You are in the contractor saw territory or (high end new jobsite saw). As far as new goes, the Delta 36-725 is in your price range and is available. Research it to make sure you are OK with the possible downsides.

I think the problem with a used saw in that range are things irreparably coming out of square. Typical problems are with the "contractor" types that mount the trunnion to the table instead of the old way of hanging out the back. All that weight can cause the cast iron table to warp in the center of the table. This affects accuracy. Take a precision flat edge so you know how bad/good it is.

Pedigree wise a used Powermatic 64 in your price range would be unlikely. An out of the box idea might be to look at the high end and larger jobsite saws and build your own cabinet for them. YMMV.

 

I predict the used market will get hot. Be patient and creative when you search.
Lot of tablesaws out there not getting used now that the pandemic is over.
The used market is sure to get hot.
Good Luck

 

I think @Aj2 makes a good point. I've been monitoring CL and Offerup for months. 99% of the table saws in my area are jobsite saws. Perhaps a used one to get you by and sourced locally for now while you wait on "The Deal".

 

I searched for over a year to find my DeWalt RAS, but granted they are harder to find. But the key to getting good deals is watch the classified EVERY DAY. Market place, Craigslist, forums, etc.. Be patient and when you see something you are interested in JUMP ON IT.

Good deals do not last. Don't take time to ask other what they think because when you get around to calling it will be gone.

 

A good place to watch is Estate sales. After the death of a woodworker the family often just puts them in an estate sale or in some cases auctions….so check on those too. Look for auctions houses in you area and see if they will put you on a watch list.

 

I picked up my Ridgid TS3650 for $350 a few years ago, including an Incra miter gauge, a pair of anti-kick-back wheels, and a Rockler cross-cut sled. It served me well until I moved this summer and was damaged when it fell off the rolling cart on its way to the moving truck.

I found it on CraigsList - family was selling the shop tools after the owner passed away. I actually threw them another $40 after they handed me some good blades and other saw gadgetry. Only thing that was missing was the arbor wrench.

Wound up taking the entire saw apart, cleaning it, lubing the jackscrews, gluing some EDPM rubber inside to better seal the tilt and blade height hand wheels. I put a panel in the bottom with a dust port. Everything went together well, decent dust collection (with an overhead guard) and nice, accurate cuts.

 

I predict the used market will get hot. Be patient and creative when you search.
Lot of tablesaws out there not getting used now that the pandemic is over.
The used market is sure to get hot.
Good Luck

- Aj2

The used market on almost everything started blowing up in around April, 2020. Table saws, thickness planers, jointers and the like are often double what they were 18 months or so ago.

 

Look for a used Unisaw in that price range. They aren't uncommon and a lot of people don't want to mess with a 40-50-60 year old saw. But they were superbly made and built like a tank. Just make sure the motor is a single-phase if you don't have the ability to power a 3-phase one (requires a VFD or RPC on residential service).

 

Look for a used Unisaw in that price range. They aren t uncommon and a lot of people don t want to mess with a 40-50-60 year old saw. But they were superbly made and built like a tank…...

Agreed and the design didn't change for years and years so parts are available, just not in the usual places. There are lots of folks like me that love these old saws. Mine is 1946 and don't ever expect to part with it.

 

Sorry if this has been asked before but appreciate your input. - oach

Yes, common question, answered many times in past.

This will get you started while you learn to search for existing answers:

The ABCs of Table Saws

Used tool pricing

Cheers!

 

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/tls/d/los-angeles-delta-unisaw/7400181091.html

Here's one

 

Given your criteria, needs, and budget. The Delta 725 T2 (or identical Ridgid Next) is an excellent choice. Speaking as a T2 owner, it's an outstanding saw for the money. Even better if you can snag a 10% off coupon (I got mine for $485 new).

One of the best things about the Delta T2 is the knowledge base that comes along with it. Theres a very active group on FB. Which is really the only reason I'm on FB these days. Tons of good information to help you cater the saw to your specific needs.

I've personally done the following…

DIY rail upgrade: Swapped the two piece for a one-piece and increased the cut capacity to 42"

Swapped the stamped steel wings for melamine wings: The stamped wings are fine. Maybe not perfectly flat (no stamped wings are). But they work. I went melamine because I'm OCD about precision. Didn't have any cut issues, I just wanted them to be flat. Plus, I intend to add a router on the left side

Bunch of 3D printed upgrades: I designed and printed these all myself. Most are for improving dust collection (the one mediocre thing about the saw). Another is an custom throat plate that accepts interchangeable MDF inserts. So now I have one ZCI that can handle everything from 45 degree cuts to dados.

Even if you factor in what I spent on my 3d printer, I still would have come in under your budget. I sell the 3d printed items too. And have even shared the files, for free, to those who have access to a printer.

Full disclosure, a few users have had motor issues. But, to Delta's credit, they seem to take care of those who actually file a warranty claim (5 years). I've owned mine for coming up on a year (IIRC). And I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. To get a better saw you'd frankly need to spend at least twice the price.

 

I think a lot of it depends on how comfortable you are with used tools. Used will definitely get you more bang for the buck, but you may have to put some work in. For your price range you should definitely be able to find a good deal on a decent contractor saw with cast iron wings. It's possible you might find a 3hp cabinet saw in this range as well (Grizzly, Delta, Jet) but those might need some attention.

 

After having six saws, starting with a tilt table, moving to a Delta contractors saw, having a disposable one, a Bosch site saw and two cabinet saws, for me, it boils down to I'd settle for a used Unisaw, Powermatic or Grizzly cabinet saw and never look back at any of the lesser saws.

If it didn't have a riving knife (likely it won't), I'd install a good aftermarket splitter. A splitter on ANY saw is a game changer.

One of the advantages of a good used cabinet saw will be the fence, which, if it doesn't have one, may only be a three to five hundred dollar saw, if that.

Starting a cabinet saw up after running lesser saws feels like starting a 24 valve formula racer.

ALL THAT SAID, think about running FAKEbook the list ads, which offers a bounty for information that leads to you acquiring a GOOD, used cabinet saw for $1,000.00.

No one else is doing it and you may be pleased with the results. Just be prepared for disappointment when you jump on a good deal, forget to remove the add, then get offered an even better deal.

Not everyone out there with the saw you want has listed the one they want to sell yet.


SIDE NOTES:

- Cabinet saws WILL require 240, and they're worth the circuit.

- Don't bother with three phase saws, unless you want to spend a lot more on a motor.

 

Don't be afraid of three phase… you will get the machine cheaper, it will be more efficient, and will be almost impossible to kill. Figure another $200 for a VFD and you will have a killer setup that can run circles around a single phase counterpart.

Cheers,
Brad

 

The used market tends to yield the most saw for the money if the right deal comes along, so you'd be wise to at least watch the market for a while. In the meantime, research what saws and features you like and arm yourself with information. Then you'll know when the right deal is in front of you….if nothing pops up, a new saw is almost always available somewhere.

 

I would definitely recommend a saw with a riving knife or at least one which is upgradable with a splitter. About a year ago I was in the same boat as you. I ended up finding a new 3hp Unisaw on eBay (didn't have a fence or the side table) for $1500 or so and haven't looked back. Any chance you can save a bit and spend a little more (you won't regret it).