One of several types of grinding machine made in the Haro Works of Robert Habib in Geneva, Switzerland, the Haron No. 12 and No. 12Y Universal Tool & Cutter Grinders were a simplified version of the Company's more complex and expensive H2 model. The No. 12 was the standard model, the No. 12Y being fitted with an automatic hydraulic drive to the table's longitudinal feed.
Like most tool and cutter grinders of the "Universal" type - where a machine could perform a wider range of jobs than a standard type - the Haro had its elevating grinding head mounted at the rear of the fixed-height table. However, unlike the more common Jones and Shipman Model 310, the grinding head on the Haro could not only be raised, lowered and rotated through 360° on its vertical axes but was also carried on a double-swivel arrangement that allowed a tilt of 30° each side of central in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Thus, equipped with a range of suitable accessories, it could act not only as a tool and cutter grinder able to undertake complex work but also as an effective surface, cylindrical and internal grinding machine as well. Built into the wheel head was a specially-constructed statically and dynamically balanced motor, the arrangement obviating the need for drive belts and their associated vibrations.
Also helping to make the Haro a rigid and versatile machine was a heavy stand in cast steel on a three-point mounting; a longitudinal slide 1400 mm (55") long that carried a table with a working surface of 950 x 133 mm to give a capacity between centres of 645 mm (25.375"); an ability to hold cutters up to 250 mm (10") in diameter with a maximum diameter able to be held between centres of 280 mm (11.125"); a table with a longitudinal travel of 500 mm (19.7"), a cross travel of 250 mm (10") and a head able to be elevated through some 265 mm (10.5"). To help the operator observe a job from more than one position, the handwheels for the table's longitudinal travel were duplicated at its front and rear - as were those for the cross slide. The head, its column and slideway, no matter how far back they were positioned, were always fully supported on the base casting while the locking and unlocking of slides and swivels was by hand, there being no need to hunt for a self-hiding spanner. Engraved scales on the handwheels and swivelling slides were all - to reduce distracting reflecting - given a matt chrome finish on a steel base.
Both wet and dry work was possible: for the latter, an additional-cost extraction unit was mounted inside the cabinet stand and, cleverly, attached to the door - a change to wet working meant just a few minutes spent replacing the door unit with a second that carried a coolant pump and tank. Both units were fully wired and just plugged into a socket on the inside of the stand, the control switch being mounted on the frame's left-hand face.
Standing around 1230 mm high, 1400 mm wide and 1230 mm deep front to back, the Haro No. 12 weighed 1000 kg (2240 lbs) when equipped with its plain, standard attachments. The all-up shipping weight in its maker's wooden case was in the region of 1180 kg (2597 lbs).
Other high-quality tool & cutter grinders able to be used as universal machines and with elevating heads but fixed tables include the Bauerle, Cabo, Cincinnat1 No.2, Dowling and K.O.Lee,