Decent price for this Table saw?

[Lewit12]

I do some hobby wood working and looking at getting a nicer table saw for my shop. Looking for someone’s opinion that knows more about these than I do. Is this a fair price for this saw? I’ve attached pictures

 

[rsanter]

Nice saw and nice fence.
Depending on where you are and the demand in the area....
That is a very fair to slightly top dollar price.
It’s not overpriced for most areas I know of

 

[MarkG]

Go look at it, compare what the same saw costs new, and make a decision. Most 'decent' tablesaws of the well-known brands are built like tanks------unless it's been obviously abused or not taken care of, I would expect a used one to work every bit as good as a new one. They are, after all, pretty simple, uncomplicated, rugged machines. Operate all the controls, make a couple cuts----this should tell you all you need to know.

I'm very happy with my old Powermatic, but Delta, Jet, and others are out there too, possibly made in the same factory with different paint jobs, who knows! :S

My own view with almost everything is to buy new if I can at all afford it, simply because then it's new-----no hidden or undisclosed 'issues' and I get a full warranty. Depends on the price difference between what he's asking and the cost of the same one new.

 

[anythingyoucanimagine]

If that saw comes with extras (jigs, sled, dado, blades, blade inserts, sacrificial fences, etc. don't forget link-belt(s)) I'd pay $900 all day long for that saw. Without the extras... $900 is not pushing it --but up there in the price range. You could hold out and get cheaper but how bad do you want it?


That's a hell of a table saw. I have a Delta (tilting table) combo 10" TS + 6" jointer. Delta Unisaw is "the name" for Delta TS. You can't go wrong with it. My only question would be "do you need that much saw" (can you get by with less/cheaper)? I've done 2 houses (on my 3rd) with old Craftsman 10" radial arm saws. If you have to ask... are you sure you need that much saw?

The old cast iron Unisaws are beautiful saws. Heavy as F, crazy reliable and can be tuned to be very precise/accurate.


When you go and look at it, check for slop/end play around the usuals --45, etc. in the gears. Also same for fence. Check for any spots that the fence clamps easier or slides easier (think repetitive cuts always used in same place, etc.)

 

[Bent Handle]

I bought a unisaw a couple years ago, it took me a long time to find the right deal. I don’t know that I ever saw one in running condition for less than $600. That saw is old, but the unisaw has been a staple for a long time and parts are still easy to get. Old doesn’t mean bad either, just more opportunity to be abused. Vintage good condition unisaw are very desireable. I’ve never used that fence, but the biesemeyer fence would be considered an upgrade. I’m sure the fence works just fine though. $900 isn’t a smoking deal, but pretty consistent with what I see as a price on that type of unit. I often see an asking price of around $1200, but I don’t know what they actually sell for.

 

[Cooter Brown]

One question I'd have for the owner is why the top was "resurfaced", and exactly what that means. Was it done because the top was pitted, or was the top out of flat for some reason? I'd want to check it for flat before I bought it.

If the work done on the saw was done properly and the trunnion, cabinet and raise/lower/tilt gears are in good condition and all works properly, that's a very reasonable price. Make a lower offer, of course!

The Unifence is underappreciated. The Biesmeyer might be a bit tougher in a test of brute strength, but outside of a production environment that benefit is negligible. I've used both extensively.

The Unifence is easy to adjust, accurate, and can be quickly configured in ways that require auxiliary clamped on fences to achieve with the Biesmeyer. I've been using a Bies type for years on my Powermatic but sometimes wish I still had the Uni, which I had years ago on a Delta.

Look at the fence on a modern industrial saw like an Altendorf--the fence is beefier than a Unifence but much more similar in design to it than to a Beismeyer.

Let us know if you snag it. And learn how to use it safely.

 

[jonshonda]

How long have you been looking and how many other saws have you found in that price range? Problem in the northern states is that there isn't much to choose from as there simply aren't that many people around.

Regardless, 3hp is going to be a really nice saw, and the unifence is a well regarding fence.

 

[gygeneral]

That seems like a nice saw. I too am looking to upgrade but I learned that most older saws are left tilt versus right tilt. I have never worked on a left tilt saw, there are numerous articles of the pros and cons of such a saw enough to make me hold on and rethink this. I am unsure as I'm leaning to stick with a right hand tilt. Not sure what this one is, but just tough I would put this out there.

 

[Lewit12]

Thanks for all the input. I don’t doubt this is to much saw for my needs. but if I can get it for a good price, I’ll have a saw that should last me forever with what work I do. We do a lot with rough sawn lumber and the smaller HP table saws have a hard time ripping it. I haven’t been looking for long, but I keep coming back to this one.

 

[exmaxima1]

I have essentially the same Unisaw (3hp, Biesemeyer, cast iron base, etc) and it would not fetch more than $750 in the Chicago area. Mine even has new belts, upgraded magnetic controls, and refinished with color-matched enamel.

Offer less.

NOTE:
I saw your saw is located in Niles, Michigan. If you are willing to drive a few hours south to Indiana you could buy a significantly better saw for $750 (or less):

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2043431132400432/

 

[glend123]

You'll have to run a 220 line if you don't have one already.
I have a unisaw and it runs nice and smooth!

 

[woodzy]

I have had my Unisaw for 25 years - still works like new - you will not be unhappy. If I really wanted that saw, I'd pay the $900 - you can offer less but be prepared to pay the full amount. You would be amazed how well those saws cut. I've thought about buying another to put back to back and set the 2nd one up with a dado blade - get them all the same heights and you have a very large work surface in the middle of the shop.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I think that is a good saw at a fair price.
Good luck with your quest.

 

[bullnerd]

"One question I'd have for the owner is why the top was "resurfaced", and exactly what that means. Was it done because the top was pitted, or was the top out of flat for some reason? I'd want to check it for flat before I bought it."

First thing I thought of too.

Also, the right/left tilt issue.

What are you familiar with?

I only tilt left, right is a pinch-er.