Deal or no deal? Older jet tas-10 3hp saw for $1000

First rule of thumb for me, used equipment starts at half the cost of new.
Then you start deducting from there. (there are exceptions, some tools like festool products retain their value very well)

So $1000 to me, is like getting a 1 year old tool.
At the age of that tool, I’d say closer to $600-$700 in really good condition, lower depending on condition.

Just my opinion.

-jeremy

-- Easy to use end grain cutting board designer: http://www.1024studios.com/cuttingboard.html

$600-$700 would be good for used IMO….maybe a bit more if in really nice shape. I might spend a grand on a used Unisaw or PM66. A new Jet saw includes dealer support and warranty, which don’t apply for a used saw so you shouldn’t reimburse the original owner for those perks. You can buy a pretty comparable saw with a shorter warranty and no dealer support in a Grizzly G1023RL for $1294 shipped, or a G0690 for $1445 shipped. You just have to be your own middle man.

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

Others might disagree but all of the Jet TS’s Ive used just seem second rate. I think I’d rather have a new Ridgid contractor saw for half the price,Or another brand used cabinet saw like a Powermatic.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

Jim,

I have the Ridgid 4512. I’m trying to get rid of it because it has a slight high spot in the cast iron and i cannot get the blade to stay in line with the miter slots IMO because of a bad alignment design.

If you have any secrets to improve this saw I’m all ears. I’d love to hang on to it for financial reasons more than anything but I just can’t seem to get the results I’m looking for.

-- george

It would have to be in like new condition for me to spend a grand on it , no matter what the brand was.
That being said , I own a 3hp JET left-tilt cabinet saw with extension table and built in router table and router lift that I really love for at least 8 years so far…with no problems : )
Depending on your needs , you can spend a lot less and still be a happy camper. I look at Craigslist daily and there is always stuff to be had at good prices.

-- When did quiet and quite become the same word ? I'm guessing about the same time as your and you're did.

In Los Angeles, no deal.

If the saw includes higher-end accessories like a nice miter
gauge, overarm guard, mobile base, especially fine blades
and dados, that’s something to consider…. but a basic
cabinet saw with a fence, a blade and no riving knife is
not very impressive for a grand. Where’s the guard? What’s
the cost to replace it with an OEM?

I expect there were a lot of plant closures in your region which
will result in circulation of a lot of used heavier-duty saws. Guys
buy them and auction and unload them after awhile of not using
them.

George

I owned a 3 HP blue Jet cabinet saw for almost 10 years, I sold it about 3 years ago not because I didn’t like it, I just wanted to own a Unisaw.

I always thought the Jet was a quality saw and it served me well. I think I sold it for around $800.00. I did find the blade guard to be labor intensive to install and remove and so it spent most of the time sitting on the shelf.I never thought much about it untill I started using the Unisaw and found the blade guard, riving knife assembly so quick and easy to remove and install (no tools required).The miter gage on the Jet did not fit the slot as tight as I would have wanted so I upgraded to a Incra.

Based on my experience if I were looking for another saw a top priority would be a user friendly blade guard/riving knife.

-- Ken

George
I wish I had a trick for you on your saw, I guess there are lemons in all brands. I have had a number of students buy Ridgid’s and have had zero problems with them.Don’t through things at me but….Crazy as it sounds you could buy a new Ridgid and if you have problems you could return it.(or what the heck through it at me LOL)

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

George – IIRC the Ridgid R4512 comes with a 3 year warranty(?). If yours has the dreaded alignment issue, it should be covered. Not that a 3hp cabinet saw wouldn’t be a nice upgrade, but Jim’s suggestion could work to your advantage if they’ve given you any hassles with fixing your R4512.

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

Seems a little steep for an older jet. If you shop around on Craigs list and used equipment resellers you can find newer Unisaws and Powermatics for around the same price.

-- If the old masters had power tools, they would have used them. So get off your damn High Horse.

George
I have the Jet CTAS 10 inch table saw. Mine is a 1980 era saw. These are good saws. I have used the Powermatic 66 and in all reality they both cut wood about the same. The blade and the fence system are just as important. I do think $1000 is a bit high. I paid $700 for mine about 5 years ago. It came with a 52 inch Biesemeyer fence and a few accessories including a large outfeed table. I have not had any problems with this saw. My neighbor has the Unisaw and it is a great saw also, but he had problems with motor fan that was somewhat expensive. I would say the Jet would be worth less than a Powermatic or Unisaw, not because of quality, but perception. You would also have a better resale value with these.
The Jet is a good saw, but a $1000?
Bill

-- Bill R

George, I had one of the blue Jet cabinet saws for about 15 to 18 years and just sold it for $1000.00 about a year ago. It had the 52’’ fence and a shop made out feed table. A guy from a local cabinet shop bought for their shop. It was a very good saw. The only reason I sold it was I wanted a new Unisaw. If you do purchase it I have a Wood Dynamics TS Throat Plate and 12 Inserts that I would sell for a great price for that saw if you are interested in zero clearance at the blade.

Richard

I bought and fixed up a 1980s PM66, putting approximately $900 into the final product (but no motor cover). It works fantastic! But, your need and timing might make your evaluation of this Jet look like a better deal for you.

Arch_E
near NOLA

Arch_E brings up a good point about “need and timing”. Even though many of us feel that $1000 is a bit steep, most also seem to think it’s a good saw. $600 Unisaws are great when you stumble into them, sometimes at any given time, a $1000 Jet is still the best saw you can buy for $1000.

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

if the price is too high and it’s not a good deal…. it won’t sell and they will lower the price.

from what I’m seeing in the northern New England area…. that saw would not sell at that price.

-- Matt, Pine is fine, but Oak's no joke!