[bwolfgra]

I'm in the market for a used table saw. I don't have a lot to spend, and I'm just getting started, so I want to get something that I can use for a year or two until I decide what I really want as a long term solution.

Does anyone have an opinion about any of the following?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/4104650759.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/4103451685.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/4084306643.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/4105889913.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/4105527404.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/4083652050.html

I'd like to keep it under about $200. I live in Shoreline, WA so I'm looking for saws in the general vicinity.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Ben

 

[MattS]

To be honest the first two are the best looking in my book, with the Delta being similar to one I started out with (and still have and use). If he is tossing in the router under the right wing, that might be a great steal. Go check it out, ask him to cut a piece of wood with it to prove it works, and see if the fence locks up ok.

If you are even a little bit mechanically minded, $50 is a comfortable gamble for that nice little direct drive saw. Hope that helps you a bit!

 

[ryan50hrl]

Avoid the bottom 3 like the plague. The second one down...the craftsman is a really solid saw...it's only downside is a mediocre fence. It's manageable for a few years though.

 

[FrankC]

Avoid the bottom 3 like the plague. The second one down...the craftsman is a really solid saw...it's only downside is a mediocre fence. It's manageable for a few years though.

I vote for that one as well, keep you eye open for a decent used fence and spend the extra money on that.

 

[bwolfgra]

Thanks. The top two looked like they were more well-built to me also.

 

[Phaedrus]

I'd agree about the top two. Both are at (surprisingly) very good prices. Be sure to act quick because they may already be gone!

I'd lean toward pursuing the Delta if you have a choice. I use a similar saw to the Craftsman and I can vouch for how poor the fence really is. It is a little appalling, actually . Anyway, go make a deal and let us know how you do! :thumbsup:

 

[Tilaran]

BTWFence = a piece of 1 x 2 aluminum bar and 2 vice tongs. The best cabinet shop table saw I've seen had an 8 foot wide x 12 foot long 1" thick plywood table on a metal frame with an old table saw underneath.That was his "fence". His angles were home made aluminum speed square looking contraptions of varying degrees. Sit it against the blade and turn the extended crank wheel until there was no light gap. Precisely XX degrees. No little marks on a pop riveted metal tag.
Old school.

Pick one of the first 2 with the highest HP. I like a saw with at least 1 1/2 and 3450. 120/220 is a plus. Plug it to the dryer or hot water receptacle.

 

[knotscott]

Those two Delta's are both compact saws...smaller than standard size and likely with universal direct drive motors. Better to get a full size saw with a belt drive induction motor....like that old Cman...add a fence and it'll be a really nice saw.

This saw is within budget, and already has a fence upgrade...the rust is minor and will clean up easily:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/4106256547.html

Another option
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/4092412843.html

Some reading to help your decision
http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f12/...ns-making-sense-all-choices-part-1-3-a-43321/

 

[Chris86]

I'd get the second one down, the craftsman, it's a belt drive, the rest appear to be direct drive. I'd stay away from direct drive unless you just need a compact jobsite saw... otherwise go with belt drive, they're much quieter and run smoother than direct drive saws.

 

[Joeb41]

I like the old C/mans just because I have one and it works well for me. I never found a need to upgrade the fence. That one for $60.00 looks just like mine. I don't like the grid extensions. I have the metal one on the right and a homemade laminate one on the left that folds down when not needed.

 

[rbk123]

I'd get the Craftsman belt drive and work it up like Joe did with his. With your own wings and restoring the cast iron, it will look like Joe's beauty.

 

[toolguy1000]

before deciding what TS to buy, once scotts article has been digested, decide whether you want a right or left tilt saw. there's a reason the vast majority of saws built today are left tilt and that reason is ..........safety.

 

[Andrew120]

To be honest the first two are the best looking in my book, with the Delta being similar to one I started out with (and still have and use). If he is tossing in the router under the right wing, that might be a great steal. Go check it out, ask him to cut a piece of wood with it to prove it works, and see if the fence locks up ok.

If you are even a little bit mechanically minded, $50 is a comfortable gamble for that nice little direct drive saw. Hope that helps you a bit!

+1 my thoughts exactly

 

[bwolfgra]

Thanks for the advice. The Delta sold, but I am looking at the Craftsman this afternoon.

 

[ryan50hrl]

I would venture a guess that there are more guys using a version of that craftsman saw in this site than any other saw....it was the go to saw for the better part of 2 decades or more. Properly set up, tuned and maintained it could be a saw you'll use for decades.

 

[knotscott]

I would venture a guess that there are more guys using a version of that craftsman saw in this site than any other saw....it was the go to saw for the better part of 2 decades or more. Properly set up, tuned and maintained it could be a saw you'll use for decades.

Even after Sears dropped the design in 2004, the same basic saw (with some updates) lived on under the Ridgid name until ~ 2008.

 

[ryan50hrl]

And if I recall...they were introduced in the early 70's so that gives them a nearly 40 year run...

 

[Pirate]

The Saw is ok, but the fence sucks.
Visiting my Fil, He needed some 2x4's ripped down. After farting with the fence, I switched to a direct drive, benchtop screamer, and it was a breeze, compared to using the CM fence.

 

[bwolfgra]

What about the fence makes it bad? Is there something specific I should be looking for. Are there "good enough" aftermarket fences that would work if the saw is otherwise in good shape?

 

[Andrew120]

What about the fence makes it bad? Is there something specific I should be looking for. Are there "good enough" aftermarket fences that would work if the saw is otherwise in good shape?

U can get a really good delta t2 aftermarket fence for about 200 but idk that kinda kills a budget, but I THINK the craftsman fence will work fine until u can replace it