To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Help selecting a table saw

To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

jonshonda

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Messages
4,731
Location
Wisconsin
Your complete lack of understanding raises doubts that you are the one to do that. But I'll try one last time.

Delta's "Tilting Arbor Saw" is NOT a "Unisaw".

Instead of saying the same thing over and over again, could you just explain the differences?
 
OP
H

hemiallen

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
Messages
67
Location
Sacramento, Ca
I apologize

The manual says Deluxe unigard model 34-976, and I see an image that must be the cabinet one that says Unisaw 10" tilting Arbor saw. Sorry I didn't see that. It is still $1500, and it seems even with the extension with router hole it is expensive.

Sorry for the confusion, and the ensuing conversation/ discussion my error created.

Allen
 

quattro_sinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Messages
417
Location
Upstate NY

Roberts210

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 21, 2015
Messages
3,177
Location
Missouri
Rockwell sold a saw they called the "10" Tilting Arbor Saw" that was in quality halfway between the Unisaw and the Contractor's saw. I know because I owned one from the mid-1980's until 2009 when I got my Unisaw and sold my Rockwell 10" Tilting Arbor Saw.

The Rockwell "Tilting Arbor Saw" had a full cast iron top but the motor hung off the back and turned the arbor through one long belt. The lower part of the saw was just a steel frame with splayed feet--there was no cabinet. Here is a picture of one.

167819898.jpg
 

quattro_sinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Messages
417
Location
Upstate NY
Rockwell sold a saw they called the "10" Tilting Arbor Saw" that was in quality halfway between the Unisaw and the Contractor's saw. I know because I owned one from the mid-1980's until 2009 when I got my Unisaw and sold my Rockwell 10" Tilting Arbor Saw.

The Rockwell "Tilting Arbor Saw" had a full cast iron top but the motor hung off the back and turned the arbor through one long belt. The lower part of the saw was just a steel frame with splayed feet--there was no cabinet. Here is a picture of one.

167819898.jpg


Thanks for the clarification on the Rockwell 10, Roberts210. Although I am aware that Delta and Rockwell have an intertwined history, I wasn't aware of that model in the Rockwell line up. Knowing this I can see where maybe the confusion (possibly mine) arose from.
 

bullnerd

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 17, 2012
Messages
5,690
Location
Jersey
Personally I'm not a fan of the router table/saw table combo you see a lot.

It seems to make sense, but one will always be in the way of the other.

If they are separate, you can leave them setup for repeat operations.
 
OP
H

hemiallen

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
Messages
67
Location
Sacramento, Ca
Thanks

My kids are in OC now, but in a car and returning from 3 days in Anaheim:pimpflash from Disneyland. OC is 5 1/2 hours south of me, thanks for the link, just too far a haul.

Allen
 

stingry

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 14, 2006
Messages
732
Location
Western Nebraska
You may want to google for more info. Memory suggests that the titling arbor saw was not a unisaw, but a lesser model. Don't pay full unisaw money if that isn't what you are getting.

Correct. About 20 or so years ago, delta made a 10” cabinet saw which was sorta a cross between the contractors saw and a unisaw. I believe it was 2 hp and was a tilting arbor design. It is no longer made but similar “ hybrid” saws are made today.
 
OP
H

hemiallen

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
Messages
67
Location
Sacramento, Ca
Not yet, but a Delta Unisaw is my plan. I need to get the plans finished and the county to cut the permit before getting the saw, the workspace I have now won't allow me room to use it, so unless the shop is a go, no place to put it! let alone use it.

Sad to be in this position, I have plenty of projects that NEED this shop.

Almost done adjusting the drip tubing on our 17 acres of new Vineyard, which Vines are supposed to be ready the end of August. 98 rows, 150 vines per row, drip every 20", logging hours on the Mule to save some steps.

Thanks
 

matt_i

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 14, 2008
Messages
10,722
Location
SE Michigan
My free advice, I have had 2 different 10" saws, a Craftsman "cast iron" with a Biesemeyer fence, and a PM66 of around 1999 vintage (still wearing the USA flag decal from McMinnville, TN).

I like the PM66 over the Delta Unisaw due to the fact that the unisaw's blade tilts toward the fence when placed on the right. The PM66's arbor tilts away from the fence in the same configuration. While a person could simply reverse the fence the ergonomics get a bit strange and that's not a good thing running a tablesaw if you get my drift....there is less chance of trapping a piece between the blade and the fence when ripping with the arbor tilted.

At the end of the day however, the fence is what makes the saw easy and fast to use. Yeah I like the solid cast wings on the PM over the "web wings" of the Craftsman but that first Biesemeyer was a light year step forward over anything I had ever used before. The PM has the same exact fence design if you ask me. When you get the cross-hair aligned with the stuck-on ruler and you build trust in the equivalence between your tape measure and the fence, you will be able to move with speed and precision.

Last point is that I ran the Craftyman on both 120vac and 240vac and on low voltage it dimmed the lights and took about 2-3 seconds to reach running speed. Rewired for 240vac and it was at full speed before I could blink my eyes. I was sold on the benefits of the higher voltage.
 

jonshonda

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Messages
4,731
Location
Wisconsin
^I can't speak for the voltage upgrade, but will comment how nice it is to have a sturdy fence that is properly aligned. I upgraded my trust CM 113.xxxxxx 10" saw to a Biesemeyer fence and aligned the blade properly, and it cuts well.

I just bought a Wilton Bullet from a guy who had two unisaws at opposing ends of a roughly 8x12' table setup. Said he got tired of changing out dado stacks and blades, so just bought another to have a dedicated ripping and dado saw.
 

exmaxima1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
6,339
Location
Midwest
Rockwell sold a saw they called the "10" Tilting Arbor Saw" that was in quality halfway between the Unisaw and the Contractor's saw. I know because I owned one from the mid-1980's until 2009 when I got my Unisaw and sold my Rockwell 10" Tilting Arbor Saw.

+1
It looked very much like a Unisaw, with full cabinet and internal motor, but was much lighter and had a different trunnion assembly. The easiest way to tell if it's a Unisaw is to look inside the blade cutout---Unisaw has 3 belts, while the lesser saw has only one V-belt.

My Unisaw is a '69 (which I believe is the same as Norm Abrams'), 3hp, w/Biesemeyer. I've owned it about 20 years now, and it was the best purchase for my shop I ever made.
 

exmaxima1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
6,339
Location
Midwest
They had: 1.5, 3 and 5hp motors. I own a 1.5 and a 3, which are both adequate.

If you go back further to the 40's thru early 50's, the Unisaw carried a massive 1 hp "reluctance" motor. I would recommend a newer style motor and 3hp to handle modern thick kerf blades, especially when ripping thick hardwood at a decent feed to avoid burning.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Marctrees

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 5, 2015
Messages
6,265
Location
TX/LA border - Toledo Bend
Be aware - You can tell at a glance if a saw is R or L tilt.....by seeing the direction of the arc slot in the cabinet.

Up and to left - R tilt.

Up and to right- L tilt.

Marc
 
OP
H

hemiallen

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
Messages
67
Location
Sacramento, Ca
Work
We were doing Laser diagnostics experiments at The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) . I was able to spend a lot of weekends in Upstate due to back to back weeks, and the option to stay there VS fly home and back again.

I really miss Dinosaur BBQ and Delmonico's .

Not being a table saw person, any reason to choose a right vs left tilt?
Thanks
 

quattro_sinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Messages
417
Location
Upstate NY
Work

Not being a table saw person, any reason to choose a right vs left tilt?
Thanks


One of the biggest things to remember is not to trap off-cut between the blade and fence. It is surprising (and terrifying) to see how fast a saw can eject pieces.
With that in mind, I think for the most part, it boils down to preference and safety. Most of the smaller portable saws tilt left, and it seems that the mechanics for using the saw (fence to the left (edit:right) of the blade, holding material against the fence with my left hand (depending on length), feeding with my right.


My Unisaw tilts right, and this means that when ripping a bevel cut, my mechanics are reversed. It's not impossible, but requires even more care to complete cuts safely.

I would have preferred a left tilting saw, but wasn't going to walk away from the deal

((Re-reading my post, I realized I mis-spoke, when ripping non beveled cuts, I have the fence to the right of the blade, and hold/push materials as described above, my point still stands, when ripping bevels on a right-tilting saw, I have to reverse how I hold and feed stock))
 
Last edited:

Marctrees

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 5, 2015
Messages
6,265
Location
TX/LA border - Toledo Bend
Hemiallen - IMHO, re read posts #'s 67, 57, and 49.

I really think for your needs to look for an older Delta/ Rockwell, or Powermatic "Contractor" saw , 2 hp 120 v, with a 52" Biesmeyer fence.

The best saw will be made approx 1955- 1980.

The Biesemeyer was back then aftermarket added.

Absolutely get USA, NOT Taiwan, later China... started in around late 70's.

2 hp w a good blade will be sufficient up to actual 2" hardwood, but not really thicker.

The "Contractor" saws ( visually- open leg base w a shelf.. NOT an enclosed cabinet).

Motor hanging out back.

Pretty sure ALL of those were left tilt.

Fab a nice mobile base, or buy one... like HTC.

With patience, you will find a clean gently used one that Grandpa had in his basement since new..for around $400 - $700.

This will be your best bang for the buck.

Marc
 

SMLWinds

Well-known member
Joined
May 6, 2013
Messages
89
So I will be in the minority here, but I encourage you to look at a Sawstop if you can afford it (or the new Bosch that I hear has flesh sensing technology as well). If you can't, save up until you can afford it! I know....everyone is careful with the table saw. Truth be known, I am a hand surgeon. I own a Sawstop because there were a lot of people who were "careful" who have paid me thousands and thousands of dollars to reattach their fingers. Don't get me wrong, I am the most daring and adventurous doctor you will ever meet, but I do side with the paranoid safety folks out there that a the extra few thousand you pay for those saws will quickly pay for itself if you just knick a finger with the saw one day. Not only will the Sawstop protect your fingers, but it is also a precision quality saw that can compete with any out there. I know it is thousands more, but trust me, a trip to the ER to even wash out a finger laceration and stitch it shut costs much more than that. Just my $.02--I am not insulted at all if you don't take it!
 

bubinga

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2014
Messages
12,744
Location
Bridgeport Ohio. (Across River From Wheeling WV)
One of the biggest things to remember is not to trap off-cut between the blade and fence. It is surprising (and terrifying) to see how fast a saw can eject pieces.
With that in mind, I think for the most part, it boils down to preference and safety. Most of the smaller portable saws tilt left, and it seems that the mechanics for using the saw (fence to the left (edit:right) of the blade, holding material against the fence with my left hand (depending on length), feeding with my right.


My Unisaw tilts right, and this means that when ripping a bevel cut, my mechanics are reversed. It's not impossible, but requires even more care to complete cuts safely.

I would have preferred a left tilting saw, but wasn't going to walk away from the deal

((Re-reading my post, I realized I mis-spoke, when ripping non beveled cuts, I have the fence to the right of the blade, and hold/push materials as described above, my point still stands, when ripping bevels on a right-tilting saw, I have to reverse how I hold and feed stock))
Late to the party but I picked up a completely refinished with two-part epoxy paint and internally rebuilt West new bearings and new belts Plug & Play for the random price of $569 ready to go it's still had the older jet Lock Fence on which I upgraded to a 25 in Beach Bar fence that I scored for $80 Circa 2005 from the Lowe's blowout and it is a wonderful table saw. It had the one horsepower what they called a bullet induction motor on it. So they are out there you can sometimes get lucky and pick one up for about $300 however a lot of them from the school shops are three phase what can easily be converted with a static phase converter avfd is not needed for a table saw just my two cents let us know what you come up with I did not finish reading the whole thread you may have already gave that answer thanks for reading

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
 

bubinga

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2014
Messages
12,744
Location
Bridgeport Ohio. (Across River From Wheeling WV)
I was going to purchase a hollow chisel mortiser off CL, and the people selling it offered me a nearly showroom condition Platinum Unisaw with the 52" Biesmeyer fence and a ton of accessories for a reasonable price. We settled on $650. Hard to say no in situations like that.[emoji106]
0MG a platinum edition unisaw with 52 inch Biesmier(SP?) fence for $650 you stole it!

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
 

bubinga

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2014
Messages
12,744
Location
Bridgeport Ohio. (Across River From Wheeling WV)
Yes if I were more well-off financially these days I have a little bit of trouble with my nerves AKA nerve damage I am off and on pins and needles so to speak when using my conventional unisaw, but again if I had the means I would surely opt for a sawstop table saw. I am especially mindful when using my conventional unisaw. There are a lot of YouTube videos I'm sure you know demonstrating the safety feature of the sawstop where they use a hot dog to imitate a finger very good safety device. I think if I am not mistaken it is a law that all high school and college technical schools must have the sawstop type of table saw again could I afford one it would surely be in my basement. As the above poster pointed out it is good peace of mind and quote unquote peace off body.
If this is for a hobby and you don't have extensive experience, I think the Saw Stop saws have excellent reviews and are worth the piece of mind. That kills the used option though.


Edit: That should be "peace of mind" by preserving pieces of you.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
 

2Big2Ride

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 24, 2010
Messages
258
Location
d/FW, Texas - more FW than D
So I will be in the minority here, but I encourage you to look at a Sawstop if you can afford it (or the new Bosch that I hear has flesh sensing technology as well). If you can't, save up until you can afford it! I know....everyone is careful with the table saw. Truth be known, I am a hand surgeon. I own a Sawstop because there were a lot of people who were "careful" who have paid me thousands and thousands of dollars to reattach their fingers. Don't get me wrong, I am the most daring and adventurous doctor you will ever meet, but I do side with the paranoid safety folks out there that a the extra few thousand you pay for those saws will quickly pay for itself if you just knick a finger with the saw one day. Not only will the Sawstop protect your fingers, but it is also a precision quality saw that can compete with any out there. I know it is thousands more, but trust me, a trip to the ER to even wash out a finger laceration and stitch it shut costs much more than that. Just my $.02--I am not insulted at all if you don't take it!
I'm not a doctor or in the medical field and I would/will buy a Sawstop for the reasons you listed.
 

quattro_sinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Messages
417
Location
Upstate NY
0MG a platinum edition unisaw with 52 inch Biesmier(SP?) fence for $650 you stole it!

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

I wasn't "in the market" for a shop saw that day but I couldn't pass it up. I am grateful every time I use it (it came with a BN Rockler adjustable cross-cut sled too)

Yes if I were more well-off financially these days I have a little bit of trouble with my nerves AKA nerve damage I am off and on pins and needles so to speak when using my conventional unisaw, but again if I had the means I would surely opt for a sawstop table saw. I am especially mindful when using my conventional unisaw. There are a lot of YouTube videos I'm sure you know demonstrating the safety feature of the sawstop where they use a hot dog to imitate a finger very good safety device. I think if I am not mistaken it is a law that all high school and college technical schools must have the sawstop type of table saw again could I afford one it would surely be in my basement. As the above poster pointed out it is good peace of mind and quote unquote peace off body.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

A few years ago I built a table for the set of a play at a local college. I got to use the onsite University wood shop (after hours) to do so. They had a brand new SawStop, and it was a VERY nice saw. Having followed the development of the SawStop, and having the hot-dog demo at a trade show when the saw was first introduced, it was nice to finally get to try one out. I thought about testing it, but couldn't get this clip out of my head:


(edit: not to mention that I believe the SawStop safety feature functions by firing a pin/rod THROUGH the blade to stop it instantaneously, destroying the blade in the process. I'd trade a blade for a digit any day, but did not want to experiment on others' equipment)
 
Last edited:

bubinga

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2014
Messages
12,744
Location
Bridgeport Ohio. (Across River From Wheeling WV)
I wasn't "in the market" for a shop saw that day but I couldn't pass it up. I am grateful every time I use it (it came with a BN Rockler adjustable cross-cut sled too)



A few years ago I built a table for the set of a play at a local college. I got to use the onsite University wood shop (after hours) to do so. They had a brand new SawStop, and it was a VERY nice saw. Having followed the development of the SawStop, and having the hot-dog demo at a trade show when the saw was first introduced, it was nice to finally get to try one out. I thought about testing it, but couldn't get this clip out of my head:


(edit: not to mention that I believe the SawStop safety feature functions by firing a pin/rod THROUGH the blade to stop it instantaneously, destroying the blade in the process. I'd trade a blade for a digit any day, but did not want to experiment on others' equipment)
Nice!
I just have a few shop built cross cut sleds.

Sent from my MotoG3 using The Garage Journal mobile app
 

bubinga

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2014
Messages
12,744
Location
Bridgeport Ohio. (Across River From Wheeling WV)
I wasn't "in the market" for a shop saw that day but I couldn't pass it up. I am grateful every time I use it (it came with a BN Rockler adjustable cross-cut sled too)



A few years ago I built a table for the set of a play at a local college. I got to use the onsite University wood shop (after hours) to do so. They had a brand new SawStop, and it was a VERY nice saw. Having followed the development of the SawStop, and having the hot-dog demo at a trade show when the saw was first introduced, it was nice to finally get to try one out. I thought about testing it, but couldn't get this clip out of my head:


(edit: not to mention that I believe the SawStop safety feature functions by firing a pin/rod THROUGH the blade to stop it instantaneously, destroying the blade in the process. I'd trade a blade for a digit any day, but did not want to experiment on others' equipment)
Yes I think it ruins more than just the blade I think you have to buy a whole kit once it is sprung I'm not exactly sure but it comes with a blade and a for lack of a better term hunk of metal that the blade jams into if I recall correctly.

Sent from my MotoG3 using The Garage Journal mobile app
 

tarbellb

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2011
Messages
5,733
Location
Oregon
Its a spring fired mech that fires a aluminum block into the blade when the sensor is tripped.

All said and done, you are replacing the $75 "brake" and the blade it gnarred up.

Oh, and it fires when it senses really wet wood, metal, or anything else that is conductive....

But if you got the budge or the pucker, its a great saw.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom