Best vintage table saw?

[Matt Matt]

What is the best vintage table saw ever made?

Vintage I would have to classify as no plastic anywhere. Bakelite is allowed.

These are some pretty big shoes to fill. (So the craftsman are out in my opinion as they're not in the heavyweight criteria of more than 1000 pounds.)

Anybody have pictures with a few of the following question marks answered?

What is the manufacturer?
What is the ballpark manufactured year?
What is the horsepower? (/voltage if applicable.)
What is the blade size?
Does it have a slider?
Does it have a tilting fence?
Is it direct drive or belt driven?
What does it weigh?

 

[jywilli69]

What is the best vintage table saw ever made?

Vintage I would have to classify as no plastic anywhere. Bakelite is allowed.

These are some pretty big shoes to fill. (So the craftsman are out in my opinion).

Anybody have pictures with a few of the following question marks answered?

What is the manufacturer?
What is the ballpark manufactured year?
What is the horsepower? (/voltage if applicable.)
What is the blade size?
Does it have a slider?
Does it have a tilting fence?
Is it direct drive or belt driven?

Oh but Sir, you are wrong about Craftsman . Here is a good one which is a Cabinet Saw. 1954 Craftsman 10" Cabinet Saw.

 

[Matt Matt]

Oh but Sir, you are wrong about Craftsman . Here is a good one which is a Cabinet Saw. 1954 Craftsman 10" Cabinet Saw.

LOL. I think I need to add weight requirement to it. This is something like the saying "bringing a knife to a gun fight".

I will edit the first questions.

 

[jakemac]

Why do I have an image of a can of worms and a can opener in my head ?

 

[Matt Matt]

Why do I have an image of a can of worms and a can opener in my head ?

I don't know why?

 

[MEngineer]

I just picked up a Davis & Wells cabinet saw. 12 in, 240v, single phase. Weighs in around 250. I would not be interested in anything heavier.

 

[Matt Matt]

I'm just trying to gear maybe, my over obsession with a Wadkin.

 

[Carla]

If you'd like to see some photos of some seriously best quality table saws, go to the 'vintagemachinery' internet site, and look up the old 'Tannewitz' make in the 'manufacturers' index' there.

cheers

Carla

 

[driftpin]

A Powermatic Model 66 is a venerable table saw, the Delta Unisaw is another. 10", 240 V. The Biesmeyer rip fence is what many people use on them.

The Powermatic 66 uses 3 belts. I have one, probably an early 1980's manufactured saw, I guess it weighs about 400 lbs. I also have a Powermatic Model 64 Artisan's saw, 10" single belt, cast iron top & wings, a Vega rip fence, guessing it's 250 lbs. It's got casters and a leg base, not a cabinet, so it's easier to move than the 66. It has a split-phase 110/220 V motor. My 66 has a single-phase 220 V motor.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Powermatic 66's and Delta Unisaws are the first that come to mind but you need to define what you mean by best.

If you're just talking big, look at some of the old Oliver saws, or those made by Northfield Woodworking Machinery here in Minnesota - in fact, they're still building a lot of the same tools they've been selling for decades and decades. http://www.northfieldwoodworking.com/ As an example, their #4 saw with a rolling table comes with motors up to 10hp and weighs in at around 3000 pounds.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Craftsman (or I should say, who ever made Craftsman saw) through the 1990s (?) were pretty decent IF you know what to look for !

• 10" blade
• removable riving knife/blade guard if it came with one
• belt drive (hanging out the front)
• cast iron table
• cast iron extension (2 preferably)

12" blade usually meant 240V.

You can find these on CL for under $150, maybe even under $100.

 

[ez-duzit]

A Powermatic Model 66 is a venerable table saw, the Delta Unisaw is another. 10", 240 V. The Biesmeyer rip fence is what many people use on them.

This is the ticket.

 

[woody 73]

I am afraid op you could not afford the best table saw out there, plus you would need 3 phase and a crane of some kind to move it; Carla is getting in the park with her post.

 

[jakemac]

Probably not "The Best", but pretty damned close to overkill for a homeowner -

Darra James model 95
Mid-50's
400lbs (+/-)
12" blade
1.5hp - 3hp 1ph
120/220 volt
Duel belt driven

(almost killed myself getting it out of a steep 9 step basement walkout)

 

[Packard V8]

What is the best vintage table saw ever made?

Seems that's just trolling to start an argument. Best by what criteria? Most durable for 3-shift production? Most versatile for a one-man cabinet shop? Largest rip depth/width? Most accurate rip fence? Universal motor or custom manufacturer-only motor? External belt replacement or disassembly required? Belt drive or direct drive? Single phase or 3-phase? Easiest to disassemble for moving? Most available parts?

Your opinions and results may vary.

jack vines

 

[Mark in Indiana]

If you'd like to see some photos of some seriously best quality table saws, go to the 'vintagemachinery' internet site, and look up the old 'Tannewitz' make in the 'manufacturers' index' there.

cheers

Carla

Carla is spot on about the vintagemachinery site. However, you'll wonder where the time went, after looking at all of the machinery and reading the stories that sometimes go along with them.


IMO: If you need something like a heavy cabinet saw, go with Powermatic. The company is still in business and I see them often in CL & at auctions.

I bought a 1969 Craftsman 10" contractor's saw for 20$, restored it and enclosed the stand for storage. Bakelite handles, but ho plastic (except for the wear strip I mounted on the fence in case I get too close to the blade). It has a 1hp motor, which is good enough for my needs (although a 2hp or 3hp would be better). It makes good, accurate cuts, dado cuts and can cut large pieces, like old desk tops.
Here are some pictures:

 

[rsanter]

Delta unisaw or powermatic 66
Junk the original fence and install a newer fence

Bob