Harvey is SO responsive, a set of bearings was on the way faster than I could tell them I bought "better" ones. Yes, I ordered XiKe in the correct size. $16 for all 11 and they should be here tomorrow. I found several other sources recommending them. $1 bearing vs the $.25 OEM ones. Also quite a bit on counterfeit bearings. ( Amazon selling in an "industrial unmarked box" for 1/3 of what the bearing normally sells for. No lot number to verify by the app. )
Idea: On the thrust bearings one can put a bit of foil tape over one side and seal it from any grit. All the rest, I will cut some felt washers to seal them up. I figure the drag from the oily felt will be insignificant as they spin so slow so rarely and it should catch most of the dust and grit.
I thought about ceramics, but that would need big changes to the guide blocks messing up the super easy to adjust system that was one of the reasons I bough the Harvey over Laguna and Rikon.
Yes, the worst were on the lower guide. I am also looking at the idea to use a bit of split hose under the table to increase dust collection. It is not bad compared to some saws, but not perfect.
Only other "questionable" part is the belt. Every Chinese belt I have ever had was crap. Wheels are so heavy, not much vibration, but I think a Gates cogged belt is still justified. Again, a big cost difference that could upset the price point. A cheap belt retails for $3, a good one more like $10. Understanding how that trickles through to the retail, it is actually significant! The market is so price sensitive, you can't sell higher quality as people won't believe it. Would you pay $200 more for a $1200 machine if they said it had better bearings and belts? You should, but I bet 99% won't.
I am still loving this machine. I just ran all the walnut I harvested and rough sawed across the jointer. Gad, did it do a good job of nice strait cuts. ( 3/4 inch Sawblades.com blade) I screwed up not noticing I could have gotten a 1 inch. FWIW, I run my blade slightly forward. Not as much as the "Carter guy" but not centered either. I know I am not there yet on tension. My thumb is just not well calibrated yet.
I hope honest feedback can help all the OEMs do a better job, build their reputation and succeed. I am a big proponent of manufacturing even if it is China. When a company cares, they should be rewarded by the market. ( If they get there by stealing, well that is another problem and not unique to China!)
I think most woodworking machines are stuck in history. I don't know if the same is true for industrial machines. I can see where almost every woodworking machine could be assisted buy some clean sheet thinking understanding modern manufacturing and materials rather than just adding electronics to the same old 100 year old machine. Too many parts. too many different size screws. ( I think it was 5 different screws holding the cover on my DW 735.) Too many "fiddly: assembly procedures. Mass dampers, new alloys that don't need aging, etc. It is clear, anyone designing dust collection is not well versed in fluid dynamics! It is equally clear, most designers did not take the Troy Institute classes on design for manufacturability. Split off Ford, Don't know if they still exist, but sure opened our eyes when I was in industry.