scott spencer
12-27-2003, 8:29 AM
By chance, I ran across an older Uni (maybe 30 years old) with a 52" Unifence and no motor for $250. It was in good shape (was told mint before I saw it and that the fence was a Biese), and it had seen some commercial use. The top needed a good polishing, but there was no pitting. It had new arbor bearings and many updated bushings, etc. The height adjustment wheel was pretty tight, but the angle adjustment worked smoothly. With a new motor and some elbow grease, having it up and running would have set me back ~ $600....figuring my General contractor saw would fetch ~ $500, it would have only been $100 out of pocket.
I couldn't do it. My GI is less than a year old, it's shiny and new with a router table and extensions all built on to it, and I've come to love that Biesemeyer fence. Even though I know that the guts of the Uni are twice what the GI has, and there are several other long term advantages, I couldn't do it. I just didn't want to be futzing around trying to make it work as smoothly as what I'm used to, and couldn't justify the risk of getting rid of a really nice saw for an unknown with potential advantages. The GI may not have the 3 ponies that the Uni would have, but it's cuts everything I've thrown at it.
Anyone else ever pass on what they thought would be their dream saw? Comments on my decision?
I couldn't do it. My GI is less than a year old, it's shiny and new with a router table and extensions all built on to it, and I've come to love that Biesemeyer fence. Even though I know that the guts of the Uni are twice what the GI has, and there are several other long term advantages, I couldn't do it. I just didn't want to be futzing around trying to make it work as smoothly as what I'm used to, and couldn't justify the risk of getting rid of a really nice saw for an unknown with potential advantages. The GI may not have the 3 ponies that the Uni would have, but it's cuts everything I've thrown at it.
Anyone else ever pass on what they thought would be their dream saw? Comments on my decision?