I'm in the market for a barely used cabinet saw that's not too much of a chore to chase after and move (read: local and I live in a small town, 2 hrs from any area of major population.) My budget is $1k or less to be cutting wood with the saw.
For the past 3-4 years, I've been using a Delta contractor saw with 30" bies fence, thin kerf blades, custom outfeed and extension tables, and the best dust collection mods I can muster. It belongs to a good friend and has been with me on extended loan until he needs it back. That time has now come, and I want to use this as an opportunity to buy a cabinet saw that I will not want to upgrade. I've been mostly happy with the contractor saw, but it goes out of alignment too easily and the blade tilt mechanism is worn and doesn't always function properly or reliably. It also vibrates quite a bit compared to a cabinet saw.
Just came across this saw local to me and wanted to some more opinions on it's value and quality. I use a pair of older era (3 hp?) Unisaws all the time at work and have that as a reference. I've also ran an early '50s 1hp version for a short time, but found it lacking in power.
Details...
-3hp , single phase "Platinum Edition"
-52" ? Bies fence and laminate extension table to right of blade included
-I'm told that it was purchased new a little more than 10 years ago as a back-up saw in a cabinet shop, saw very little use, and has been in storage for most of that time. Looks pretty nice from pics.
-Nothing included (blades, accessories) except what's seen in photos
I am planning on checking it out as early as tomorrow to give it an inspection and test drive.
Seller is asking $1200, and may budge a little as it is just taking up space for him at this point. Seems a little on the high side, but not unreasonable. On the other hand, it's local to me at a time when I'm in need and appears to be very much unmolested and in fine condition. I'm at a place in my life with work and family where it's worth it more to me to buy things quicker and more conveniently than taking a day off work or entire weekend day to drive, load equipment, drive back and either lose money or time with family, so that's a consideration.
I was hoping to find a left tilt cabinet saw, but a right tilt is not really a big deal. I would rather have a PM 66 as my "forever" saw, but they seem to run a little higher than my budget most times (in good condition.)
Does anyone have any first-hand experiences with the build quality of Unisaws of this era, good, bad or indifferent. I've always been pleased with the Unisaw I use at work, but they are older (70s-80s era.)
Thoughts?
Many thanks,
Phillip