Searching around, there are hit and miss topics about which is “better”. From what I’ve read, Baldor is at the top of the list with Leeson a close second.
Reason I’m looking is because the motor on my 80’s craftsman saw has a bad bearing. The guy at the motor shop said the ball bearing was easily replaceable, but the sleeve bearing is what’s getting ready to go and those aren’t. It has a subtle yet annoying vibration that will shake wood and tools from the extension tables. He checked the shaft and it was straight.
Looking around, I can get both in a 1hp, but I can get the Leeson shipped to the house for $200 and the Baldor shipped to the house for $240. I’m all about saving a buck, but would I be doing myself an injustice saving $40?
Both are made in the US and that’s one of the reasons I’m after them.
Thought I'd check in and get ya'll's opinion before I pulled the trigger on one.