Delay + slow transfer in syncing files to an external drive

I have set up some rules (thanks largely to Mr_Noodle's help over email) to Sync files in a watched folder to an external hard drive and subsequently move them to Trash. I've been using the rules for a while now and have noticed two possible issues:

1. While simple rules for local files (such as tagging files based on certain criteria) get fired almost instantaneously, the rule that Syncs files in a watched folder to an external drive takes a very, very long time to run, often more 15 minutes after the drive is connected.

2. The copy process itself seems much slower than a simple, manual copy/paste via Finder.

I wonder if this is usual behaviour; it would be great to hear some feedback. Thanks!

Can you give me more details about how your rule is setup? Are you comparing Sync vs Copy?

Thanks Paul. The rules are here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/undxuv4sybpt ... Zp5sa?dl=0

I am comparing the difference in speed between Sync via Hazel to the usual Finder Copy/Paste.

Try using the Copy action instead. It looks like how you are doing things does not require the Sync action.

Over email you had recommended that I use Sync so that the subsequent actions (the Move actions in both instances) would apply on the source. Should I switch over to Copy instead?

Ah, in that case then you probably should stick with sync. Note that sync may be slower as it does extra checks to see what is different before copying files over.

Thanks for that update. Does that also explain the long delay between the external drive being connected and the beginning of the file transfer?

How long are we talking? Note that it might a little while (less than a minute) for Hazel to see the drive come online and then to react to it. If it's more than that, then send me logs showing the time when (a) the drive came online and (b) when Hazel processed it.

Thanks Paul. It seems to take much longer so will email you the logs when I next use the rule.