Replies

1. 
   colebearanimals | Jul 06, 2007 06:35pm | #1

   Hi Chairwright,

           The only table saw types I've heard of are :  Tilting table ( old Rockwell ) or tilting arbor. U tilting. That's a new one on me.

                                                Paul

2. 
   mapleman | Jul 06, 2007 06:49pm | #2

   CW,

   If I'm not mistaken, Tannewitz saws had letters for model numbers. U, J, etc.

   Check out oldwoodworkingmachines.com for more info, might even get a manual or sales sheet for the saw.

   Lee

3. 
   RickL | Jul 06, 2007 07:35pm | #3

   Arbor tilts versus table tilting.  All saw today are arbor tilt.  Tilting tables are pretty dangerous for angle cutting.   They usually sell for pretty cheap for general straight work.

4. 
   JeffHeath | Jul 06, 2007 09:32pm | #4

   The Tannewitz "U" is the model, as they had several different saws, depending on the era.  Some were specifically designed for the aerospace industry, (cutting aluminum and other non ferrous metals), as well as changes to the design.  The U is a tilting arbor, if I remember correctly.  Tannewitz did build a saw back in the early 1900's thru 1920's (IIRC) that had a tilting table instead of arbor.  As RickL stated, they are EXTREMELY dangerous to work with, and I personally wouldn't recommend one.  I wouldn't go near one without a stock feeder.

   Northfield has been making the same table saw, the model "4", forever.  It is also a nice saw, although it is my opinion that the Tannewitz "J" is better.

   Now, if you really want a fantastic old saw, try to find an Oliver "270", or if smaller is needed, an Oliver "232".  In my opinion, they are two of the very best table saws ever built.  The 270 can come equipped with a sliding table as well.  Best saw I ever owned, and I regret the day I sold it.

   Jeff

   
   

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   Edited 7/6/2007 2:33 pm ET by JeffHeath

1. 
   Chairwright | Jul 06, 2007 09:41pm | #5

   I'm pretty sure you are correct.  It is actually a Tannewitz U arbor tilting saw.  The price is tempting.  Is the Tannewitz U substantially inferior to the J or the Northfield?  The Oliver sounds good - I may expand my search based on your advice.   I've got the room, and I definitely want to upgrade to a real saw vs. the ones they are selling new these days.

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jul 07, 2007 06:19pm | #7

   I don't think you'd go wrong with any of those saws.  Like I stated earlier, my personal favorite is the Oliver, but all are superior to the "cabinet saws" they sell today. 

   Critical for you will be getting the rack and pinion fence and miter slides intact, without breaks.  These saws were commonly abused in factory settings, being operated by close-to minimum wage workers who couldn't care less about the machinery they were operating.  However, the manufacturers took this into account, as these beasts of iron were designed and built to take such abuse, and keep on tickin'.

   Check the adjustment parts for the fence, and also make sure that the ends of the miter tracks in the cast iron tops aren't cracked out.  Half the old saws I look at have these problems, due to user abuse.

   Jeff

2. 
   Chairwright | Jul 06, 2007 10:24pm | #6

   Jeff:  I did a Google on the Oliver 270.  There is one on Ebay now, all decked out with extension tables and a decent fence.  It's in NJ, which is possible but a long way for me.  The starting price is $2,900 and there are zero bids - it goes off tomorrow.  I will probably gamble that it will be relisted.   Bill