Barry Linkiewich
08-11-2014, 3:15 PM
Hello SMC,
I'm fairly new to posting here but I've lurked for a while and it's time to ask for advice.
I've got two Unisaws and I can't decide which to keep.
Keeping both is not an option for several reasons (among others, space and my wife thinking that two saws entitles her to twice as many shoe/purse shopping sprees....)
Saw #1 - 1959 with an older Excalibur fence
1.5hp 1ph on 230v
This saw came from a local school and was taken care of, it needed some tuning but no major repairs.
The starter is finicky, most times it will start but this past weekend it had failed to start a couple times, I suspect it needs cleaning but may need replacement (~$100 locally)
It is decently well aligned and cuts nicely except I've noticed some slowing on longer cuts through thick material.
The fence is ok but a pain in the butt to align.
Saw #2 - 1997 with biesemeyer fence
3hp 1ph on 230v
This saw has unknown history and I think it was rode kinda hard and put away damp.
The starter was burnt out and needs replacement (I've since bought one but haven't installed it).
When wired up with a basic on/off switch for testing the saw fired right up and was smooth as butter but I haven't done any test cutting as I want to get the starter installed first.
The fence is a real biesemeyer in decent shape... we all know and love or hate these fences.
My problem is that I like the 1959, I think it's a really cool saw and I like the looks of it. It cuts well aside from the slight slowing and I've been told by some people that "they just do that" but I'm not sure how much I believe it. Nostalgia aside, this is probably the saw I should sell but I'd like some other opinions.
The 1997 is obviously more powerful and much newer but the unknown history and treatment worry me a little. It seems fine but I realize that until I install the new starter and make some sawdust I can't be sure of it's performance.
I guess the question is (assuming the 1997 performs), which saw should I keep?
Is the slowing on the old saw normal or is it a sign of upcoming repairs?
I'm fairly new to posting here but I've lurked for a while and it's time to ask for advice.
I've got two Unisaws and I can't decide which to keep.
Keeping both is not an option for several reasons (among others, space and my wife thinking that two saws entitles her to twice as many shoe/purse shopping sprees....)
Saw #1 - 1959 with an older Excalibur fence
1.5hp 1ph on 230v
This saw came from a local school and was taken care of, it needed some tuning but no major repairs.
The starter is finicky, most times it will start but this past weekend it had failed to start a couple times, I suspect it needs cleaning but may need replacement (~$100 locally)
It is decently well aligned and cuts nicely except I've noticed some slowing on longer cuts through thick material.
The fence is ok but a pain in the butt to align.
Saw #2 - 1997 with biesemeyer fence
3hp 1ph on 230v
This saw has unknown history and I think it was rode kinda hard and put away damp.
The starter was burnt out and needs replacement (I've since bought one but haven't installed it).
When wired up with a basic on/off switch for testing the saw fired right up and was smooth as butter but I haven't done any test cutting as I want to get the starter installed first.
The fence is a real biesemeyer in decent shape... we all know and love or hate these fences.
My problem is that I like the 1959, I think it's a really cool saw and I like the looks of it. It cuts well aside from the slight slowing and I've been told by some people that "they just do that" but I'm not sure how much I believe it. Nostalgia aside, this is probably the saw I should sell but I'd like some other opinions.
The 1997 is obviously more powerful and much newer but the unknown history and treatment worry me a little. It seems fine but I realize that until I install the new starter and make some sawdust I can't be sure of it's performance.
I guess the question is (assuming the 1997 performs), which saw should I keep?
Is the slowing on the old saw normal or is it a sign of upcoming repairs?