Table saw Purchase...Help!

Even though it’s got a smaller motor than some, the Uni’s got better bones that just about anything else you’re likely to find in the $600 range. However, the fence and overall condition weigh in heavily on the overall value. If it’s got a nice Biese or a Unifence, and is good shape, I’d grab it….see if it includes a mobile base, blades, insert, etc., and haggle from there. If it needs much else, you’re beyond budget.

The same applies for the 3 YO contractor saw too…good fence, good condition, cast iron wings, mobile base, blade can make it well worth $350….if has the cheaper aluminum fence and steel wings, it’s worth closer to $200-$250 IMO. If it’s truly 3 years old, it’s probably a 36-675/36-679/36-680/36-682 era saw and will have a T2, Biese, or Unifence depending on actual model #. If it’s a 36-650, it’ll have older style aluminum Delta T-fence and is more than 3 YO, and probably not worth the asking price unless it’s like new.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

I vote for the Unisaw too.

-- Wayne - Plymouth MN

I would have to vote for the Unisaw too. Have you ever heard of k-bid.com? Its an online auction site. You may be able to find a good saw there. I just saw this video about a saw that has been around for a while. I always new what it could do but since I have seen it with my own eyes I am a true believer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3mzhvMgrLE&translated=1

Good luck on your search!!

-- Branum

Thanks guys for your all of your advice. I had another call wanting to sell his 20 yr old unisaw with a biese fence. I told him my $500.00 price point and he said thats in the ball park and to come over to see it. Will check out both Unisaws. Oh, the first saw had a unifence with it. Are Biese supose to be the better of the 2?
Thanks again for your assistance!

-- Paul, Winterset Iowa,

The Biese tends to be more popular and usually gets a premium, but both are highly regarded…really a matter of preference….

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Biesemeyer fences are very popular and very accurate a lot of saws come with a Biesemeyer fence designs or a copies. The only problem is the originators always demand more money. Here is a link to Delta / Biesemeyer where there is some cool info on Biesemeyer history scroll down the writing is at the bottom
http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/Biesemeyer.aspx. I bought a table saw and added an aftermarket fence to it (Incra at woodpeck.com). This is not cheap but its an option if you found a saw that you could afford w/fence too. What is wrong with you old craftsmen? What if you put a new fence on it. A new fence could transform any machine. You could even add a biese to it. There’s tons of posts on upgrading table saws and buying saws here too. I hope this is helpful.

-- Aaron - central California "If you haven't got the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?"

Thanks knotscott and 559dustdesigns for both the info and suggestion. My old craftsmen struggles with the 1 hp and is very light weight (vibrates like a …) and your right the fence is terrible. I will check out the upgrading table saws posts. Thanks again!

-- Paul, Winterset Iowa,

really I think you’ll be happy with either after being used to the old craftsman. biese is considered better from what I’ve read but it’s probably gonna be easier to stay in your budget w/ a unifence. (i have a delta contractors saw w/ unifence bought it used for $250)

-- Derek, Iowa