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                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To Simonds Industries Inc.:

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of this
registration statement.



   
                                            /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
    

                                                Arthur Andersen LLP

   
Boston, Massachusetts
October 19, 1998