Since Larry Messer took over H&A Swing Saw Inc. in the late 1970s, the company has focused exclusively on building three tough, durable swing saws that work like mules without a lot of fuss or maintenance.
They are very similar to the original models that were built by the current company’s predecessor Heston & Anderson as far back as the 1920s. That company made all kinds of woodworking machinery including band saws, shapers, joiners, planers, and of course, swing saws. In fact, according to Messer, if you’ve ever seen The Waltons on television, you’ve probably seen a Heston & Anderson Model 5 – an older model that had a cast-iron frame – in action in the family sawmill.
In the 1950s, Heston & Anderson was bought out and the company name changed to H&A Swing Saws; Messer joined that company in 1978. It’s located in Lockridge, Iowa, only 12 miles from the original one.
Still providing the fastest swing saw for most cut-off operations in wood, plastics or many other comparable materials, Messer said his saws deliver up to 72 cuts per minute with a very accurate cut. They have a greater cutting capacity per diameter inch of blade, with a clearance closer to arbor where the motor is mounted. This means you get more power and lower cutting costs. Operators can also start and stop with less weight for less operator fatigue and higher productivity.
H&A saws are in use in mills across the country and are still the fastest swing saws for most cut-off operations, Messer said. Which model a sawmill needs basically depends on what size material they’re cutting. The smallest – the Model 5 – is best for thinner material and the largest – the Model 55 – can cut wood as large as railroad ties, while the Model 25 falls mid-range.
“For just a straight cut-off operation, it’s like a mule. It’s there every day, it never wears out, and you don’t have to feed it too much,” Messer said.
“I had a call from a company about a year ago about a saw that was bought in the 50s and it’s still going. They just last forever,” he said. Because of their longevity, they’re typically passed down in the family or to someone else who might be taking over a family sawmill.
Only a small amount of maintenance is required, Messer said. The saws are made of channel steel, with only two moving axles, and then a steel shaft that rides in a cast-iron bearing with a grease zerk.
The only parts that may wear out over time are belts and less often, the arbor bearings. If the shaft is kept greased, it should never have to be replaced, he suggested.
These saws are great for all kinds of mill operations, but are especially popular with startups and mills where portions of a sawmill facility may be partially open or not entirely protected from the weather, because they’re made of such durable material.
The saws can be adapted for different uses such as for cutting metal by switching to different types of blades, and can even be automated for automatic feeding with an optional air unit.
Anyone ordering a swing saw from H&A will find it easy to get up and running. Out of the shipping crate, the only things that have to be attached are the magnetic starter which takes two bolts, and an optional sawdust shoot, also requiring two bolts, with everything included.
Safety features built into the swing saws include a hood guard over the blade, a rear guard in the frame for a totally enclosed belt guard system, heavy duty electrical wiring and more.
