Big Saw! - Is this out of my league?

[guillemot]

The old craftsman direct drive table saw I was given a few years ago has finally passed on. I'm looking for a replacement, and I'm drawn to big ahrn-types. This one is local. But it's $%*&!@~# large!! I am drooling looking at the pictures. It's a Moak 14" 240V 15.3A single phase (3HP). Yes, I know it's more than I need, but can I have it, please????

http://i16.ebayimg.com/03/i/02/4e/e8/56_12_s.JPG

The seller on ebay estimates that the top weighs 250-300 lbs and the base 300-400, but he's not sure. The motor does come off. Does that sound about right. It would need to end up in my basement somehow, which would entail getting down a pretty narrow staircase. What do you all think? Are any of you Michiganders Beastly strong? Here's the link: Table Saw on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4319272784)

Thanks,
Jeff

[gary porter]

Jeff, go for it. Don't try to justify it, you can't. You probably won't be happy unitl you do. Might want to keep your eye out for a good Delta at the same time or just buy a new Delta 10". That should cost about the same as a couple of 14" blade for your other one. Get it and have fun. You can always sell a saw like that.
Gary..... :D

[ 08-18-2004, 03:33 PM: Message edited by: gary porter ]

[TimH]

I would settle for a Delta Unisaw... smile.gif Actually I will be getting one soon. After all.....I *need* one smile.gif

[Bob Smalser]

If you've never used a big TS....be aware that accurate alignment/setup/technique is even more important than with your 10-incher.

The 10-incher might sting you with a small, flying chunk of knot or offcut...but the 14-incher will throw the same piece thru the wall.

[Alan D. Hyde]

Or thru YOU! :eek:

Alan

[Bruce Hooke]

Unless you really need a saw that size the major plus that I see in this machine over say a high-quality 10" saw (e.g., a Delta Unisaw) is price, or at least the potential for a low price on this machine. If, for the purposes of discussion, we leave price out of the equation then I certainly think that I would prefer something like a Delta Unisaw. A Unisaw would be a lot easier to move into your basement, it would be a lot easier to get blades for, and it will simply be less of a monster to work around. Also, I much prefer to tilt the blade rather than the table. On the other side of the coin, if you just love the thing and would get a thrill from using it, then keeping in mind Bob and Alan's warnings, why not go for it? Also, of course, if you can get it for a few hundred dollars then it will be a lot cheaper than even a used Unisaw...

[Dave Fleming]

Don't forget folk, that is a TILTING TABLE machine!

Personally I would pass on it. Look for a good Delta, Powermatic or my favourite General of Canada 10 inch machine. You can do a ton of work on one of those workhorses. Spent many a day behind a good old Delta turning out mile after mile of Teak millwork with nary a bleep from the machine.

And Tooling, got to think of that. A 10 inch blade can be had from say $30 USD to $70 USD. A 12 or 14 inch blade bored for that 1 1/8 arbor is going to start at about $70 and go up from there.

Nah, my advise, for what it is worth...stick with the 10 inch machines.

[ 08-18-2004, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Dave Fleming ]

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

I bought an old 10 inch Rockwell Delta 451 cabinet saw (a unisaw for the most part) ...1960 I would say, cleaned it up, put a 3 hp 220 motor on it and a new fence.... I have to say that it is a solid accurate simple tool to use and care for. I have about 650 US in it with all the changes... best money I ever spent. ;)

I get really attracted to that old stuff too, but the tilt top would dampen my spirits.

[guillemot]

Ho Hum... Okay. Reason prevails, and I will wait for a more reasonable table saw to surface. I hadn't thought about the tilting table yet, but it sounds like a pain. Plus, I may use up my friends getting it into the basement and won't be able to get it back out in a couple years. Thanks for the input. Hopefully something will come up soon.

There are a couple unisaws for sale that are about 400 each, but shipping from CA will run around $600!!

Cheers,
Jeff

[TimH]

Here is a new Unisaw with Biesemeyer Fence (The best)

"I was given 2 of these saws as a bonus from work (one left tilt and one right tilt - let me know which you prefer)." Lucky bastard! :D
http://www.good-wood.biz/ebay_pictures/Unisaw.jpg
link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20789&item=4318796096&rd=1)

[Alan D. Hyde]

Years ago in Maine, I was shown a cellar stairway with broken stringers: collapsed right in the middle.

Three guys had been taking a heavy table saw down into the cellar when it gave way.

One guy (IIRC) broke his leg.

Alan

[TimH]

I wonder if anyone er... had to change their underwear :D

[guillemot]

Yeah, I'd thought about that. The 400 lb base + 4 guys lifting could get up around 1200 lbs on my old stairway!! Diapers would be a must!

Tim - where do you work that they give holiday bonuses like that?? Are they hiring, because I might become available.

[TimH]

That was a quote from the ebay classified. I dont get bonuses like that :(

[guillemot]

I see! I'll go ask that guy instead.

[Dave Fleming]

This would be my choice.
Made fully in North America, castings are Meehanite same as in many fine metal working machine tools ie: Bridgeport.

http://www.general.ca/mini/650-t50-m2.gif

General Woodworking Machines (http://www.general.ca)

[TimH]

Too expensive for me :eek: unless those prices are in Canadian...
There is a 50's unisaw in on ebay thats in Tacoma. Guy wants $500 for it. Hoefully it doesnt sell, then I will offer $300 :D

[Beowolf]

Darn! I was looking forward to a road trip. (Mind you, you were on your own to get that hunk in your basement, Jeff!)

BTW: How's the new house coming along? Things are hoppin' down here in Jackson. We're about halfway into a kitchen tearout and remodel. Having been in our kitchen, I'm sure you can testify to the dire need for such a project!

Take care

Jeff

[guillemot]

Unfortunately, most of the saws I've seen are out of my price range. Even the $200 unisaw from CA was too high, since shipping was near $600. I'm looking now at the saw from Rigid at the orange box. It has a solid machined iron top with solid table extensions. 2HP, 15A motor, and is selling for around $420 on a promotion they're running. The fence is a little cheesey, but anything's better than that craftsman that I had!

Jeff - the house is a mess!! But it's all coming together at once. Here's the partial list:

whole house: all new plumbing - done
wood floors (throughout) refinished

Bathroom: new ceramic tile floor - done
drywall - done
electrical - done
paint - almost done
new fixtures ready to install

Bedroom: old carpet out
new carpet monday
drywall done and primed
electrical done

Kitchen: out with the old
old doug fir floor refinished
removed old structural wall, extended kitchen
elecrical done
drywall done
new doug fir floor in kitchen addition saturday
cabinets and appliances by end of week (?)

on and on and on!!! I need a kitchen before classes start. I'd hoped to build my own cabinets, but there's just no time. Next house. I can't wait to see yours, though. Stop by anytime and see our piles of dust!

Cheers,
Jeff

[GROOVY]

I have an old rockwell/delta 8" and still use it .. had a craftsman 10" gave it away because it was a POS. but now sears has a 10 "professional"
table saw $800... what yall think of it? wonder who makes it?

[Levi]

Answer is....nothing is out of your league if you need it for woodworking! My wife even seems to agree on this since all my toys (tools) have kept our house up to date and kept me home and out of the bars etc. Did you ever think of having your wife park her car in the driveway and put that heavy,heavy saw in the garage? Are you afraid to ask? Most of us are!!

[Beowolf]

Dude! You're cruisin' on the home!

Have you checked on the inventory down at Johnson's? I know...They're a little pricey, but sometimes they run some good deals. Speaking of Johnson's, for the first time ever, I have spent enough there to be bumped into the 2nd tier pricing for the remainder of the year! (I need to shop for some expensive lumber now!)

Take Care

Jeff

[guillemot]

Wow, That's a lot of wood! Next time I need something I'm giving them your name!!

I have seen the Sears Pro saw. Didn't consider it seriously after the last one. A POS for sure.

Jeff