Hi,
This is my first post on this site. I have been lurking and picking up a lot of useful information here as I get started into this new hobby. I currently have an old Rockwell/Beaver 9in table saw, which is actually not a bad saw. the fence though is very poor. I could upgrade the fence with an Accusquare, but have to wonder if it is worth investing that amount on this particular saw. Looking at new saws, I could afford something like the GI 50-185, 50-220, Delta hybrid 36-318, Ridgid 3650 or Craftsman hybrid. They are all roughly the same price give or take. However, for the same amount, I have the opportunity to pick up a used Delta Unisaw in great condition, 80’s vintage, comes with unifence, 3 phase already professionally converted to single phase. Seems like an easy decision. Go with the unisaw and this is what I plan to do when it becomes available. My question is: I read a lot here and elsewhere that many of these older saws are better built then the new ones. What is considered to be older? Is 20-25 years considered to be one of the “good old ones” or is this a newer saw?
thanks!
Replies
There have been some ups and downs in fit and finish, but the basic design has remained pretty much a constant. My 1940'2 era Unisaw has a cast iron ring on the base, instead of sheet metal, and has a louvered door. But arbors and bearings are still available.Motors are also If the basic cast iron parts appear good, then everything else can be tuned up. Go for the Unisaw.
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Nothing wrong at all with the Unisaw.. I feel they were downscaled from what they once were but they are still a good saw. There was a brief period when there was a problem at the distribution center. Seems they didn't want to stay on the transport system and a few were sent out with some damage. That problem got turned into some really nasty rumors about design flaws etc., none of which were true.
The new delta hybrid is a real sweetheart and a great space saver but you'll certainly have more saw if you go with the uni.
I'm curious about the conversion from 3 phase.. was it a motor and switch change or did they use a phase converter? Hopefully they changed out the motor and switch and its still have a 3hp saw.
If its a 5hp 3phase saw with a static phase converter you can expect to still get nearly 3hp out of the motor. If its a 3hp motor you''l be lucky to get 2hp out of it. On the other hand, if its a rotary phase converter you will get nearly all of the hp that your motor is rated at.
Steve
"You can either be smart or pleasant, I was once smart but now I'm pleasant. I like being pleasant better." Jimmy Stewart - Harvey
WhatKnot,It is a 3 phase 3 hp motor converted with a phase switch. That would mean a drop in power to about 2 hp. I'm just a hobbiest, so I think the difference should be much of an issue. There is potentially another option. A friend knows someone who has 3 unisaws. 1 3 phase, and the other 2 are single phase, who might be interested in doing a swap. He would get a second 3 phase which he would prefer, and I would get a single phase which would work better for me. The seller is still considering his options, so the whole thing is on hold for a while now which is OK with me. I am a bit low in funds right now I would rather wait a couple months.
I'd be leaning toward the Uni if I were in your situation...provided it's in good condition with a comparable fence, and you have the electrical requirements. All of the saws you mentioned are excellent and well suited for home use, however the Uni is a notch above in power and construction.
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