Ridgid R4511 or UniSaw

I have a Unisaw that was made in 1978. I do not intend to sell it unless I win the lottery and can afford a SawStop. The Unisaw is a great saw, there are other great saws General and Powermatic come to mind. But one thing is certain if you get the Unisaw you will never need to buy another table saw.

-- Bob Clark, Tool Collector and Sawdust Maker

If that’s a 3HP unisaw, it most definitely be better at handling material than the ridgid 1.5Hp.

if you have 220V setup, the space for it, and it’s in good condition – the unisaw would be a better choice.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

To me the Unisaw is a no brainer. It should last you a lifetime. I have one that’s about my age (I’m 57)
Still has the original motor. I did replace the fence about 20 years ago. The saw was used in production.
I’m not sure the new ones are as good, but still a great investment.

-- Kent Shepherd * The goal is-----More Tools!

I’m a Unisaw user myself, I have two that have been around many years without problems, but I wouldn’t pay more that 5 or 6 hundred for a used one unless it’s in greeeaaaat condition, or comes with a lot of accessories.

Mars – If you’re the least bit prone to upgrading (like most of us!), get the Uni and be done with it. There won’t be much argument that the Uni is the more substantial saw between those two. It’s a lopsided comparison.

My GI 50-185 contractor saw and Craftsman 22124 hybrid were both very nice saws…stable, accurate, great fences, nice to use, ample power, etc…both were all the saw I’d ever need as a hobbyist. Yet I was still fascinated by the power and construction of the industrial cabinet saws, and when the right deal came along, I switched from a hybrid to a Shop Fox 3hp cabinet saw 3 years after buying the hybrid (I really liked that hybrid BTW). The bigger saw just loafs through anything I throw at it, and it’s much less sensitive to blade selection and setup. I’m also confident that my current saw will last a lifetime.

Thank you all for your input. I am pleasantly surprised at the friendly atmosphere here. I am going to take a look at the saws (he has two) tomorrow. I would have to have 220 run to my garage. My dad is an electrician. Like everything there is an easy and a hard way. I usually figure out the easy way after I have tried the hard way 2 or 3 times.

-- I usually try the hard way 2 or 3 times before finding the easy way.

I can’t help or advise you with American hardware/tools but I wish you well I hope you get a good deal and get set up kindest regards Alistair

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

good luck shopping.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

mars i had the same thing going on two weeks ago i chose the unisaw figuring ill never have to upgrade again go for the unisaw. you asked what else he could be using if hes a pro. he may very well have a straight line saw i know the guy i buy allot of my lumber from has 2 table saws that seldom see any action

-- I buy tools so i can make more money,so ican buy more tools so I can work more, to make more money, so I can buy more tool, so I can work more

Took a look at both saws. (pictures later) Both are serviceable. He is asking $900 for each. Neither one has been used a ton. I could probably talk him down to $700.

-- I usually try the hard way 2 or 3 times before finding the easy way.

BTW the saws are 36-812’s Looks like 3hp. One has a little rust, No pitting. The other is clean. both come with long wings (didn’t have my tape to measure). No one gave suggestions about how to sell my wife.

-- I usually try the hard way 2 or 3 times before finding the easy way.

Promise to build her something incredible. Of course then you have to do it, or you will have no credibility next time you want a tool. That’s what I love about owning a professional shop—-I don’t have to convince my wife.

-- Kent Shepherd * The goal is-----More Tools!

-- I usually try the hard way 2 or 3 times before finding the easy way.

Great advice Kent.

-- I usually try the hard way 2 or 3 times before finding the easy way.

Well, I would go with the Unisaw, but I kinda agree with bentlyj on the price. There seems to be quite a few around for very low prices, and $900 does seem a little steep, even with the Unifence.

However, there will always be a better deal somewhere, and if you don’t want to wait then it’s worth a little extra cash, IMO.

Hutch

-- I hope the volume of shavings one creates is directly related to the probablility of one's success, cuz if so I've got it made!!

i think the money would be jumping out of my pocket

-- I buy tools so i can make more money,so ican buy more tools so I can work more, to make more money, so I can buy more tool, so I can work more

I am trying to sell my unisaw, 5hp, 3phase, model 34-806. We are located in MS. If anyone is interested, please contact me. Here is the advertisement on craiglist. Thanks.

http://gulfport.craigslist.org/tls/1231498300.html