Buying Used Table Saw

[MichaelBikel]

I am checking out a used table saw for well under the retail price. I asked the guy what was wrong with it and he said the blade height isn't functioning. Now I don't now if the knob spins free or is jammed, waiting for him to check... But I was looking and the elevation gears for this table saw are discontinued. I am still going to check it out but what do you guys think? Is it even worth the time?

 

[shoot summ]

Depends on the saw, but most likely not worth the time.

Not sure about where you are, but around here there are many decent table saws for sale cheap.

 

[454ragtop]

No mention of which saw, but some older Craftsmans had problems with sawdust filling the teeth, binding, and stripping the teeth out of a now nonexistent part. If that's the case, probably best to move along, table saws just aren't that hard to come by.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Depends on the saw, but most likely not worth the time.

Not sure about where you are, but around here there are many decent table saws for sale cheap.

I'm in Bridgeport Connecticut. Looking at a rigid ts24000 but i'm really bummed those gears are discontinued and I don't have any machinist experience so I can't make em. The guy said he'd give it to me for $50 which seemed killer since its a few hundred new, but after doing the search i'm double thinking it.

 

[kctyphoon]

Many good saws that are problem free are available for well under retail on Craigslist. If it's a contractor type saw - then definately no.. They are widely available for cheap in great shape..

In all honesty, in my eyes I wouldn't buy a project saw (even a cabinet type) just cause there are so many choices available.

I got my platinum series delta contractor saw, with a bismeyer extension, bismeyer fence (spelling) and portable base for $250 in almost brand new condition.

 

[engineer2]

A google search showed the elevation gears are available for that model.

 

[MichaelBikel]

A google search showed the elevation gears are available for that model.

Provide me with that link because everywhere I've been says discontinued

 

[engineer2]

They make it look like they have it until you try to buy it. I'll keep looking.
I have a version of this saw, so I'm interested too.
No luck either. Might have to adapt something
http://www.mcmaster.com/#bevel-gears/=14celed

 

[MichaelBikel]

First site that came up:
http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/tti-827496-hc-gear-elevation.html
Is that what you need?

That is in fact the part but the box to the right says "obsolete/ out of stock", just like everywhere I have looked...

 

[engineer2]

You are correct. It ain't available anywhere. Might contact Rigid and see it they plan to make another batch.

 

[Marctrees]

My tablesaw and drill press are both from the 50's and 60's.

W Biesemeyer update.

Other stationary tools, 60's and 70's.

Would need to spend BIG $ to equal them now if buying new.

I always looked for old iron.

But I mean it matters if you're gonna use them like a precision oriented cabinetmaker, or a framing carpenter. Marc

 

[shoot summ]

It's a portable motorized saw, $50 is OK if it's complete and working properly. I can buy good older Craftsman saws here for $100-$200 all day long. They are much better saws...

https://tulsa.craigslist.org/tls/5799613324.html

Here is one that is on par with that Rigid...

https://tulsa.craigslist.org/tls/5796329724.html

 

[MichaelBikel]

All good information here. My attraction to this saw was that it has a much wider capacity than my current saw in addition to the fact that it is light/can be wheeled. I work in a basement and often bring my current saw up the concrete steps and outside, something I won't be able to do with an older iron saw. You do bring up good points though, I don't think I want to buy a piece of **** plastic saw when I already have one (thats just smaller) so perhaps I will continue to use what I have or buy something older/real and get help getting it into the basement and just use it down there...

Since were on the topic...What brand/era do you guys prefer/use? I was thinking older craftsman or delta maybe?

Also since we are already on the discussion of saws, can anybody tell me anything about the reliant dd90?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Older Craftsman saw are great especially from the 70s through the early 90s. Items to look for

• Cast iron table
• Belt drive
• 2 cast iron side extensions
• Original miter gauge and fence (better ones are available but $$$)

If it does NOT come with a carbide blade, go buy one.

 

[engineer2]

My attraction to this saw was that it has a much wider capacity than my current saw in addition to the fact that it is light/can be wheeled.

I checked, and mine is the same model. It's a good compromise between portability and capacity. I'll be real careful with the elevation gears now that I know they are a weak spot.

Agree on the older Craftsman saws with the iron table and iron extensions.

 

[mikegt4]

I have a Delta 10' Contractors saw that I bought back in the 1970's. Cast iron construction with sheet metal extensions and base. Although not up to cabinetmaker's specs it still works great for DIY use. I made a mobile base for it (copied the Delta design) so it is easy to roll it out to the driveway for use. I see older ones on CL on occasion although the later versions were cheapened somewhat.