Is a Unisaw all that great?

[Carlos]

It seems to be revered by some. I see a cheap one locally for sale by a guy who doesn't seem to know what it is (not a woodworker definitely). What would be a killer price for it?

[LCHIEN]

Considering its relatively clean looking condition:

killer price : $100
fatal price: $200
Mortally wounded: $300
a major gloat by any other name: anything less than $500

Things that might temper your gloat: being 3 phase..., or a burned out motor.

[JoeyGee]

I LOVE my BT3, but if I had a chance on a killer deal on a Unisaw, I would JUMP on it. I have used a Grizzly 3HP cabinet saw, and the power and lack of vibration on the thing were things of beauty. I have never used a Unisaw, but the overwhelming opinion is that it would be that much better.

Good luck.

[SARGE..g-47]

That's an older Uni-saw which is good. It apparently has no cast iron extension tables which is bad. I wouldn't give more than $200 max as a good used one normally run from $550 to $900 depending on how old and the condition.

If he does have the extentions and they are not in the picture.. I would ask him what he would take for it. If $300 or under.. jump if the motor is good.. arbors not cracked.. and the gears function properly. Anything over $300 I would negotiate but not exceed $450 on that old of one.

I purchased a factory re-conditioned that looked new for $999 as a return favor. Normal re-co is around $1200-$1300 with used Uni's going from $550 - $900 as mentioned above.

[sweensdv]

Stick with your BT3. After all, you wouldn't want to be accused of being a Tool Snob now would you?

[Carlos]

Er...I'm ok with tool snob these days. After years of making do with lesser tools, in the past couple months I've been migrating to snobbery. It was the Jet 18" bandsaw that started it all. Heavy iron table, great power, huge blade...mmmm...

The BT3100 was great as the center of the shop to make do for not having other tools. I had a crappy CMS, so the miter sled was great. But now I have the Hitachi 12" SCMS that has about as much cut capability as the BT. The BT's deep cut was good for small re-saws, but now I have the bandsaw (12" resaw). Lately I've been finding myself disliking the table saw. And I think it's because I'm ready to upgrade it. There seems to be a certain..."something" about big heavy iron tools with heavy mechanisms.

[LarryG]

I didn't reply earlier because I couldn't speak specifically about the Unisaw. On the broader question of BT vs. cabinet saw, however, there really is a world of difference.

I used my BT3100 happily for three years before purchasing a Powermatic PM2000 last spring. As we all know the BT has its quirks, and I was never much enamored of the sliding miter table that many here consider its best feature; but I said then, and still say today, that it is a very fine table saw for the money. In fact it's not too shabby independent of price, if all you're considering is the end result, i.e., Will It Or Will It Not Allow Me To Build This Project? If that's the only question, thousands of BT owners have proven, countless times, that the answer is an unqualified Yes.

But -- and here I'm manfully trying to keep the "Tool Snob" thread firmly in mind -- when you start using a good 3HP cabinet saw, you'll realize immediately that the Big Arn saws and the BT series have little in common except that they both can be called "table saws." It's not that a BT is bad; it's that a cabinet saw is better. Some of the differences are huge, and obvious; some are small, and subtle; some are intangible. Or, even, emotional. A big part of my PM2000 purchasing decision came down to, "I want one." Not to brag about, not to impress other woodworkers, but for the sheer pleasure of owning and using such a grand piece of machinery. And I don't think there's a thing wrong with that.

I still own my BT and would go back to using it if necessary, because I know it is more than capable enough for me to get my work done; but I don't regret one penny of what I spent on my cabinet saw.

[Knottscott]

Sarge's price range for a used Uni is right on. There really is a big difference. The Uni may or may not be the "creme de la creme" compared to other top cabinet saws, but it is in a different league. The sheer mass, power, stability, surface area, longevity, and resale value are all valid reasons to consider it....it'll be a pleasure to use.

[FEDSAWDAVE]

Gentlemen, the Unisaw used to be a great option...before all things Delta saw were made 8 miles south of Brownsville, Tx.

Thank ...whoever....for Mexican labor!
You get what you pay for!!

[Carlos]

Larry, that was a fantastic and useful write-up, thanks. It confirms my gut instinct about big heavy iron tools. I've asked the guy for details on the model, condition, and his bottom-line price.