What table saw to buy

The current new saws in the $600 range are either unproven (Delta 36-725), or have proven to have problems (R4512/21833).

I’d keep my eyes peeled for a good used saw…..unfortunately, there are a lot of the saws currently listed in your area that are owned by people smoking crack, but if you’re patient something good will turn up.

Here are a few that could be worth calling about and making an offer:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/tls/4350867091.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/tls/4356203774.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/tls/4344920134.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/hvo/4351266907.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/tls/4356718489.html (offer half the asking price)

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

I certainly agree that I can get more saw for my money buying used but I am not sure what saws are better then others…... I know that I have seen alot of craftsman tablesaws on craigslist but craftsman tablesaws dont always get the best reviews.

”I know that I have seen alot of craftsman tablesaws on craigslist but craftsman tablesaws dont always get the best reviews.”

...it depends on the particular Craftsman saw…some are good saws.

The ABCs of Table Saws

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

knotscott thanks for the links, I will give them a call and see what they say.

For under $600 I’d buy the new Delta or buy a used Delta contractor like this one:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tls/4352830312.html

-- Rick M, http://thewoodknack.blogspot.com/

I have the Delta 36-725 and the more I use it, the more I really like it. I spent roughly 25 years using an old Delta contractor saw (model 34-444) and the 36-725 is a BIG improvement. I have had no problems. Did make one upgrade: the original tape measures (Both left and right) on the fence guide were inaccurate – they were stretched at installation. On the right side, by the time you got out to 30 inches, it was an 1/8” off. I replaced them with the Starrett Measure Stix. These are made of thin steel and do not stretch during installation.

I found this one JET JWTS-10JF TABLE SAW, and will go look at some others tomorrow.

oh wow, I live in central California, Looks like I need to make the drive down to southern half and buy some tools on CL.. We dont get deals like this up here. Oh my gosh. That delta for 500 looks like a great deal. I bet i could turn a pretty decent profit up here on that one. anyways, I didnt mean to hijack your post. sorry. I am also in search for another saw. I am always looking.

”I found this one JET JWTS-10JF TABLE SAW, and will go look at some others tomorrow.”

If that’s the saw you referred to, it’s an older basic Jet contractor saw with the Jet Fence and steel wings, likely at least 15 years old….item 708301, IIRC. It sold new in the $500-$600 range in that configuration (cast iron wings and the Xacta fence cost more). It’s a decent saw with good potential, but overpriced IMO for what it is….at least it’s all there. I’d see if they’d take $300. At $400, it’s approaching the price of a new saw with a warranty and a riving knife. The rust will clean up…the wings and fence can be upgraded later on if you choose. As with any saw, setup and blade selection will determine the final performance. Good luck!

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Thanks knotscott,

Ok I have found a few others …. what do you think about these…

Delta Uni Saw – Serial 82-7238 – $250
Waiting on info about this one
Grizzly model T-504 – Serial number 307059 – $150


Craftsman 3 HP – $150
Includes two cast iron table extensions, rip fence, mitre guide, stand and casters
I have the model number on my phone but not with me.

I think the T-504 might be a Central Machinery TS, not a Grizzly, but I could be wrong….it’s similar to an older Griz G1022. Either way, it’s a little rough (should clean up fine), and is probably worth $100-$125, but the fence isn’t very good.

Those old Craftsman contractor saws can be pretty good, but a lot depends on the fence…..pretty sure that one’s got the older style, which were pretty poor. Cast iron wings add some mass and stiffness. With an updated fence, it’s could be good saw…..really hard to tell from just that pic. (it’s not really 3hp)

A Uni could be interesting….post pics, and update with more info when you get it.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

thanks, I have asked for pics of the table on the craftsman and pics and more info on the Delta.

my vote, buy a good used unisaw, best for that money, and it should put you in the older/better range.

-- Who is John Galt?

I vote for the Unisaw its a much better saw than the grizzy and craftsman.

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/58792#reply-793125

Go here and read awhile. LOL there are a lot of good saws out there. Get as much as you can afford.