Unisaws are excellent. So are the Beismeyer fences.
Unisaws are excellent. So are the Beismeyer fences.
"Anything seems possible when you don't know what you're doing."
Anyone know if the cast iron top (does it have wings?) is detachable from the cabinet? Only way it’ll fit into my basement.
If you are asking about the Unisaw then yes the wings detach. In fact I took my Unisaw apart to move it by myself when I bought it. I took the 2 wings off. I took the motor out. With the saw apart I was able to move each part by myself. It would be easy to move in your basement. If you are real strong then you might be able to move the top as a whole piece. I am not that strong so I took the top apart.
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If it is not clear the complete top was removed for me to move the Unisaw.
Last edited by lee cox; 04-17-2019 at 2:24 PM.
To be clear, the entire top removes with 4 (or 5) bolts, not just the wings. You’ll likely want to give it a tune up and alignment, so it makes sense to take it off.
Don’t bother removing the motor unless you plan to go through it and check/replace bearings. Without the top the saw is easy to move with a hand truck. Lower the motor and tilt it to get the CoG as low as you can.
If the actual saw top is removed from a cabinet saw, it's critical to be sure that any shims (they look like washers, but are very precise in thickness) at the mounting bolts are preserved and identified so they go back in the same place. Even so, careful attention to alignment should then be taken when the top is re-installed. Ideally, you don't want to remove the top if you can avoid it...more people to help is a better solution, IMHO. Removing the wings, fence system...even the motor...no problem.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
I agree. Remove the wings and motor. It becomes very manageable with on e person and a 2 wheel dolly.
Different strokes for different folks I guess, or maybe I’m just lucky in the shin department. I’ve restored 3 cabinet saws and owned a total of 5 and have never seen a shim.
I don't know if I am stronger then you or not. I probably worry less about it then you though because I have moved some pretty big stuff by myself. It seems like all my heavy stuff moves upstairs. Down stairs would be a blessing. A unisaw cabinet, trunnion and top weighs maybe 250-300 lbs? I moved one in and out of a pickup bed.
"Anything seems possible when you don't know what you're doing."
That may have been true 20 years ago it is not so much anymore. It also varies from tool to tool. There is nothing magical about a Uni. Why are soo many broken and need parts? I had one and restored it. It needed parts. I sold it and bought an import and couldn't be more happier. I also have a" Gold standard" Powermatic 1200 drill press that I restored. The fit and finish was so bad that it looked like a 3 year old put it together and panted it after assembled. To each his own.
Sorry, Andy...I have to respectfully disagree. I've owned both Delta and Jet, for example, and there was no "lower level of workmanship" nor low quality motors and controls. Yes, there are absolutely poorly made imports but that's not universal. All of the machines that the OP has asked about are quality products, IMHO.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...