Update on the Bauer 22 inch from HF

[NeilFC]

Thanks 

 

[Roberta Moreton]

My EX had that tension thing on the back.  Honestly, I hated that saw.  The new Harbor Freight clone doesn’t even release the arm raise easily! went back to a Dewalt.  I’m good. 

[BadBob]

17 hours ago, Roberta Moreton said:

My EX had that tension thing on the back.

That is set and forget unless it somehow gets out of adjustment. You align the upper arm parallel to the table. I assume that is the same for all of these saw styles. I have an EX-21 and a Pegas, and it is the same for both of these.

[Bill WIlson]

I never touched the rear knob on my EX-21 until I had to disassemble it to replace the linkage back in 2023.  Mine has never worked loose or otherwise gotten out of adjustment.  I've owned it since 2016.  I now have both an EX-21 and a Dewalt.  I had a Dewalt before the EX and sold it when I got the EX.  When the EX broke down a year ago, I picked up a Dewalt as a back-up.  I had forgotten how much more aggressive the Dewalt was.  I'm glad I can tune the EX.  I use it for most things, but the Dewalt is great for thick stock like compound cutting and stand-up puzzles.

[Roberta Moreton]

I understand, mine would not stay. I reset it multiple times.  I just had a bad experience.  I’m not sure I want to try another. 

[OCtoolguy]

I just did the rubber band trick and have no problems with either of my EX's.

[GreggA]

On 11/21/2024 at 4:48 AM, timelett said:

Not to cause a stir but when have you been to a power tool store that allows you or me to fiddle with the heavy power tools? I'm happy with mine but I am not running a business with it. And I am still using the clamps that came with the saw. I want to give it a fair chance to prove itself along with the saw before a honest report. I have always had a good experience with the Harbor freight staff and tools.

I agree timelett. Some people are just negative and think more money is always better. If your happy with tools you have and the end result is your satisfaction that's all that matters.

[Tony333]

Please elaborate on the upgrade blade holders, I have this saw and completely confused as to why HF dies not carry the blades designed for it.

[kmmcrafts]

On 10/9/2025 at 2:54 PM, Tony333 said:

Please elaborate on the upgrade blade holders, I have this saw and completely confused as to why HF dies not carry the blades designed for it.

Which saw do you have? There are different saws they made over the years and the upgraded blade holders are specific to the model saw you have.. Pegas blade holders for their 22" saw if you have the older saws then there is another place to get adapters for the blades.. so it makes a difference on what saw you have. 

[OCtoolguy]

It's probably something installed wrong or out of adjustment but I'd probably return it if you can't figure it out.

[kmmcrafts]

On 10/9/2025 at 2:54 PM, Tony333 said:

Please elaborate on the upgrade blade holders, I have this saw and completely confused as to why HF dies not carry the blades designed for it.

BTW, IF harbor Frieght did carry the blades they'd probably be the crappy blades that all the hardware stores etc. have on their display racks.. Most blades you can buy at your local box stores are junk.. You need to buy one of three of these brands, Flying Dutchman, Olsen, or Pegas.. each brand has good blades but slightly different blade configurations and you have folks that are diehard brand loyal that will swear about the blades their brand offers.. I personally use all three brands for certain projects and I don't feel there is any certain brand that is "Best" just depends on the type of project and material and also your style of comfort level of cutting etc.. Best thing is to buy many samples from each brand and find what you like.. what you like today might change as you advance in your scrolling ability

[Wichman]

On 10/11/2025 at 8:01 AM, kmmcrafts said:

BTW, IF harbor Frieght did carry the blades they'd probably be the crappy blades that all the hardware stores etc. have on their display racks.. Most blades you can buy at your local box stores are junk.. You need to buy one of three of these brands, Flying Dutchman, Olsen, or Pegas.. each brand has good blades but slightly different blade configurations and you have folks that are diehard brand loyal that will swear about the blades their brand offers.. I personally use all three brands for certain projects and I don't feel there is any certain brand that is "Best" just depends on the type of project and material and also your style of comfort level of cutting etc.. Best thing is to buy many samples from each brand and find what you like.. what you like today might change as you advance in your scrolling ability

It's funny but I bought some of the HF pinned blades for a test I was running (interrupted due to stuff) and they were better than the same size/style of Olson blades, go figure. 

[OCtoolguy]

On 11/11/2024 at 7:48 AM, Scrappile said:

I came across this the other day when cleaning.  This is what I used for a long time.  Made for my DeWalt saw but still used it on the following Excalibur and Sako.  The last two did not need it, but I liked the feeling of extra security that the arm was not going to come down.   

No, I will not sell it, nor do I have a pattern! 

Paul, I'm toying with building one of these, Can you tell me what finish you used to get that patina? I really love it.

 

[Scrappile]

1 hour ago, OCtoolguy said:

Paul, I'm toying with building one of these, Can you tell me what finish you used to get that patina? I really love it.

 

I use a finish called 'long-time-exposure-to-the-sun'.

[Denny Knappen]

Just a note.  I have a customer with the Bauer and he will be putting the Pegas Chuck Head Set on it.  He will let me know how it works.

[philipcollier]

I have a 22" Bauer.  Added a Arm release, but more importantly to me I added a dust collection system under the table.  Connected it to a shop vacuum out the back. It doesn't get in the way of me top feeding the blade and working the lower clamp and doesn't catch everything but does catch most.   It might get in the tilting the arm but I rarely do that.  It is siliconed in place.

[OCtoolguy]

17 hours ago, philipcollier said:

I have a 22" Bauer.  Added a Arm release, but more importantly to me I added a dust collection system under the table.  Connected it to a shop vacuum out the back. It doesn't get in the way of me top feeding the blade and working the lower clamp and doesn't catch everything but does catch most.   It might get in the tilting the arm but I rarely do that.  It is siliconed in place.

Where did you get it?

[rjweb]

Is the arm release something you made or did you purchase, RJ

[philipcollier]

9 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

Where did you get it?

I 3d printed it.  Found a pre-made design that is supposed to be for drilling drywall and catching the dust.

[philipcollier]

3 hours ago, rjweb said:

Is the arm release something you made or did you purchase, RJ

I made the arm.   I still need to add a spring to it to keep it from moving a little bit but it works great.

[Aaron K5ATG]

On 1/10/2026 at 9:49 PM, philipcollier said:

I 3d printed it.  Found a pre-made design that is supposed to be for drilling drywall and catching the dust.

Does anyone happen to have the fille to this or something similer so that I can have it printed?