logistics and expense of getting three phase power into my shed....


Thanks to all in advance for any help and advice,

Cheers,
Simon.