Is this Powermatic used 10" Artisan table saw a good buy?

[dennis thompson]

There is a used (from about 1997) Powermatic Artisan 10" saw for sale for $300. It is a right tilt. My questions are:
-is this a good saw?
-is this a good price? (Obviously assuming it's in decent condition)
-does right tilt make a big difference ( I don't think I've tilted my saw more than once or twice in 5 years)
-if I do go look at it, is there anything special I should look for?
It comes with a Vega fence
Thanks
Dennis

[Cary Falk]

It was considered on of the best built contractor saws back in the day. Right tilt never bothered me. I now have a left tilt because that is what everybody makes. If it has a good fence(Biesemeyer clone vs old round tube ) then it is probably an ok price. I would walk away if it has a bad fence. You will have too much into it by the time you put a good fence on it. What too look at?: flat table, arbor runout, does the tilt and height wheels move freely(if they don't then it might just be sawdust buildup), does the motor run and does it bough down easily.

[Tom Scott]

I have that saw, but it is left-tilt from about 2001. It is a really good saw (as far contractor saws go) and I'm still using it today. No problems whatsoever besides being slightly underpowered at times when ripping thick hardwood. $300 would seem like a decent price if it's in good condition and has a good fence and the other things Cary notes are OK.

[scott spencer]

If it's in good shape and has a good fence, $300 should be a decent buy IMO.

[Van Huskey]

As others have said it was a pretty well regarded contractors saw. Condition will dictate whether it is worth $300 or not. If it is solid running shape and as Scott points out has a good fence it is probably a solid buy.

[Rob Sack]

I have one that I have been trying to sell. It is about 5 years old, hardly been used, has the Biesemeyer style fence, HTC mobile base, extra cast iron extension wings. I have had it on this forum and the local Craigslist at $400 or best offer, and haven't been able to get anyone to even call about it. Evidently, as good a value as these saws are, their resale is quite low.