I need help deciding on a new (to me) table saw. I have found a powermatic cabinet saw purchased new in about 1985. 52″ fence and all cast iron extension tables. The original 3 phase 5hp motor has been replaced with a new 220v 3hp motor. The saw looks to be in good shape but the cabinet has been repainted. He has a lot of nice equipment adn inherited this saw from his father. He has the same saw so he is selling this one and wants $1,000 firm. Also found a 3hp Sawstop professional that is close to new for $2,500. Or I could buy new. Saving $1,500 or more could provide more money for other tools but the Sawstop would newer and safer. I mostly do woodwork for a hobby. Does anybody have any thoughts or advice.
Thanks in advance! Todd
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It's hard to go wrong with a PM66. I'd maybe check the arbor for runout with a dial indictor and if it looks good I'd jump on that baby!
IMHO of course, Bret
Hmmmm
Tough choice, if the arbor checks out, as Bret suggested. Ultimately, it's a choice that only you can make.
I can't speak to the Powermatic because I never used one. I can speak to the SawStop -- I purchased the contracter's version nearly two years ago. It ended up costing me close to $2,500 with everything I added on. But I haven't regretted it for one moment. It's a pleasure to use, and what I didn't anticipate but what's been a wonderful bonus is how much more relaxed I am using it because of the brake system. I didn't appreciate how tense I was using a table saw until I got a SawStop and didn't have to fret so much.
No one thinks they're going to lose a finger. I for one would rather buy the $1,500 insurance policy so that I know it can't happen to me.
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