Finally Bought a Unisaw!

[Maui]

I just brought it home tonight, and it’s still on the enclosed trailer. The guy I bought this Unisaw from actually had 5 of them at one point. I saw the ad when there were only 2 left. They both run, but the other Unisaw was three phase. I selected this one because it is set up to run on 220V single phase. And it runs butter smooth. I haven’t been able to examine the ID plate on the motor yet, but this motor is surprisingly large. Since it was used in an industrial setting I am hoping it is a 2 or 3 hp motor. Based on the serial number this machine was produced in 1956. And my God is it heavy!

I also bought the Craftsman Bandsaw pictured below coupled with a Dayton 1/2 hp capacitor start motor from the same fellow.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a replacement fence for the Unisaw?

Maui

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I picked a new Unisaw over a General 350 on the strength of the Unifence. The General was the better made saw, but it came with a Biesmeyer T-square fence. I had used the Jet-lock and the Beismeyer . A choice I'm always pleased with, I really like the Unifence.. There are Beismeyer clones everywhere. Since Delta bellied up, there are no factory parts available for the Unifence.

Fantastic deal you got.

 

[alinc100]

Biesmeyer or a clone would be my first choice.

 

[The Cobbler]

I have a Vega Table saw fence system on my delta contractors saw. it will be transferred to my uni saw once I get it up & running .

 

[lafester]

If you are looking for a new one try this guy:

http://www.owwm.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=153179&p=1028670#p1028670

It may be gone but he still had it in FEB when I was looking, and I don't think he has advertised it since 2014. I just noticed your location and it may be worth asking since shipping kills the deal.

I have a biesemeyer home shop version which is perfect if you don't have a big extension table setup. These things are so simple, there really is nothing to break on them. I also have a delta but it is so big it will sit in storage until I get more room.

 

[brianh]

I have a 1959 unisaw gets used daily, great saw its the 1hp 220 single phase, when I got it at an estate auction I figured I would have to upgrade the motor. But 1hp rating in 1959 was way different than the wishful thinking put on equipment today. I have ripped 2" cherry no problem on the saw.

 

[Maui]

I’ll take a look at it later on today hopefully and get to see what the horsepower rating is. Even if it is only 1 hp, that is still a big improvement over what you can get today apparently- thanks Brian. And thanks to everyone else who replied regarding what type of fence to use. It looks like I’ve got a little research to do.

Any suggestions about what rattle can color to paint it? Once I clean the sawdust out and clean it up one of the first orders of business will be to paint it. I like the Rustoleum Verde Green hammered paint, but you guys may have better suggestions.

I did take a quick look and there is a huge mound of sawdust piled up inside the cabinet. I bet there is 20 lbs in there that needs to be cleaned out.

Maui

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

This is a pain, on a cabinet saw the table and the arbor assembly are separate . BTW on a contractor saw they hang off the table. If you remove the table, four bolts, you should be able to properly clean the rack and screw. I bet it hasn't seen any luv in 60 years. When you replace the table ,line the slot up parallel to the blade, don't use the blade as a straight edge, just move one point back and forth.

On a good table saw, there are only three adjustments, the other two are stops for the angle. on my old DeWalt there must be 10 or 20.

For my Unisaw, I took the door into a paint shop and had them match the colour.

 

[Maui]

I was able to pull the motor cover off and clean out all of the sawdust. And there was a LOT of it. It turns out it has an original 1 hp motor. I am surprised it isn’t rated higher based simply on the size of this beast. Good to know there is no need to swap this out for a larger motor Brian. I don’t have a 220V outlet available but since it’s only a 1 hp motor I can wire it up to run on normal 110V house current. Sweet!

Maui

 

[Maui]

Lafestar, I finally got my account approved at owwm and was able to look at your link. Is that a reasonable price for that fence? I paid $200 for the Unisaw and the Bandsaw combined.

 

[lafester]

Only if you are looking at new ones... or Ebay.
You will see how much they go for.

Of course if you are finding $150 unisaws you might have better luck locating a cheap used one.


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