The Harvey table saw has long been a favorite among passionate DIYers and professional woodworkers alike. With its rugged build quality, smooth accurate cuts, and easy adjustability, this iconic green machine has built a reputation for being an affordable workhorse saw that can handle demanding woodshop needs.
But with constant innovations in the power tool industry, how does Harvey’s classic design hold up in 2024 against newer competing models? In this in-depth review, we’ll assess the latest version of the Harvey saw to see if it still deserves a place in your workshop.
Overview of the Harvey Brand
First, let’s look at the history and context behind the Harvey label:
- Founded in 1997, Harvey Power Tools is a U.S.-based company focused on making affordable and dependable power tools and accessories.
- They are best known for their green table saws, jointers, dust collectors, and bandsaws targeted at home DIYers.
- Harvey doesn’t make the fanciest or most cutting-edge tools, but rather workhorse equipment known for reliability.
- Models like the Harvey table saw often get compared to classics like the Delta and Powermatic saws.
- While not suitable for fine woodworking, Harvey tools handle general home projects well at reasonable price points.
The Harvey table saw adheres to the brand’s overall philosophy of straightforward design and functionality at an accessible price point. Let’s see how those attributes hold up.
Key Specifications
Here are the core specs on the latest Harvey 10-inch table saw model:
- Motor: 15-amp, 120V, 5,000 RPM
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Arbor Size: 5/8 inches
- Max Cut Depth at 90o: 3-1/8 inches
- Max Rip Capacity: 30 inches right of blade
- Miter Gauge Range: 60o left and right
- Bevel Range: 0-45o
- Table Size: 20 x 27 inches
- Overall Footprint: 27 x 43 inches
- Weight: 287 pounds
At first glance, the numbers indicate a reasonable amount power and capacity for the price. Now let’s look closer at how it performs in real world use.
Detailed Review of Key Features
Here is an in-depth assessment of how the major features of the Harvey table hold up:
Motor and Power
- The 15-amp motor provides adequate power for typical DIY cuts in thinner stock.
- Spinning the 10-inch blade at 5000 RPM, it makes smooth, steady cuts in pine, plywood, etc.
- Struggled a bit cutting thicker oak; had to feed slower to prevent bogging down.
- For fine woodworking, the motor lacks torque of higher-end saws. But sufficient for basic home projects.
Adjustments and Alignment
- Blade height and bevel adjustments are easy to set and lock in precisely with the large knobs.
- The rack and pinon system on the height crank feels smooth and solid.
- Table alignment to blade out of the box was excellent. Required minimal tweaking to perfect.
- Retains settings well, unlike cheaper saws that get knocked out of square easily.
Cut Quality and Accuracy
- With a sharp blade installed, cuts come out very smooth in a variety of materials.
- Excellent rip capacity means full sheets of plywood can be cut down precisely.
- Cross cuts are square and accurate when using the miter gauge.
- Repeatable precision during angled bevel cuts.
Dust Collection
- Comes equipped with a 2.5inch port to attach to a shop vac or dust collector.
- The enclosed base traps a lot of sawdust and keeps the floor cleaner.
- Some dust still escapes from the rear and sides during cuts. Improved from past Harvey saws but not perfect.
Fence and Miter Gauge
- The 30inch rip fence glides smoothly and locks parallel to the blade reliably.
- Fence lacks micro-adjust however. Must completely unlock for small adjustments.
- Included miter gauge makes accurate crosscuts but the fit in the slot is a little sloppy.
Safety Features
- Blade guard assembly works as expected. Keeps fingers safely away from the blade.
- Integrated riving knife maintains close spacing with the blade to prevent kickback.
- On/off paddle switch is large and easy to access. Power resets quickly after a kickback trip.
- Lack of flesh detection tech means you must be attentive to keep hands clear.
Construction and Build Quality
- Made in Taiwan with good fit and finish on major components.
- Sturdy steel cabinet with enclosed base limits vibration and noise.
- Trunnion and table feel solid with minimal flex cutting heavier stock.
- Plastic knobs and guard components feel a little flimsy however.
In terms of performance for the price, the Harvey saw delivers very good cutting capability for hobbyist needs, but struggles with fine precision work compared to elite cabinet saws.
Ease of Use
Here are some notes regarding usability of the Harvey saw:
- Assembly out of the box is straightforward with included instructions. Took about 2 hours.
- Controls are intuitive and conveniently located to make adjustments fast.
- Bevel and blade height cranks could use more marking increments however.
- Table insert swaps out easily allowing for zero clearance inserts.
- Fence moves smoothly on rails and locks down square every time.
- Required minimal tweaking to achieve perfect 90o and 45o cuts.
- Cast iron surface allows stock to slide easily when feeding.
- At 287 pounds, the saw stays put well during aggressive cutting.
While not as refined as premium saws, the Harvey provides very good usability for the price range. Once dialed in, it operates smoothly.
Potential Downsides and Limitations
No saw is perfect, so here are some of the potential issues to note with Harvey:
- Lack of flesh detection safety tech is a concern for beginning users. Must pay constant attention to blade.
- Limited cutting capacity for width and depth. Not ideal for thick stock.
- Minimal capacity for dado stacks. Recommend 8-inch dado set maximum.
- Flimsy plastic components feel cheap.
- Open stand invites dust buildup inside cabinet.
- Included miter gauge could be higher quality.
- 15-amp motor can struggle with dense exotic woods or cutting sheet goods.
- No built-in mobility system. Fairly heavy to reposition.
While the Harvey is highly capable for the price, the main tradeoffs are capacity limitations, basic safety tech, and build material quality on some components.
Recommended Accessories
Here are some worthwhile upgrades and accessories:
- Zero clearance insert – Reduce tearout and enable narrow cutoffs.
- Outfeed table – Supports long stock exiting the blade.
- Miter gauge – Higher quality model ensures precision crosscuts.
- Featherboards – Help feed stock safely, evenly, and kickback-free.
- Push sticks – Essential for keeping hands at a safe distance from the spinning blade.
- Mobile base – Allows repositioning the saw around the shop.
- Thin kerf blade – Maximizes limited cutting capacity of the 15-amp motor.
- Dado throat plate – Needed to safely make dado cuts.
While the Harvey doesn’t require much, adding these affordable upgrades helps optimize functionality and safety.
Warranty Coverage
Harvey backs this table saw with the following warranty periods:
- 5 years on the saw motor and components
- 2 years on parts and accessories
- 1 year on labor
This coverage is about average for stationary power tools in this price range. Harvey has a good reputation for honoring their warranties and providing replacement parts. Just be sure to register your saw upon receipt.
Pricing and Value
The Harvey 10-inch table saw typically sells for around $599 at major retailers. That puts it squarely in the entry-level price tier for stationary table saws.
For the capabilities provided, it offers very good value at this price point:
- Significant power and smooth cutting ability for the price.
- Excellent alignment and adjustment features usually found on pricier saws.
- Durable construction that should provide years of use with proper care.
- Quality rip fence, miter gauge, and safety components.
- Easy to use controls and set up.
- Reputable warranty and parts support.
While some compromises were made to meet the price, the performance, construction, and features of the Harvey make it a great value purchase.
How Does It Compare to Other Table Saws?
Here is a quick comparison of how the Harvey stacks up to two competitors:
vs. Ridgid R4520
- The Ridgid offers more power with a 15-amp motor. But is also $100+ more expensive.
- Ridgid has superior dust collection. Harvey’s is passable but not great.
- Both have similar quality fences, blades, and miter gauges.
- Ridgid provides greater cutting capacity for width and depth.
vs. Delta 36-725
- The Delta is more compact and portable. Harvey is bulkier.
- Delta is cheaper by about $150. Harvey seems better built.
- Harvey has the edge in smoothness of adjustments.
- Delta offers reduced cutting capacity but smaller footprint.
The Harvey holds its own against these two competitor models providing a nice middle ground in terms of power, functionality, and value.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Harvey 10-inch table saw remains a recommended option for DIYers in 2024 based on its proven performance, durability, ease of use, and value pricing. While not suitable for fine woodworking, it handles general home project demands very capably.
Its alignment stays true, cuts are smooth and repeatable, and the construction feels solid. Safety tech lags competitors but attentive use mitigates risk. To maximize the limited capacity, adding a thin kerf blade helps.
In the end, the Harvey provides tremendous functionality for the affordable price. With light hobbyist use, it should provide many years of smooth and accurate cutting. While newer models boast flashier features, the Harvey table saw still deserves consideration by anyone looking for a dependable workhorse saw on a budget.
