Makita 2708 table saw

[rodsnratfinks]

I found this Makita table saw for the asking price of $70. I've been looking for a decent saw, but I've never used Makita shop equipment before. I'd rather buy something older for the quality, like a Unisaw, but I like the idea of something like this that I can separate from the base because I want to mount it in my workbench. How does this model stack up? It seems like a pretty decent deal even without a fence.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

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[never enuf time]

That's a great table saw. It was my first, & I still have/use it.

It was one of the first portable table saw on the job sites.

I bought mine over 20 years ago, only thing I have done to it is new brush's, cord, & lube.

The switch can get dirty at times, just need to blow it out & should be good to go. I bypassed the safety using a cut off spark plug wire separator.

If it has a wine at shut off , the bearing at the end of the motor is dry.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Is that bearing serviceable?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[wrenchguy]

great saw i have 3, keep sharp blades in them, last forever

 

[never enuf time]

Ya, It's like a throw out bearing I believe.

 

[jakemac]

I bought mine used in 1992 and it's still going strong. It's the older dark green case. I just bought a vintage cabinet saw today to replace it, only because the opportunity presented itself.

I mounted mine in a generic contractor's saw table frame to make it more useful (with better fence).

Here are a couple tips :
1 - Remember that this is only a portable contractor's saw. It wasn't designed to be a fine cutting cabinet saw.
2 - The stock fence needs to be squared to the blade everytime you use it. It isn't automatically square like a better designed fence.
3 - The miter slots are an odd size, so standard miter accessories won't fit this saw.
4 - The plastic case is brittle, so take care setting it down on hard surfaces. Most used saws have cracks, chips, or broken off bits on the bottom of the case. Especially on the corners and at the cord entry.
5 - The holes in the tables can be used to mount a router or jig saw upside down to turn them into table tools with a fence.


Some of the negatives I've listed may make it sound like this is a bad saw. Wrong. I'm just pointing out things for you to keep in mind.

I used mine for over 20yrs. In that time some of the projects I've built with my saw have been seen in Museums and large public events attended by 100K attendees or more.
Fine work can be done on them, you just have to be diligent in how you use the saw. Always check and recheck your measurements if you need precise cuts.

That one looks like it's in good shape. $70 would be a good price.

 

[TheGrooveking]

The 2708 is great saw, had mine since early 90's, its cut thousands of board feet. I installed a Rouseau fence / table extension and mounted it on a DeWalt roller stand.

TheGrooveking

 

[032484]

That is a steal for that fine saw the lowest Ive seen them is $150. Where in california did you find that and did you buy it?

 

[PugetDude]

The saw is great.
The fence is a POS.