Replies

1. 
   IMERC | Apr 29, 2003 09:01pm | #1

   If you can find an old Uni saw, at least 3hp. Nothing compares. Careful shopping might get you by.

   Every thing you could possibly want in a table saw will be there right in front of you.

1. 
   JohnSprung | Apr 30, 2003 01:23am | #3

   Do a Google search for the Old Woodworking Machines web site.  What those guys do as a hobby is buy worn out or neglected old Unisaws and other machines, and restore them to mint condition.  Their thing is fixing the machines more than using them.  They also do quite a bit of buying and selling.  So, the odds are pretty good that you can find something really nice that way, and finance the rebuilder's next project.

   -- J.S.

2. 
   PhillGiles | Apr 29, 2003 10:28pm | #2

   If you;re interested in a "used" machine, have you called Robert Dubiner over at Ford ? (905-882-6317).

   Where are you looking at King ? Busy Bee ?

   .

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

1. 
   Accelar | Apr 30, 2003 04:43am | #5

   To all - Thanks for the leads and tips.  I'll follow through.  A little concenred though about buying a used machine i.e. a Uni with the budget I have - when the only used ones I have seen seem at least 50% more expensive - and sometimes more.  I don't have the time to fix up a less than perfect saw - and do the house at the same time ! 

   Can you really get a UNI in good shape for 900 Cdn ? (shipping something that heavy over the border too expensive to consider)  Gavin Pitchford

    

1. 
   PhillGiles | Apr 30, 2003 05:41am | #7

   You'll need to find one in the GTA to make it reasonable. Places like Ford sell remanufactured machines and sometimes you can get real value out of that. What you really have to watch if this is for a home-workshop is your ability to get one of those big lunkers into your workshop - these things are as bad as pianos when it comes to moving them.

   I think someone already mentioned buying a portable - that's what I tell my friends now if they ask me about buying a saw - something like a Makita and a Rouseau stand. I have an old Sears with an Excalibar fence (it's all in the fence - put the original fence on that saw and it's only good as a boat anchor) that does its job too.

   http://www.rousseauco.com/.

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

2. 
   IMERC | Apr 30, 2003 06:27am | #8

   You could look into a high end portable. I have the Bosch 4000. Not one complaint. It's accurate too.

3. 
   artacoma | Apr 30, 2003 03:24am | #4

   I had a King contracter saw ,most of it is now in the recycle bin , a couple of pieces are still in the empty lot next door where I threw them in frustration. To get it to cut ok I had to reinforce it alot and then I would still have to adjust the fence a 1/2" out of square if I wanted to bevel. I used it for a couple of years but just couldn't take it any more. I bought a Unisaw for the shop and a noname portable for the truck that cuts as good as the King ever did. Much happier now. I think the high end portables are better or as good as the saws you are looking at. When you buy be sure to ask about their return policy if you get a lemon. Good luck ..... Rik

4. 
   Piffin | Apr 30, 2003 05:28am | #6

   I don't know General.

   I do know that you want an American presence with parts availability. Check on tha t aspect

   I like Grizzly

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!