Walker Turner vs Rockwell Table saw

[jtd7777]

I'm new to the forum. Been a dabler at woodworkin for a while. Anyway my question is Does anyone have any experience with both the WT and the Rockwell table saw? I have been using my Shopsmith for about 40 yrs now and whereas the motor is still going strong, the table has so much slop in it that I can't trust it anymore to keep a "true" angle. You know when you need a 90 degree an 88.7 just doesn't meet specs.

So I'm looking for a stand alone saw and have the chance to purchase an older WT that has been taken good care of OR a Rockwell.

Both are in the same ballpark, price wise, but the Rockwell has a better fence system.

What would you do?

Thanks

 

[The Cobbler]

the fence is mostly what makes the saw... I would probably buy the one with the better fence

 

[Packard V8]

Both made more than one size and type table saw. Which models are you considering? A cabinet saw or a "contractor" saw or a homeowner saw?

jack vines

 

[seber]

They both produced dozens of models over the years. Some going back to the overhead woods system. You will need to reference photos to get any useful response. You don't have enough posts to load pictures so you will have to post a webpage where they can be seen.

 

[jtd7777]

Thanks for the quick responses.
Models aren't not posted in the ad but I am
headed out to look at the WT this afternoon and will ascertain the model # then.

Also I can't post link yet (I tried) so... winging it

Thanks again
Jim

 

[bob15]

The one issue with the larger 10" (non-contractor) WT is the ZCI, incase you want to use dado blades as nobody make one and the design of them is really weird. I tried making one and it didn't really come out very good and have yet to see anything made on the 'net as well.

 

[AZ Pete]

I have no experience with WT, and would be concerned about parts availability. Rockwell, if it is a cabinet saw would be my choice.

I have been through the Shopsmith experience and dumped mine about 30 years ago to get a dedicated table saw, with a quality fence...that is the best decision I ever made about wood working.

Once you get a good saw with a great fence, don't skimp on blades and you will be a happy wood worker.

 

[karoc]

Don't know nothing about WT other than love their old BS which made out CI. So can't comment about WT but I have owned Rockwell with peace sign symbol which was the Unisaw and have owned the Delta Unisaw with the CI pith. One had the 3hp and the other had the 1.5 hp never did I ever have any problems with hp. That being said both saws I would thing you will never have any problems other than elec problem cause they are made to run. If you should for some reason need a part, you stand better chance finding one for Unisaw vs WT, that is if your talking about the good Rockwell TS

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I have no experience with WT, and would be concerned about parts availability. Rockwell, if it is a cabinet saw would be my choice.

I have been through the Shopsmith experience and dumped mine about 30 years ago to get a dedicated table saw, with a quality fence...that is the best decision I ever made about wood working.

Once you get a good saw with a great fence, don't skimp on blades and you will be a happy wood worker.

I couldn't have said it better. There are enough Besmeyer (sp) T-fence clones out there, put one which ever one you choose.

 

[jgromada]

i had never even heard of Walker Turner before this thread. I have an OLD Rockwell table saw. It has been fine, but has 9" blades which are harder to find. Wish it had 10" blades.

You hadn't posted any pictures , model #'s or specs for your options so it is hard to make recommendations.

 

[alinc100]

Be thorough on your inspections. I believe there was a Walker-Turner model that had an odd sized arbor 3/4" or 1" on a 10 " blade. It's been a long time since I've seen one.

 

[Voi]

Thanks for the quick responses.
Models aren't not posted in the ad but I am
headed out to look at the WT this afternoon and will ascertain the model # then.

Also I can't post link yet (I tried) so... winging it

Thanks again
Jim

Hopefully the Rockwell is a Unisaw. Look for Jet Lock fence (round tubes) or if it has been upgraded to a Unifence or something else. A Unifence upgrade is a good thing in this case. Unifence will have rectangular tube.

Look at motor voltage and phase. A lot of these Rockwell Unisaws are three phase which means VFD, RPC if you don't have three phase power.

There is a 1.5 HP, 120V version. Said to be a bit underpowered but still desirable due to the plug and play nature.

No idea about Walker Turner table saws. Think I've only seen one.

 

[jtd7777]

Well Shucks! Wife's brother went in the hospital, throat cancer has returned and it seems he'll lose his larynx so with flight costs & all I'll be holding off on purchasing a saw.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
I'll continue to kibitz here

Jim