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Would you buy a table saw with a rusty top?

2K views 14 replies 13 participants last post by  PineChopper 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Looking to upgrade from the training wheels table saw I'm currently using. I'm probably going to go used since I'm not able to afford the really nice ones now, so I'm not sure how long I'll have this next one. No use in paying for a new one if I'm going to get rid of it, right?

I found one on craigslist, but it has a rusty top. I'm fine with the work involved with cleaning that up if it gets me a decent deal on a saw. But I'm a little worried the rust might result in an uneven surface. How important is this? Is rust damage something you'd be concerned about in a used saw?

Link for reference: http://wausau.craigslist.org/tls/5332100024.html

Thanks in advance.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
That's a nice deal IMO. Looks like a belt drive model to me…probably has a 1.5hp induction motor. The saw has the upgraded fence, and very little rust…it'll clean up nicely. It probably won't be listed long.

Here's a similar saw for $200 that appears to have no rust. http://wausau.craigslist.org/tls/5336699720.html
 
#9 ·
It wouldn't worry me a bit. From the picture it looks like a quick wipe with a rag and some Boeshield T9 would have it nice enough to meet my standards, but I am not one to obsess over a bit of patina on my cast iron.

Bottom line… It will quickly and easily clean up to a perfectly functional state. If you are fussy about a little patina it might be more work, but would still be doable with a reasonable amount of effort.
 
#12 ·
BTW, it amazes me that folks use a picture like that when selling. Two minutes with some oil or T9 and a rag and it would look 10X better. I d buy it in a heartbeat if I was in the market for a TS in that range.

- PeteStaehling
I see it all the time. A table saw with a beat-up cooler on top and trashbags surrounding it. 2 minutes worth of effort would probably make the saw sell for 50% more, and 100% faster.
 
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