Should I buy this Unisaw on Craigslist?

Looks like a good deal. Go take a look at it. Spend some time making sure the arbor is strait and it is fully functional. Also, find out if it is single phase or 3 phase. if it is 3-phase you will need a converter which can be pricey. It comes with a great fence so IMO if it looks good and is fully functional you have a good deal.

Also, dont worry to much about rust as it comes off easily. Use small things like rust spots and useless missing parts as price leverage.

Good luck!

Edit: Looking at the motor face plate it says it is 3-phase. Make sure you either price a new motor or a phase converter before going to take a look. I have seen used phase converters on ebay and craigslist for around $100.

One thing to consider: most 3 phase equipment has been used in a factory. Which usually means the equipment has been used heavily. Some extra time in checking the condition of the entire saw would be time well spent. Also have to make sure you get the correct sized phase converter for a 5hp motor.

-- Julian

A motor that size will require a substantial phase convertor, regardless of what type it is. I think I’d pass if I’d didn’t have 3 phase power.

-- I long for the days when Coke was a cola, and a joint was a bad place to be (Merle Haggard)

I looked at the motor plate picture closely. It is a 3 phase 208 volt motor. Ask if they have the saw on a phase converter and can it be included in the sale? The fence and hand wheels do not show much wear. If it got heavy commercial use there would be signs on those places. I have that Vega fence on one of my Unisaws. It has held up well for many years in my small professional shop.

-- Fine Custom Woodwork since 1978

Thanks for all the responses guys! I wouldn’t have caught that myself so I really appreciate it. I only have single power in my shop so it might be best to run from that one. What do you guys think about this?

http://collegestation.craigslist.org/tls/3458481784.html

I havent seen too many Craftsman cabinet saws (then again, I am just a novice) so what do y’all think about that?

-- "Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." -- Pablo Picasso

Cant speak with any experience on that saw, but assuming it runs smoothly, that looks to be a contender at $500. It has a nice solid top, an extension wing/table, and it’s a 12”. Thing to consider is the fact that it’s a right tilting saw. Never used one myself but personally I feel more comfortable using a left tilting saw. Probably not a deal killer.

Too bad it’s not a mickey mouse saw. Just kidding.

-- JC Garcia, Concord, CA : "It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission..."

I thought the same thing about the “mickey mouse” comment! haha The only downside is that Rockdale is 3 hours from where I live! :-/ So I would definitely consider that in negotiating a price.

-- "Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." -- Pablo Picasso

The full-sized Craftsman cabinet saws were generally
made to the same specs as Dayton table saws, house
brand of Grainger industrial supply. Not junk.

It’s the same as this saw:

http://www.drillspot.com/products/479716/dayton_2lkp7_cabinet_table_saw?s=1&catargetid=1623454804&gclid=CMn6sZX677QCFUxxQgodkyYAuQ

I would say that craftsman saw looks like a nice big comercial saw.A lot of people use 3 phase these days not just heavy industry it is better if you want to run a bigger motor than say 3 hp as single phase motors over 3 hp are difficult and very large and bulky maybe with you guys having 110 v normal power things could be different but here that’s how it is .My saw is a large industrial wadkin which weighs over half a ton 600 approx kilo’s and has a 7.5 horse power motor so it is also 3 phase and I run it from a convertor which works fine it is very fast and powerful. Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

3 hrs away carrying at least 400lbs with gas at $3.50(ish)... Man you may end up spending just as much on delivery including gas and labor. Can the seller load it on your truck with a forklift? Just tihngs to consider. These things are tanks.

-- JC Garcia, Concord, CA : "It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission..."

Golly Scotsman, you’ve got a large saw! Did you have to add extra slab foundation footings under that saw? ;)

Thats true sixstring! I didn’t really think about that :-/ I think the fact that it uses a 3 phase motor threw me off its trail..However, there is an Enlon cabinet saw that is an hour and a half away for the same price. I haven’t really found that much online about Enlon except that they have ceased production..Does anyone have experience with this brand?

-- "Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." -- Pablo Picasso

Maroon,

If that Delta 5hp comes with the phase converter, don’t let it scare you off. I have one and it’s not that big a deal installing it into your fuse box. I have some pics I could email you. I’m going to have to do it (again) when I get my new shop going.

$750 seems a TAD high though. What year is it? Mines a ‘73 and runs like a tank. I had to get the arbor replaced and new belts, but otherwise it works great.

-- Beer, Beer, Thank God for Beer. It's my way of keeping my mind fresh and clear...

Milo,
I talked with the seller on the phone earlier and he said that he has 3 phase power in his shop so buying and installing the converter would be a must. I’m pretty sure he was firm on the price so I don’t figure he would take anything much lower to include the cost of the converter. He didn’t say what year model it is but I could certainly find out. What do you think would be a good price for that machine?

-- "Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." -- Pablo Picasso

That Craftsman saw looks like it has one of those wimpy sheet metal throat plates that the cheap saws use. I’d certainly check that out. If I’m right, it can be challenging to make a ZCI work in there.

If that is the case I would keep looking. When I bought mine for $600 I received the phase converter with it. It was a very good deal. Mine DID need some electrical work though. And I drove to get it, which added a bit.

Still, $750 seems a little high without the converter. Being in Texas, you know about distances, that’s for sure. I think I’d be patient and keep looking. For $750 you could look at the Ridgid table saw and get warranty, and probably be very happy.

Good luck!

-- Beer, Beer, Thank God for Beer. It's my way of keeping my mind fresh and clear...