HSE is launching an online platform for their standard blade-range, and a portal to supply detailed information on any cutting needs.
A circular saw used in the timber industry. Image credit: Woodmizer
Harris Sawing Equipment (HSE), a local manufacturer of various circular saw blades, has developed their online store that will be launched at the beginning of August, 2020, and will provide the digital platform where customers can order their high quality blades for standard applications. This will include blade diameters of 250mm up to 500mm.
All of the steel used at Harris Sawing Equipment (HSE) is imported from Europe because the high-quality grade of steel needed is not available locally. The blades are cut out of the sheets of steel through a laser-cutting process, and they then go through various stages of production before the end product is complete.
“All the blades produced by HSE are made according to European standards with very high tolerances, the correct grades of steel, and the correct carbide being used. We produce quality products with guarantees on run out and tension, unlike other cheaper producers. Why pay for ten cheaper blades that may be ruined in a day when a quality blade just lasts so much longer?” says Michael Harris, owner of Harris Sawing Equipment.
All standard blades ordered in the online store are ex-stock. Should an item be sold out, the delivery time is five days from order. Custom blades are also available for manufacture and details can be discussed with the HSE team.
The online platform will further open the door between the customers or end users who are looking for advice for their particular applications, and the manufacturer directly. This offers a place to find the detailed technical information about blades and cutting. This section was primarily devised to cater to anyone involved in cutting, because the actual knowledge about cutting and how to use various saw blades is very poor in the industry.
“Users generally don’t understand the differences between tooth geometry and the grades of carbide used on the blades, and often will use a blade that is meant for cutting wood and then use it on copper or aluminium and then not understand why it’s not working correctly. So, the information will be made available to educate people and also to answer any particular questions they might have,” adds Harris.
Initially the section will host answers to frequently asked questions that will be built on as time passes, and more detailed information through email correspondence would also be available. At a later stage, depending on the frequency of queries, the platform may convert to real-time responses.
The process of blade manufacture entails a number of technical steps which cannot be short on quality, as cutting safety is essential. Typically, batches of blades are produced at a time to maximise efficiency.
The process starts with the particular high-grade of steel that is laser cut into the required body shapes. This is followed by the heat treatment process that could take as long as two days, which hardens the steel.
This is then followed by tempering, which in simple terms is the heating and cooling of the steel to certain parameters to decrease the metal’s hardness but increase its toughness. Tempering is an extremely important step since if it is not done or not done successful, the steel will be brittle and could shatter.
The blades then follow the manufacturing steps which include: straightening and tensioning, grinding and polishing, boring and then tipping, all of which follow strict quality guidelines to produce a long-lasting product, when used correctly.
HSE has roots that date back to 1920 and changed its name to Harris Sawing Equipment in 1979. HSE not only manufacturers, they recondition saw blades and offer consulting services. HSE services a wide market from original equipment manufacturers, end users, various distribution networks throughout South Africa and also exports to the rest of Africa.
