Has quality suffered since manufacturing went to Taiwan? Woodcraft floor model had a lot of blade movement from front to back. Easy to fix?
1659017
MY issues with the new saw were the paint on the table top scratching too easy. I had my table powder coated and that solved that issue. I also had trouble with the lower blade clamp not holding blades. After several discussions with the manufacturer, I was told I was tightening the knob to tight and causing the clamp housing to bend (?) I had a machinist make me a lower blade clamp out of good steel and that fixed the problem.
1659018
Some folks swear by the models made in Canada over the Taiwan models. I suspect if you have them side by side you can tell the difference. But - compared to other saws in this price class, I think this is the best saw with the best support.
1659019
The front to back motion is easily adjustable. I have mine set for no motion at all. Some people like a little bit for some reason.
979508
T, Got the new saw...everything looks ok but it does have the wrong label on the motor housing as before. Derek at Poulan is going to send me the correct one. It is interesting to note that on the bottom of the ES350 label, the name "HUSQUAVARNA" appears. I guess you just don't know who makes what anymore.... It's been good talking to you, hope all goes well with your new saw. Regards, Steve
1584462
They say they have. The machine I bought they made in China and it is garbage. They say they now make them in the states and fixed the problem. I have not been offered any proof of this and definitely not received any means of fixing my problem. I quit calling because you never get through to a person on their customer service number.
161307
My blade says Japan, which, as I understand, is where the better quality CS blades are made. They are supposed to be somewhat better than the ones made in Taiwan. My tally of CS blades looks to be Recon Tanto, Counter Tac I, and Super Edge - Japan / Spike Tanto, Pendleton Lite Hunter, and OSS - Taiwan. I am pleased with them all.
1622369
Yea--China--if you don't buy from China on principal --fine. I just read an article about quality. According to that article FWIW--China and Taiwan have gotten numerous complaints over the years regarding the quality of their steel. They are now using better steel and temper methods and better quality control. I have no way of verifying this
266752
Check the plane sole for flatness. I bet there is a high spot on the sole behind the blade. If there is, it needs to be ground, filed or sanded off
258111
I haven't done it personally, but it's definitely a great machine and should have no problem with the right blade. Cuts through thick, hard wood with no problem - probably more taxing than thin metal done slowly?
648008
mine did not always spring back immediately after a cut, had to be careful not to get hit by the handle when it did come back up. Machine itself did a great job for me, 1500sf of flooring, saved major time and energy. Kept it nearby, clean cuts w/o saw dust !
1186038
The rubber ring comes away every time I use the machine so I rang up and they replaced the whole unit. The second one also came away every time I used it so I rang again and they replaced just the blade part. Now the 3rd one does exactly the same and although I just wash it and put it back it does seem to be a defect. Does anyone else have this problem? I'm loathe to return it as I use it everyday ( bought in January) and I have lost 15kilos. My other issue is that I paid $267.00 (Australian) for mine and they seem so much cheaper in the US!
221605
Asia with European quality control practices. Had no issues with my saw at all.
1634931
Leanne, Thanks for your interest. I have not adjusted the carb for a while. I have used it to cut wood until quite recently, just became tired of all the annoyances that go along with this saw. I paid as much for a 40 year-old used saw as I paid new for the Poulan so I guess the lesson is you get what you pay for.Karl
630975
The blade is definitely stamped with Taiwan. Maybe it is assembled in the United States but I doubt it.
1793144
I am pretty sure that it is machined in Asia by an expat American. They are pretty great, manufacturing and function.
1209958
John, the saw I received was in a Makita carton with all of the new owner papers and owners manuals. It wasn't listed as reconditioned as I recall. I have used the saw while building my new dining room table, and couldn't be happier.
798951
i beleve it was made in japan. this is the best for the money have probably made close to 1000 cuts mostly 2x2x1/4 angle a lot of 3x1/4 flat
1395283
Scott, I've had the same problem you have. I bet it's in part due to variation in manufacturing. The small, hexagonal, white plastic part that moves the blades back and forth wore out on mine in the first year--very frustrating, even though I clean and oil the blades after every use. I'm hoping Wahl has improved the product's stability, as if this happens again I won't buy another Wahl. I was going to buy just the replacement blades, but my unit actually freezes up (blades won't move even though motor is engaged), so I don't the blades are the problem, but the part you're talking about. So, no, you're not alone in your experience. Scott, I've had the same problem you have. I bet it's in part due to variation in manufacturing. The small, hexagonal, white plastic part that moves the blades back and forth wore out on mine in the first year--very frustrating, even though I clean and oil the blades after every use. I'm hoping Wahl has improved the product's stability, as if this happens again I won't buy another Wahl. I was going to buy just the replacement blades, but my unit actually freezes up (blades won't move even though motor is engaged), so I don't the blades are the problem, but the part you're talking about. So,... » Read More Scott, I've had the same problem you have. I bet it's in part due to variation in manufacturing. The small, hexagonal, white plastic part that moves the blades back and forth wore out on mine in the first year--very frustrating, even though I clean and oil the blades after every use. I'm hoping Wahl has improved the product's stability, as if this happens again I won't buy another Wahl. I was going to buy just the replacement blades, but my unit actually freezes up (blades won't move even though motor is engaged), so I don't the blades are the problem, but the part you're talking about. So, no, you're not alone in your experience. « Show Less
1884877
I can't answer this but can only speculate. I understand manufacturing flaws but I think most users are not reading the book and properly setting up the saw the first time. I've used mine multiple times and have never had a problem. I love it!