Late 80's / Early 90's Craftsman contractor table saw?

[Terra Nova]

A guy at work is inheriting a unisaw and offered to sell me his current table saw. It's a late 80's / early 90's Craftsman belt drive contractor saw. Two years ago he swapped out the fence for a Bessemer style fence (steel city brand). Says it cuts nice and the fence works great. Couple accessories go with it. He's looking to get $175 out of it.

Any thoughts? I thought some of the craftsman saws for a few decades ago were pretty decent.

Thanks!

 

[AceofSpad3s]

A guy at work is inheriting a unisaw and offered to sell me his current table saw. It's a late 80's / early 90's Craftsman belt drive contractor saw. Two years ago he swapped out the fence for a Bessemer style fence (steel city brand). Says it cuts nice and the fence works great. Couple accessories go with it. He's looking to get $175 out of it.

Any thoughts? I thought some of the craftsman saws for a few decades ago were pretty decent.

Thanks!

I see those alot for around $50- $175. Average is around $75. I don't know how much the fence is worth so I am not much help there.

 

[Gotcha640]

I have a slightly older one that I got free. I put on a new motor, new pulley and bearings, straightened the box, honed the top, and built my own fence. It works great, easy to get and hold the angle and height I want.

If 175 is a reasonable price for a proven good saw for you, and it's an upgrade or you have space for a second saw, go for it. If you only have room for one, and you already have a decent saw, might not be worth it.

It likely won't tilt both ways, some are very limited in their dado stack size, and replacement throat plates may be entirely diy.

On mine, the blade is significantly farther back from the front edge than most newer contractor style saws. To me, that's a benefit, as I can feed a wider board to cross cut, and I get more infeed support on a long rip.

 

[zkling]

Fair, if no major problems.

 

[justanengineer]

My father bought one of those new and still uses it regularly. JMO but that's one of the better contractor/portable saws, easily a mile ahead of the 50s/60s Cman 10" I've got. I think ~$100 is pretty normal for auctions/fleas/live sales, craigs or ebay is $2-300.

 

[Terra Nova]

Thanks for the replies. This would be my only tablesaw. Primarily for around the house projects. I was planning to get a Bosch job site saw as I think it will fit my needs, but this may be better for any larger projects (and is a bunch cheaper!)

 

[Hawk]

The fence is probably around 75 to 85 dollars of the value, if it is in good working shape. The saw is probably worth 85 to 95, so yes it is a decent price if you want a pretty solid saw.