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Table saw suggestions.

3K views 68 replies 17 participants last post by  wapakfred 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Ok… I do nothing right now but read, watch videos, evaluate what tools I need, and seem to have almost everything figured out but my table saw. From what I understand, nothing can be more frustrating to a starting woodworker than a table saw that isnt up to par. I'm keeping my eye out diligently for a 1.75 hp cabinet saw at a good price. I seen Powermatic 1000 for $900 and when he responded, I told him i wanted it without a doubt and was 80 miles away at work. Someone 5 miles away got it instead cause he didn't want to wait. How rare are those kinda deals? Is it worth waiting and looking? Of course in the course of looking, I run across all kinds of contractor saws, bench saws, and job site. I see a lot of craftsman contractor 10 in ones too. Honestly, I feel like I need to continue ignoring them. It always seems to boil down to accuracy And power issues when I read reviews. What is everyone else's thoughts and opinions? Does anyone else have suggested brands I should go for until my i find the saw I'm hoping to find? Or maybe I should follow the "suck it up buttercup" mentality and just be willing to drop $1600-$2000 on a new 110v cabinet saw that I won't have to replace down the road?
 
#2 ·
Quality used tablesaws in my area are sorta rare, but usually when they surface they are priced at a premium. I would just try to be patient. If you do go new, I suggest saving for a SawStop. The fact that a simple mistake resulting in loss of limb could be fully avoided is enough for me to buy it. Once I get my shop fully up and running, I will replace my table saw with a SawStop.
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
If you want a SS and stay with 1.75 HP, consider the PCS. You can look over the options, but I do suggest the fence upgrade. That said, the PM you found was a great buy…and I would have been all over it as well.o bad the seller was a, well, not nice. Personally, I consider those 2 (PM1000 and SS PCS) to be the top of the list in the the 1.75 HP saws. but that doesn't mean the others won't do the job. I'm sure someone will put up other suggestions.
 
#6 ·
Your profile doesn't list a location, and you haven't told us what area you are shopping for tools; If you do tell us more, might find folks here with time to offer suggestions of stuff we find on your local CL, offerup, or FB marketplace?

Shopping for used tools requires patience, research, and quick reaction when inexpensive stuff appears.
Used tool shopping is common challenge for new wood workers, and folks are always asking, ' is this a good price?'
I write a blog post on used tool pricing that might help: https://www.lumberjocks.com/CaptainKlutz/blog/129795

Depending on where you live, and size of local wood working community; good deals could happen once a week, tor once a year. Even worse, availability changes based on economy and overall market. In summer, often see people selling equipment before a major move, with great prices for quick sale. So next time, don't tell someone how far away you live; only tell them it will take a couple hours for your arrival as you are busy. LOL
Buying equipment is just like selling, never give information that reduces your price leverage or provides a reason for the other party to refuse the sale to you.
 
#7 ·
I live in Chattanooga tn. Looks like most woodworking tools I see get posted on CL in Knoxville and Atlanta. I've been lookin at ALL avenues online. Even been trying to find estate sales that may have. It's very time consuming and doesn't seem to be fruitful. Research at least is easy to get an idea of what your looking at with smartphones
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
From what I understand, nothing can be more frustrating to a starting woodworker than a table saw that isnt up to par.
-TellMePlease
Not sure how true that sentiment is… I know a lot of people who started out with some pretty pitiful machines, and if anything, it made them better woodworkers because of the initial limitations. I started with a POS $89 bench top Home Depot special Ohio Forge machine that I used to chase around the garage floor trying to rip PT 2x's. It really lets you know and appreciate what you have later on, and in some ways, teaches you to be a better woodworker. An ubiquitous C-man or Delta contractor saw may be an ideal option for you at this point… it will run on 120v easily, provides your basic cast iron top and induction motor, is (or can be) fairly accurate, can be moved around fairly easily and will not set you back much money. Lots and lots of woodworkers cut their teeth on those saws and if you decide you want more, you can generally sell it for what you paid, so you are out nothing.

I seen Powermatic 1000 for $900 and when he responded, I told him i wanted it without a doubt and was 80 miles away at work. Someone 5 miles away got it instead cause he didn't want to wait. How rare are those kinda deals? Is it worth waiting and looking?
Cabinet saws typically run in the $500-$1200 range depending on options, extras, location and such. I'd say $900 for a 1.75hp PM1000 is probably a fair deal, but I would consider it a little on the high side without seeing it and not knowing what else it came with. No worries though, another will be along shortly - there is a never ending supply of them out there, you just need to be patient and wait for them to show up. While there may not be as many 120v Powermatics showing up, lots of older model Unisaws with 1.5hp motors are out there, and usually can be had for well under $1000, usually closer to $500. Also, as you have already learned, you need to be able to jump on a deal when it shows up. They don't stay around for long.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#9 ·
There is a Steel City cabinet saw in Atlanta Mableton area on CL for $375. Not sure how far that is for you and if you'd want to consider it since they're no longer in business and you could have parts issues down the road, but if it's as described as being in a hobbyists shop and not been commercially used, it could be a good option to consider for the $$$
 
#12 ·
I forget the year-2006 or so? riving knives were mandated on all US table saws (they'd been using them for years in Europe). The RK is such an important safety feature, I'd look for one of the later Unisaws. Otherwise, J.Duren is correct.
 
#14 · (Edited by Moderator)
May have found another one. Hoping it's not a phase 3. Think I should jump on it either way? Really didn't think I was ready for a 3 phase or anything that runs on 230v… but what I hear is Powermatic 66 is a good way to go

condition: good
make / manufacturer: Powermatic
model name / number: 66

Includes The Following
Table Saw
Biesmeyer Fence 52"
Grizzly Dust collector
Tables
Blades

All for $1350
 
#18 ·
I'm not positive on the HP since I cannot find the plate. It's a single phase motor and we have it wired to run with the 3hp vacuum.

The saw runs great, never had any issues with it. Everything is in working order and you're welcome to see it run before purchasing. Let me know if you want to stop by.
-per seller…

It's got a double bag grizzly DC with it. Should I jump on this? According to the serial number, all I could figure out is it's a 1972 model. Green
 
#19 · (Edited by Moderator)
It's always hard to suggest what to do on these questions, but the 66 is (in my mind) the premier saw and in good shape would serve you for the rest of your life (and your grandchildren's lives). The price is (to me) just a little high, but it's hard to figure value with all the different market conditions in the country. The HP choices are either 3 or 5 (single phase) and you should be able to tell from the plug. If it's a 20 amp plug it's a 3 HP, 30 amp plug on the 5 (at least that's the way it should be). His statement about running "wired to run with a 3 HP vacuum" is not all that clear so who knows what he's done. It's hard to value a "double bag Grizzly DC" as well, since that could be almost anything.
 
#21 · (Edited by Moderator)
That saw appears to be in a pro shop and has (maybe) seen some heavy usage. Please don't take this the wrong way, but from your questions I'm not sure you're ready for a saw that might be wonderful…but still need some work. That would be a possibility (the work part) so you may want to just hang in there and wait for another one. But that's just my opinion.
 
#24 ·
I was originally. I seen this saw pop up and have heard good things about the 66 model. I personally didn't feel I was ready for all that might come with this, so came here for advice.

" I'm not sure you're ready for a saw that might be wonderful…but still need some work."

This kinda summed it up. I'll probably keep asking as they come up
 
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