[CaptainMarvel]

UPDATE:
The Black & Decker TS isn't a consideration any longer - focusing solely on the Craftsman TS now. I'll keep the original posting for "historical" sake.

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Might any of you have any knowledge/thoughts about the Black & Decker BT2500 Table Saw?

I have an opportunity to pick one up for about $125 … but I wanted to run it by the experts first.
(mind you, I am strictly a DIY/Home Hobbiest level project/woodworker - not a professional or any intention of becoming one)

Thanks for any comments, insight and/or advice you can provide.

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[Loren]

Well, it's a saw with a Universal direct drive motor. This
keeps the weight and manufacturing costs down.

A contractor saw is a better investment, imo, unless
you need something you can load and unload into
a vehicle easily by yourself.

 

[wormil]

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2002/CPSC-Black--Decker-Announce-Recall-to-Repair-Table-Saws-/

 

[CaptainMarvel]

i saw that …. but then I also found some additional info concerning the recall - as follows:

"Check the date code - If the date code is from 200128-CT through 200148-CT, then it must be repaired.
Note: id the date code is followed by an "R" your saw has already been repaired. The date code is located on the front of the tool on the nameplate."

So, I guess I would need to check the date code on the name plate of the saw - to see if it was made after the recall/repair

 

[JayT]

+1 to Loren.

$125 seems like a good price, but what you are really getting is a universal motor job-site table saw with legs and a nicer fence. With a similar amount of money and some patience, you should be able to pick up a belt drive contractor saw that would be much better in the long run.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

What do you all think about this one?? - seller is asking $275

Hitachi C10FL table saw, lightly used and in excellent condition

 

[JayT]

The C10FL has a good reputation and a strong following. IIRC, it is a belt drive with the motor mounted inside the cabinet (instead of hanging off the back). The fence is pretty good and with a little tuning can make a very good saw. It is a FAR better saw than the B&D.

$275 seems fair, if it is in good shape. Not a bargain, but they aren't asking for the moon, either. I'd offer a bit less, like $225-250 and see what happens. Even if you have to pay full asking, you should come out OK.

If you have the patience, wait until knotscott checks in and see what he has to say. He is very knowledgeable on table saws and will be helpful.

 

[wormil]

The Hitachi is probably a decent saw if the fence is any good.

 

[vikingcape]

My father in law has the Hitachi and it cuts like a dream nice and straight. I would definitely go for that one

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Hoping it's still available (the Hitachi, that is) ... awaiting response from seller

 

[knotscott]

The Hitachi is a definite step up in class…. much better saw than the B&D. Much heavier, belt drive induction motor, larger work area, will accept upgrades like better fence, aftermarket miter gauge, and solid wings, is worth fixing if the motor goes south. $275 isn't a bad price, but a reasonable offer can't hurt if the saw checks out….they just might take it!

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Another possibility just popped up on CL (for my area) . . .

"$140
Regular blade and extra fine finish blade
Extension table also included
FANTASTIC CONDITION, CLEAN!, WELL MAINTAINED, VERY LITTLE USE, ZERO RUST

READY TO BE USED THE SECOND YOU GET IT HOME! This is a fantastic table saw that I have taken very very very good care of! Just out of room to store, or else I would not sell. Would prefer to sell to someone that will actually use it, & not to someone that is going to slap it on eBay or sell it for parts.

VERY CLEAN, NO SPIDERS, BUGS, ETC.LIKE OTHER TABLESAWS ON CL! THIS SAW SPENT ITS LIFE SO FAR INDOORS, well lubricated, & NOT in a production shop either! A GREAT BUY !"

I emailed the seller as to the make/model, and received this reply . . .

"It's craftsman 113.xxxxx I can get u x's later tday. It has good reviews vintage excellent saw. I've taken VERY GOOD CARE OF IT"

He is going to provide the full model number later ….. but what do you think of THIS possibility?

 

[JayT]

The Craftsman 113 series are pretty good contractor style saws and can be made to work well. It is what I am currently using and it meets all of my needs very nicely. Cast iron top, that one has steel wings, but it is possible to pick up cast iron grate wings for very little if you prefer. All that said, they have one major downfall-the fence sucks. It will cost $150-200 for a new fence to fit. You can get by with the stock fence for a while, but be prepared for some frustrations. Make sure it is a belt drive, Craftsman also had a "Flex Drive" style 113 that drove the blade with a flexible shaft-if it is that type, I would pass.

For the same money, personally, I would prefer the Hitachi and not need to worry about the upgrade. If that deal falls through the Craftsman is not a bad back-up plan.

 

[knotscott]

As long as it's got the belt drive induction motor hanging out the back, it's still a step up in class from the B&D, and has very good potential, but JayT hit the nail on the head about the fence. If you're willing to deal with the fence for a while, or upgrade it, could be a good buy. The Hitachi fence isn't wonderful either, but it works. I'd offer $100-$125 if it checks out.

 

[kdc68]

+1 Jay...The fence is a PITA…I owned a 113.226880 for 20 plus years. It was reliable, never had issues until the last year or so when I was getting a lot of arbor runout. But the fence was pretty much a pain the whole time. I didn't feel too much like dealing with the arbor bearings (if that what caused the runout) and so I bought a new saw. I sold mine to a Craftsman fanatic. He was prepared to upgrade the motor and fence. Mine was in excellent shape, no rust and had all the original parts…

 

[Loren]

Those Craftsman saws are real basic but they get the
job done. They have cranks instead of handwheels,
a very basic (and somewhat finnicky) fence, and the
casters don't work very well due to thin gauge
steel mounts and flexing of the also-thin gauge
legs.

The Hitachi will be a smoother tool all around.

Once you get a cut set up though, both saws will
do it equally well.

I think the Hitachi is a good buy at $200-$250
depending on local supply. The motor hanging
out the back on the Craftsman makes it more
of a hassle to enclose for dust or make an
outfeed table.

 

[toolie]

is that hitachi the one that has plastic elevation or bevel gears?

+1 on KS's comments about price. i have two similar emerson built saws and kept them over a 3hp unisaw i refurbished and they do what i need to do. if equipped with a ridgid OEM fence or a delta t2, they are extremely capable, even with a 1 hp motor and a sharp blade specific to the designated task.

if it's missing the splitter/blade guard, use that as a bargaining chip ro lower the price. they can cost between $60 and 100 off ebay. there is no way to retro fit a riving knife, adn things like the BORK and the shark guard are pricey options for supplanting the OEM splitter.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Here are some additional images the seller sent me (of the Craftsman TS) . . .

 

[kdc68]

Aside from the cramp in my neck from looking at your photos, from what I can tell the saw appears to be a great condition…lol. Tough call between the Craftsman and Hitachi. I know the new Porter Cable has the plastic gear, the Hitachi may have the same since they are pretty much identical

 

[RibsBrisket4me]

Either the C-man or the Hitachi are really good options. I have a C-man 113.298762 saw it's been super for years. I did upgrade the fence though…pics on my link below.

Grab one of those saws and get a'cutting some wood