Replies

1. 
   seajai | Apr 25, 2008 07:41am | #1

   Matt, having just finished a resto on my 1976 powermatic jointer, I would say go with an older all American made machine. As to the brand, the choices are many. Check out http://WWW.OWWM.org , this is the discussion forum to the http://www.owwm.com site.  The forum has a search feature that would help you find answers to pretty much any question you have. Every brand of saw has its own idiosyncrasies too look out for, and the knowledge base at OWWM is incredible.

    

1. 
   Matty_D | Apr 26, 2008 06:19am | #4

   Thanks for the tips. The http://www.owwm.com site looks like a real goldmine. I live in Wisconsin between Milwaukee and Chicago. I think if I look a while in this area I should be able to turn up a good old table saw for a reasonable price. An old jointer and maybe a bandsaw should be on my radar as well. -- Matt

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Apr 25, 2008 09:51am | #2

   Matt,

   I would consider any of the aforementioned brands of table saws.  Bring precision measuring tools along with you.  The table should be flat, though it's not as critical as with a jointer that they be dead flat.  Check for run-out on the arbor flange with a dial indicator on a magnetic base.  Make sure that the bearing haven't seized and that the blade height and tilt adjustments move smoothly.  Though the fence can be upgraded/replaced, it's worth noting how well designed it is and how smoothly it works and if it locks parallel to the blade.  3HP will likely be adequate, though it really depends on what sort or work you do.  I think that you would have to be sawing a lot of thick exotic hardwoods to overtax a 3HP, though I haven't used tried.  Check the motor's condition (don't ask me for details).  A burnt out motor will set you back a few hundred.  Have a look at the convenience of the adjustments too, including stops for 45 and 90 degree blade settings.

   Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

3. 
   oldusty | Apr 25, 2008 05:18pm | #3

   free matt ,

        I am partial to the old iron my self , I have not seen many of the newer imitation machines that look like they would hold up over your lifetime and the next and past owners like the good old iron will  (my Unisaw is a 1943 model)

       A 3hp will do anything you need . When I inspect a used TS imo it is important to raise and lower the blade and tilt it fully to 45° and I always plug it in and either ask the owner to slice a piece of wood that you bring with you . If they say sorry we don't have an outlet to run Dad's saw  on then you are taking a gamble and the price will be negotiable . Either it is cutting well or not , bring a blade and wrench as well so there are no excuses .

                good   luck       dusty

4. 
   1stwoodstone_man | Apr 28, 2008 05:50am | #5

   I have an old Powmatic that my father brought  back in the79 to 80ish that I still use. It is 220 amps or what ever electric that is to run it.It is a modle 66 I belevie very good saw I would like some day to buy a new one but it cost $$$$$$ which I do not have at the moment.Any way mu father got it used at a place that sells refurbished machinery.

    Try there

5. 
   carpenter5 | Apr 29, 2008 04:45am | #6

   A few years ago I purchased a used delta unisaw with no regrets. I found the fence and everything else on it to still be true and accurate. Replacing a belt or general maintenance on it is a breeze compared to newer ones. I also see the same saw with 20years plus on them  in many commercial shops still ticking along just brilliantly.

   Carpenter5