Used Sawstop

The ICS is roughly comparable to the new Unisaw and PM2000 in terms of weight, size and capacity. IMO, 5hp is overkill for a hobby shop, but I also tend to believe that it is better to have and not need, than to need and not have ;-)

I wouldn’t worry too much about scratches, unless they are deep enough to catch the stock when in use. But that may be a hint as to how the machine was used/abuse so a bit more than a casual inspection may be in order. See if the dealer can tell you what type of environment it was pulled from, and why.

Also, you have already mentioned that the electric may need to be upgraded. Another consideration is space – do you have the room for that much table real estate? I have a 52” Biesemeyer sitting in the corner of the shop because I don’t have enough room currently to install on my saw… however I never cut down large sheet goods on the table saw, so the smaller fence works just fine for me. Just another thing to consider.

Cheers,
Brad

-- Brad in FL - In Dog I trust... everything else is questionable

I was told it came from a guy that swaps out for a new one every 2 years. They were going through the whole thing and making sure it was in good shape, replacing boards on the fence…. I figured i would sand the top with 1000 grit so that it didn’t scratch.
I have the space for that size saw, so size isn’t an issue. I was originally looking at a 36 inch PCS 3HP. I looked up this saw new and it costs about $5000.

-- Ty

I have that saw (5HP ICS) and for that price have I wouldn’t hesitate. That said, I agree with Brad….5 HP is overkill (big overkill) for a hobbyist. I bought mine because I could; which turns out to be about the dumbest reason ever. That aside, I think the PCS is a lifetime saw, and so will this one be…so is it that much better? For most of us, probably not. But that
’s still a good deal, and if you want to hassle with the electric stuff (don’t forget you need a DC) I’d say jump on it.

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.

I am a hobbies and have a rigid R4512 TS, i think 1.7 HP. Does a decent job, but when I cut 2” stock it really slows down. That is why I was looking at the 3HP. Which would cost me just a little bit more brand new. I already have a dust collection set up. Im just concerned that the 5HP TS and my HF DC won’t will be too much for my modest power line.
Im no electrician, but I believe a 10 g wire can handle 30 Amps. SS TS is 19, + 15 amps for a HF dust collector start up….
Anyway, you think get a new PCS with a 3hp motor is the better bet?

-- Ty

You will almost certainly have to upgrade your electrical for the ICS. If that’s possible, I’d get it…if not then plan B (PCS).

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.

I share a similar story from a few years ago… a hobbyist looking at the SawStop PCS until a ICS showed up on CL for $1600 (without cartridge or blade). It came out of a shelving company that was downsizing.
I jumped on it and have NEVER regretted the decision. Sure it may be more HP than I will need, but it has handled everything I have thrown at it… including ripping some 3” maple recently.

-- Rick - I know I am not perfect, but I will keep pressing on toward the goal of becoming all I am called to be.