Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 10, 2010 06:24pm | #1

   What's there to talk about?  If you like the saw, it's in good condition, then buy it.  Buying anything without testing it can always come back to bite you, but for $500 or less, I don't think you can make a mistake.  

   Check the inner workings of the saw.......

   1.  The threads on the arbor....make sure they aren't stripped, and that you have the dampner and nut.

   2.  Check out the trunnion and lifting mechanisms....make sure they operate smoothly, and AREN"T cracked.

   3.  On a saw that age, you should expect to have to at least replace the belts.  Also, you may need new arbor bearings, and motor bearings.  Not that big of a deal to replace these, and there are step by step instructions available on the internet.

   If the saw checks out physically, just buy it and put it to work.

   Jeff

   PS  Removing the surface rust on the top......1st.....WD-40 and a razor blade to remove any crusty rust, followed up by a green or red scotchbrite pad and wd-40 for lubricant.   After the rust is gone, it's up to you how much further you want to take it to polish it up.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 10, 2010 06:36pm | #2

   It Depends

   Whether this is a good deal depends on the location. If this $500 Unisaw is located near me, its a deal you should pass up, and just tell me about, so I can arrange for its environmentally-responsible disposal.  ;-)

   Otherwise, I agree with Jeff. Check it out closely from a mechanical standpoint. If the innards aren't broken or stripped, the $500 price tag is worth some risk with respect to the motor.

1. 
   dlb | Dec 13, 2010 07:59pm | #3

   "... so I can arrange for its

   "... so I can arrange for its environmentally-responsible disposal."

   It is amazing how prices for TS's are falling. I do believe that if you look hard enough you will find several near you that can be had for $500 or less. But, if this deal falls through I'll send you a postcard.

1. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 15, 2010 08:55am | #4

   Motor price update

   As an update to my earlier post, in 5 minutes of searching, there are 5 different motors for sale, with the Unisaw mounting (critical), for sale on ebay for under $100.  One sale has 2 for $65.00.  

   I frequently see unisaw motors for sale, as they are literally falling from the sky, especially in 3 phase wiring.  In my opinion, it's amazing how many people replace awesome 3 phase motors with the much worse, and dreaded, single phase table saw motor.  3 phase is so easy to operate off a single phase, 20 amp outlet, with a VFD for true 3 phase power, for under $200.  And, 3 phase motors are balanced, run cooler, and last practically forever with a little maintenance, which is easy to perform.

   Actually, I shouldn't say anything......in the last 2 weeks, I purchased a 10 hp. 3 phase motor off Clist for $100....Baldor, like new, for my new rotary phase converter.  It runs perfectly.

   I also, this past Saturday, paid $150 for a brand new, never wired, NOS 5 hp. 3 phase, 3475 rpm motor for my 16" jointer.  It was sitting in the box for 12 years, as it was replaced at purchase by a lesser quality single phase motor.  It draws 13 amps.  It replaces my 1921 wagner repulsion induction (R.I.) 7.5 hp SINGLE PHASE monster that weighs in aroungd 500 lbs., and draws......get this.......32 AMPS.  I brown out half my town when I fire that monster up.

   Once you start running machines on 3 phase motors, you'll wonder why you ever used a single phase motor.

   Rant over.

   Jeff