Replies

1. 
   TKanzler | Jan 16, 2003 12:03am | #1

   Sorry, don't know of any.  But consider buying a good machine and replacing the 3-phase motor with a new single-phase.  You can usually use the same starter, too.  New motors for Unisaws are usually less than $300.  Factored into the total cost, it may be cost effective, and no converter hassle.

   Edit: There's a Leeson 2 hp on ebay for $220.  I see Baldor and Marathon motors all the time, too.  A rotary converter for 3 hp would include a 5 or 7.5 hp idler motor, and so would certainly be more costly.

   Be seeing you...

   
   

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   Edited 1/15/2003 4:14:13 PM ET by TDKPE

1. 
   ScottTN | Jan 16, 2003 06:01am | #4

   I had thought of getting a 3-phase saw and then getting a new or used motor, but hesitated because most of the saws I found in the area were in the $800-$900 range and I still needed a new motor for at least $300. That puts me at $1100 to $1200 and I can get a new saw for around $1400. Now if I could find a saw w/o motor in the $500 range it would be worth it.

2. 
   rreeger | Jan 16, 2003 12:54am | #2

   You might try the following link:

   http://www.exfactory.com

   If you haven't already looked here.

   RR

1. 
   ScottTN | Jan 16, 2003 06:22am | #5

   Yeah, I have tried ex-factory. They have some interesting equipment on there. I have not called Pete yet, but have been browsing through their online inventory. I found several saws in the southeast area, but all are 3-phase. By the time I buy a converter or new motor, I could throw in another $100 or $200 and get a new saw.  I am not in a real big hurry to get a saw, but if I run across one at a decent price, I will pick it up.

3. 
   besea | Jan 16, 2003 03:40am | #3

   Scott

    I live in Sebring Florida and I have had the same dilemma as you on finding woodworking equiptment locally.  The husband of a person I work with told me about this place, and it is not easy to find.  It is Jim Barber Machinery (I don't know if thats the official name ) in Lake Wales, Florida.  The number that I used to get there is 1-800-237-5420.  When I finally found the place it was like heaven.  I spent 2 hours just looking through the machines stockpiled there inside and out.  Alot of old, solid machines ( some I had to ask Jim as to " what does this do ? " ).  Plus this guy is a down to earth guy, tells you who had the stuff and what they used it for etc.. Some of it is from other shops, some from schools and so on.  You will want to spend more time there than you have.  It's not a fancy showroom just a yard and a metal type building filled with "gold".

   I don't know the guy, nor did I buy anything but I will go back (if you go there check out the cabinet in his office ) He had to search 10 minutes just to find a business card and even then he gave me a hand fan with a picture of some church on it with his number on the bottom ( how cool is that ! ) . I still have the fan hanging in my shop.

   Good Luck

   Bill

   
   

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   Edited 1/15/2003 7:41:08 PM ET by BC

1. 
   ScottTN | Jan 16, 2003 06:38am | #6

   Bill,

   I am familiar with Lake Wales, I drive through the area several times a year. I generally come in on 60 from Vero Beach. Probably about a 2-hour drive from my house. Did you see any relatively new saws 1980-present and what are the condition of the saws at his shop? It sounds like some of them are out in the weather. Did you ask about his prices?

   Thanks,

   Scott

1. 
   besea | Jan 16, 2003 03:10pm | #7

   Scott,

   Some of the stuff was outside he said it was for shipping somewhere else not for him to sell, and they were 5 to 10 huge commercial grade Delta radial arm saws.  As for the age of the tools he had some old rockwell jointers and table saws and up to a brand new delta 18" drum sander that he said was a wrong order or dented or something.  The prices were fair.  The sander was $400. and brand new it's $829.99.  The older tools were fairly priced also. cabineet saws ( bare bones) for $400 to 500.  Same with 8 to 12" jointers. really cool stuff you should at least check it out if you drive through.

   Bill

1. 
   ScottTN | Jan 16, 2003 03:32pm | #8

   Bill,

   Thanks, I will give him a try.  Maybe as early as Monday.

   Scott

1. 
   kelvinpotter | Jan 16, 2003 04:55pm | #9

   i just got the grizz cabinet saw. The problem i ran into when looking for used equipment was shipping. Unless you are lucky enough to find it locally shipping was crazy. I was looking at $300 for Delta cabinet saw. The other aspect was condition. If these tools were run in a factory, or some comercial outfit all day long for how long 20, 30, or 50 years? How is their interal condition? i owned a 1950 delta cabinet saw that started its life in a high school shop. I had to sell it for school, then i recently bought griz for $850 del. (on sale all the time) with 3 hp and decent bes. type fence. for $150 more you get 7' rails. ( i plan on making) now assuming you find a cabinet saw for $500 used ( i sold mine with no fence for $600) will it have a useable fence? Any worn parts? Warranty? Delivered to your house? Just somethings to think about. Have fun shopping. Now i have to make stuff to justify its existence.

2. 
   ScottTN | Jan 16, 2003 09:12pm | #12

   I have been looking at the Grizzley saws. I currently own a Griz planner, jointer, scroll saw and edge sander. Had most of them for at least 10 years. For the most part, I like them. They are nothing fancy, but adequate. You are not paying for fit and finish.

   I had read a review of cabinet saws a few years ago (1998 or 1999 I think) in FW and the only bad comment regarding the Griz saws was the fence. I really need a good accurate fence for the work that I do. My current Craftsman contractor saw has the worst fence I have ever used. No matter what I do, it never seems to line up properly.

   I figure that I could get the Griz and put an after market fence on it. However, I am then right up there with the Jet and Delta cabinet saws in price.

   If I could find a more recent evaluation of the Griz saws which indicate that the fence problems have been resolved, I would buy one today.

   Scott

4. 
   DJK | Jan 16, 2003 05:24pm | #10

   Go to http://www.woodweb.com and post a WTB ad. You may be surprised.

   Dave Koury

5. 
   user-108033 | Jan 16, 2003 08:36pm | #11

   What about Redmonds in atlanta?  Don't they usually have a a number of refurbished Unisaws around $1000?  If you're close,  you can rent a u-haul trailer for $20 and go pick it up yourself.

1. 
   ScottTN | Jan 16, 2003 09:32pm | #13

   Thanks, I have not been to Redmonds website recently. I see that Redmonds currently only has two saws listed. I will have to call and see if they have otrhers that are not listed.

   Scott

6. 
   BG | Jan 16, 2003 09:52pm | #14

   Scott,

   This wont help you much but Brentwoodmachine.com had a coupla used delta's and Jets up in New Hampshire last time I was up there.  Brentwood has been around for a long time and they seem to know what they are doing.

   On the Grizzly fense issue.  I got a new 1023s about 2 months ago with the Shop fox classic fense.  The fense works very well, came aligned and is very easy to change.  I've tested the special plastic they use for the face of this fense and it appears to be smooth within .002-.003.  Some have taken the plastic and run it through a planner..I don't think I need to do that ..yet .  Strangly the Fox Classic is cheaper and considered better than its big brother the Shop Fox...  I don't even measure anymore...just put the tape down carefully/accurately and use that to determine width...it been right on the mark every time.  This saw is changing how I do a lot of things...  

   P.S. I just took a look at Brentwood and it appears they sold the Deltas and only have the Jets left

   
   

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   Edited 1/16/2003 1:59:51 PM ET by BG

1. 
   ScottTN | Jan 17, 2003 06:21am | #15

   I had been looking at the Grizzley G1023SLX model with the 7' rails and extension table.    I need the width capacity since I usually work alone and I cut a lot of plywood. 

   I think that I can find a used Delta Unisaw or Jet for about the same amount if I wait a while.  One important factor in considering the Grizzley is that is new with a warranty and cheap shipping. I was only afraid of was the sticky fence problem.    

1. 
   BG | Jan 17, 2003 07:01am | #16

   Scott,

   I was in the same position as you and kinda came to the same conclusion.  Either a new Grizzly or a used Unisaw but, from a good dealer.  Everytime I saw a used Uni on the market (and that wasen't very often) I got butterflies and blinked..and it was gone.  Of course, finding a good dealer who has stock..that's another matter.

   I bought the Griz not because I got tired of waiting but because its a low risk, low cost alternative...and I could not be happier.  Initially I wanted the larger table..but i really don't have the space..and most times I have the lumber yard make the initial cut on sheets of ply (they have a powermatic).  I don't want to be lugging those large sheets if it can be avoided.  However, my 1023s can handle 26" and when I do process full sheets  I have never had a problem with those limits.  The rails on the Shop Fox classic lend themselves nicely to a flip up outfeed table...if you want to go that way.  I use a work table that is on wheels for an outfeed but i may do the flip up and then use the worktable to support long stock on the cross cut sled...  good luck with your decision