Hey all, long time lurker, first time poster. Just wanted to get ya'lls thoughts. I picked up a '79 Rockwell/Delta Model 10 contractors saw last week for $100, good condition, no rust. With a new belt, new switch, PALS for adjustments and dust hood purchase I'm into it for $155. It's perfectly aligned with miter slots, jet lock fence is what it is.
Today I saw a 1985 Powermatic 66 for $300 on my local CL. Contacted the guy and went to pick it up. He had someone call in and "reserve" it for $350 but put me next on the list. Other guy couldn't pick it up until afternoon so he told me I could come back and get it for $350 - I did. It's a 5HP 3ph motor, came with a biesemeyer style fence. Needs a little clean-up work (fence doesn't lock properly, very minor surface rust on table, etc. - it's all fixable).
I'm thinking of trying to re-sell the Rockwell (maybe get $300-$350 out of it?) and pick up a VFD since I don't have 3 phase in my shop. I've been reading up on RPC vs VFD and since this is the only 3ph tool I plan to get VFD seems like the way to go. I guess I could also find a 3HP 1ph motor and swap it out. The 5HP does scare me a little (way bigger than I'll ever need) - riving knife is in my future for sure. Thoughts?