Tablesaws around $300

[duragauge]

As a matter of fact, I didn't get much rest that night. I just was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, so that is bothering me, so I am irritable, me bad.

Hoover, best wishes. My father-in-law had successful treatment 3 years ago and was up and running around terrorizing the nurses the next morning. Hopefully your recovery will be equally rapid.

If you start scouring the Craigslist, Ebay, wwing classifieds, and your local classifieds, I don't think you can do better than a decent used saw in your price range. You're likely to uncover a nice full size Delta, Ridgid, Jet, Grizzly, GI, PM, or Craftsman with some nice goodies for $300.

Dustmight, thanks for your advice, and you seem to be right about the "nice goodies". I've been watching and must missed a Jet JTS-10JF with a Biesemeyer fence for $285, another Jet with a Unifence and a Ridgid jointer for $500, and a Craftsman with a Vega fence and finger saver at $250.

Today I'm going to look at a 1970's Craftsman with casters, extra blades, a new dado, and a few other goodies for $100.

I guess my only problem, being a complete newbie, is how to know what is a good deal and what is not.

-Nolan

[Knottscott]

...snip...I guess my only problem, being a complete newbie, is how to know what is a good deal and what is not.

-Nolan

Yeah....there's no real hard fast rule that's fool proof, but examine the general condition of the saw. Dirt and surface rust scrub off fairly easily...pitting is more problematic, severe pitting could be a show stopper for me. Check for general damage and breakage. Spin the arbor manually (with the saw unplugged, and possibly even with and without the belt disconnected), listen for strange noises like grinding, and feel for heavy resistance. It should spin pretty freely and not make any significant noise. Wiggle the arbor and check for slop and worn bearings. Work the hand wheels and feel for resistance...keep in mind that caked saw dust can hamper operation, but is cleanable. Run the saw and check again for unusual noise and vibration. Most vibration can be adjusted out with good pulley alignment and a good belt....what you're looking for are bent shafts and pulleys, and bad bearings. The motor of a saw from that era is likely to be ~ 1hp....enough for most operations with a good blade and good alignment. Motors are typically an easy upgrade. Figure that a working 1hp used motor will fetch around $60 on Ebay if you want to upgrade, then subtract that from the cost of a bigger motor....prolly $100-$200 depending on new or used.

The newer saws have a standard 27" depth, which allow them to accept aftermarket fences and wings, etc. from other 27" deep saws...many of the parts are interchangeable, or at least with minor effort. If it's a smaller (non-10" saw), you might want to pass unless it's in super running condition. The fences from that era aren't likely to be great either, but if the price is right, a good fence can be added to a standard full size saw. Name brands are easier to get parts for and hold resale value better.

Trust your judgement. If you don't feel good about it, don't buy it. It's usually pretty easy to spot a well maintained machine. It's not worth saving $80-$150 if you buy a $100 headache. There'll always be another saw and another day.

Good luck!

[duragauge]

Thanks for the advice, Dustmight. And your right, there always is another saw and another day. It seems that patience is a virtue when buying tools.

[BigguyZ]

I bought a Craftsman similar to the model you show there. I don't think mine is quite as old, but it works plenty well for me. I also second the note about pitting. Rust is no big deal as long as it's surface only.

BTW, I paid about $200 and I didn't have nearly the amount of extras your offer does.

[JimD]

A Craftsman saw to avoid is the cable drive units. For awhile they used a flexible shaft instead of belt drive and there were too many losses in the cable - the saw had little power. An old belt drive Craftsman for a good price is a pretty good way to go. Even a new motor is only about $100.

Hoover,

My dad had prostate cancer and got radiation seeds. This was close to 10 years ago and he is still fine. If you get the protate removed, the guys I have talked to say it pays to be careful how good the surgeon is in avoiding nerve damage. Doctors don't like to be asked their credentials but if my time comes, I will be pushy enough to get the information. As long as it doesn't spread before they catch it, I don't think your life is the issue, how functional you are after treatment is the issue. I also know a younger guy at work that had his prostate removed and is fine - either way can work out well.

Jim

[Uncle Hook]

Sears has the Craftsman version of the BT3K is on sale this week (thru Jan 13, 2006) to Craftsman club members for $360.00.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

[duragauge]

Sears has the Craftsman version of the BT3K is on sale this week (thru Jan 13, 2006) to Craftsman club members for $360.00.

Thanks Uncle Hook. I'd heard about that sale and think that would be a great way for people to go. I suspect it will be available off and on at the $360 price.

For my part, I'm not sure where I intend to go with woodworking so I'm reluctant to put any serious money into it yet. After Dustmight's inspection hints and BigguyZ's encouragement, I did end up getting the TS I mentioned earlier. It runs smooth, has a cast iron table with no serious rust & no pitting, a mediocre fence, and it was cheap. Thanks, guys.

[eezlock]

ts for $300.00?

Im new to ww and looking for a ts around $300. Have been looking for the BT3100 but there isnt anything in my area. WW is just a winter hobby for me. I have a small shop 9'x16' so space is key. Could anyone give me an idea as to whats in this price range?

I just saw a post on member classifieds (here) in Charleston, S.C. that had been trying to sell his Bt for $190.00 I think, he had it listed previously for $250.00 but no takers, said it was boxed up at this time, might want
to contact him and maybe work out shipping charges ( probably not much)
for 100 lb. saw....might be a good deal if you really want this saw and can't find one locally. eezlock

[eezlock]

used saw

I have found a full size used Craftsman one town over for $115. In the pic it looks fairly new,when I mailed the seller, he said it was 20 years old. Too old you think or a good price. Again I only need one for hobby use. There is a guy on here from Boston area who would meet half way with a used BT3100. No price yet. Waiting to hear back. Should I wait or go look at the Craftsman?

If you look at that Craftsman....look it over real good. and make sure it is not one of the models that has the flexible shaft drive motor( a big flex shaft)
coming out the back...if it is....run, don't walk, as fast as you can away from
it....nothing but headaches and trouble here for sure! eezlock

[BigguyZ]

The next step is to get a decent fence. I was going to get the T2 Delta fence from Lowes, but a Beisemeyer deal come up that I couldn't say no to. The T2 is $150 I think, and will suit you needs well.