Harvey A-15 Band Saw and Grabber Pro: Two Workshop Upgrades Worth a Closer Look

Introduction

Band saws have remained largely unchanged for generations, so when a manufacturer announces an intelligent band saw, it gets attention. The Harvey A-15 is a 15-inch saw that weighs 700 lb and brings a built-in computer, redesigned blade guides, a new trunnion system, and what is described as the best fence ever designed for a band saw. Alongside it, the Grabber Pro offers a more affordable way to improve table saw safety. Both tools solve problems that woodworkers have dealt with for years, and both are worth a closer look.

The Intelligent Band Saw Concept

The first thing most people notice about the A-15 is the computer module on the front. It is removable for servicing, which addresses the concern about electronics in a dusty workshop. The module lets you tell the saw what type of blade you are using, and the saw calculates the proper tension. As you adjust the tensioning mechanism, the saw monitors it in real time and tells you when it is correct. This solves one of the most frustrating problems with band saws, because improper blade tension leads to drifting cuts and broken blades.

The saw also monitors the angle of the table, so you no longer have to wonder if your cuts are square. You can use it to dial in any angle you want for beveled cuts. The computer also monitors blade speed, since this is a two-speed saw that cuts at 2,300 and 4,300 feet per minute. The speed adjustment is done at the motor, but it gives you more options for hardwood, wet wood, and resawing. There is also the possibility of software updates down the road, which could add new features over time.

Build Quality That Stands Out

The A-15 is not a typical light-duty band saw. It is a 15-inch saw, which describes the size of the wheels or the width it can cut between the blade and the frame. In that respect, it is not much bigger than a typical 14-inch saw found in many garage workshops. But the build quality is on another level. The frame is twice as thick as a comparable C-14 saw, and the upper wheels and tensioning mechanisms are substantially more robust. At 700 lb, it weighs about 300 lb more than the PM500, which is generally considered one of the more robust 15-inch saws around.

For sheer build quality, the A-15 reminds me of the big cast iron machines from a century or more ago. The difference is that this saw has a computer module on the front. The motor is also notably larger than the 3-horsepower motors on many comparable saws. It is a 230-volt, single-phase, four-pole TEFC continuous-operation induction motor with enhanced cooling, greater torque, and more copper and iron windings. It is built for the heaviest workloads and does not bog down.

A Fence That Feels Completely Different

The fence on the A-15 is another game-changing innovation. It runs on a linear bearing system with rollers between two stainless steel rods. It moves so smoothly that you can micro-adjust it with a thumb wheel, which is handy for resawing veneers. There are also integrated flip stops for repeat cuts.

This fence is a significant improvement over traditional band saw fences, which often require fiddly adjustments and do not stay put. The linear bearing system keeps the fence parallel and stable, making it easier to achieve consistent cuts. For anyone who does a lot of resawing or repetitive cuts, this fence alone could justify the upgrade.

Redesigned Blade Guides and Trunnion System

Blade installation is another common frustration with band saws. The A-15’s blade guides are designed to solve this problem. The adjustments are smooth and require no tools, and the guides stay put on their own without a separate locking screw. The lower guides are easily accessible, with adjustment dials placed where your fingers can reach them.

The trunnion system is also a complete redesign. Most saws force you to loosen two knobs on two separate trunnions to tilt the table, which can throw the table out of alignment. The A-15 uses a giant single trunnion with a slide locking mechanism. It is smooth, accurate, and far beefier than traditional designs.

Nickel Plating and Rust Resistance

The 22-inch table is big for a 15-inch saw, but it is also shiny, and that is not just for looks. All the unpainted cast iron and steel parts are nickel-plated, even inside the machine and below the table. You can literally dump water on the saw and it will not rust. Nickel plating is better than titanium nitride coating because it sinks deeply into cast iron and steel, forming a complete, fully sealed metallic layer. It is also thicker, so surface scratches can be polished away, and it is slicker than bare cast iron.

This is a significant advantage for woodworkers who work in humid environments or who want a machine that will hold up for decades. The nickel plating also makes the table surface smoother, which can improve the quality of cuts.

Safety Features That Work Quietly

The A-15 is among the safest band saws ever used. The guide post is much more robust than others, with a massive gearbox tracking system that keeps it aligned in any position. There is no runout, and the locking knob has been eliminated because the tolerances are so tight. This means the guide bearings stay aligned as you raise and lower the post.

The blade brake kicks in automatically when you turn the saw off, stopping the blade in just a second or two. This prevents accidental contact with a moving blade. There are quick-off switches above and below the table, so you can turn the saw off with either free hand. Sensors and alarms prevent the saw from running if the doors are not fully closed. The blade tension arm is designed to release when it is in the down position and is clearly visible when you walk up to the saw, so you do not try to start it without retensioning the blade. There is also an alarm if the blade is loose.

Grabber Pro: A Safer Way to Push Workpieces

The Grabber Pro is a push block designed to make table saws safer to use. It is not a new invention, but it is significantly more affordable than other versions on the market. The bottom has grippy pads to control both halves of a workpiece throughout the cutting process, while the angled handle on top encourages pressure against the fence and down on the table at the same time. This greatly reduces the chance that an offcut will turn and bind between the blade and the fence, which is a major cause of kickback and amputations.

The body of the jig also bridges over the top of the saw blade, protecting your hand should something go wrong. If you do not have a blade guard installed, you can use two of them together to walk longer rips through the blade for a more fluid, smoother feed with maximum control and protection.

The Grabber Pro is adjustable. You can change the configuration of the soles to cut strips as narrow as an eighth of an inch without cutting into the block. If you want extra stability for narrow workpieces, you can lower the support foot on the side. There is also a removable, replaceable, sacrificial heel catch on the back for even more pushing power. It can be used on the router table, the jointer, and even the band saw, so you get a lot of use from your investment. The build quality is excellent, and it comes with both 1/4-inch and 8-inch thin strip attachments right out of the box.

Buying Advice

The Harvey A-15 is not in everyone’s price range, but it represents a significant leap forward in band saw design. It solves problems that woodworkers have struggled with for generations, from blade tension and alignment to rust and safety. If you are a professional woodworker or a serious hobbyist who wants the best, the A-15 is worth serious consideration.

The Grabber Pro, on the other hand, is a more accessible investment that can make your table saw safer to use immediately. It is significantly less expensive than other versions on the market, yet the build quality is excellent. If you do a lot of table saw work, especially without a blade guard, the Grabber Pro is a smart safety upgrade.

Conclusion

Both the Harvey A-15 and the Grabber Pro demonstrate that there is still room for innovation in woodworking tools. The A-15 is a professional-quality band saw that incorporates technology in clever ways, enhancing the woodworking experience without changing the best part of the craft. The Grabber Pro is a more affordable safety tool that can make a real difference in your workshop. Whether you are looking for a major upgrade or a practical safety improvement, both tools are worth a closer look.