Is this table saw worth $400

[bogydave]

OK tool guys, I need some advice.
Wanting to add to the shop equip.
I've been looking for a table saw. I missed out on a Jet buy one day (Contractor type also $450).
Found this one (Delta) for $400 in Alaska. Is it worth it. Looks like it has steel wings (buy reading saw reviews cast iron is better) Said paid over $700 new.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj269/bogydave/delta.jpg
Looks like a right tilt. Fense may need upgraded. (Don't have any idea which is better or even why)
I haven't used a good table saw since high school shop class. What is a good one today
I'm in no hurry but want a good saw. Would it be better to wait & save up for a better one?
Are the cabinate models the way to go?
Thanks

[woodman43]

I have seen that saw online for around $500.00 new.
I think I would shop around a little more. Look over the internet and get a feel for what price the saw you want is going for new, then you will have a better idea of a good deal on a used one if thats your preference.
Personally, I bought a new one for my shop because I didn't want to end up with someone else's problem. Not to say you can't find a good used one, I just wonder why they are getting rid of it.

[Dagster]

Yes, $400 is a good buy on that saw.

[Don]

Looks like it may be tough and/or expensive to get stuff to your neck of the woods. A bird in hand? I worked for many years on a contractors saw of this type, but it was a sears unit so it wasn't quite as nice. If is comes with floor rollers an even better deal.

Cast iron wings are better, but at least those are stamped steel as opposed to some of the "lattice" aluminum ones. (finger pinchers)

You would probably be happy for life with it, or after years you may deicide you want a heavier cabinet saw and sell this one for $400.00

[Terry Mac]

Hey bogy,

The saw looks like a 36-650 or 36-500, Series 2000, Delta Contractors saw. The fence is either a Beismeyer or a unifence (or Accufence) (something like that). The price of $400.00 isn't bad at all. Roughly these saws go for around $500 and up. The saw certainly looks to be right-tilt, but the ones I'm familar with were all left-tilt. Interestingly, the 650's were made in Taiwan; the 500's are still made in the US.

I'm not familar with newer saws that much, but If I was going with Delta, I would find an old Delta/Rockwell Unisaw, and fix it up. Darn good machines, and they seem to be everyone on flea-bay.

Good luck, and let us know what you get.

[old_guy]

Here in the lower 48, a contractor style with stamped wings is generally in the $500-$600 range. When you add steel wings & a Beismeyer style fence you push the price up to the $750-$800 range. Hybrids are around a $1000, and when you get to the 3hp cabinets you're looking at $1500. For a table saw, I think the old rule applies -- you buy the most saw you can afford.

[bogydave]

I have been online looking at what's called the best. Of the cabinate saws Powermatic seems to be the BMW, Jet the cadilac, Grizzly the Chevy. But the price & add $400+ shipping if they even ship to AK. I really only want to buy 1 time, set it up & use it for a long time. I'm getting by with the radial arm & the "knuckle skinner, finger pincher" Shopsmith (which is a good lathe, horizontal drill & disk sander) Next year I may drive the Alcan, which opens up the West coast to Arizona for shopping.
:) But like Woodman, TOOL SALE :) :).
Maybe I'll offer $250 or 300 & see what happens.
I've bought minimum all my life & learned if you buy good your'e better off.
I can afford to wait. Like OldGuy says, buy the best you can afford.
My problem is I don't know what the best is, let alone what's middle of the road
This opens up the big Question.
If say $1500 is max, what saw to buy? & is the 3hp the way to go?
Terrymac mentioned right , left tilt. What's the difference (best).
Thanks for all the input. Looking forward to more feedback.
Dave, ALaska

[Don]

Hey, Bogy. I would agree with your assessment of the brands but I would place Rockwell/Delta right after PM and consider the Jet and Grizzly about the same.

I have this saw,
http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-Table-Saw-3-HP-Single-Phase-220V/G1023S

http://www.grizzly.com/images/pics/jpeg288/g/g1023s.jpg

Wish I had this saw,
http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-Table-Saw-3-HP-Single-Phase-220V-Left-Tilt/G
1023SL

http://www.grizzly.com/images/pics/jpeg288/g/g1023sl.jpg


As long as I'm wishing, make it this one,
http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-Table-Saw-3-HP-Single-Phase-220V-Left-Tilt-w-7-Rails/G1023SLX

http://www.grizzly.com/images/pics/jpeg288/g/g1023slx.jpg

They came out with the left tilt right after I bought mine, it was a hundred dollars more, now it's the same price.

The saw is built very similar to the early and current Rockwell saws that in my opinion are the standard cabinet shop saw. I always liked the early PMs because they were left tilt but now everybody offers them. A left tilt keeps parts from binding between the blade and fence, this makes them much more convenient and safer. It's just a more natural operation than the original right tilts, I don't know why most saws are right tilt, I guess they just started out that way and it stuck.

A good fence is very important. If you have the room to dedicate to the space, a 48-50" cut to the right of the blade is heaven. You can then reach to the center of a full sheet of material and that's all you'll ever need.

You can spend more money, but to be honest, for a home shop I don't know if you are actually getting your money's worth. If I had plenty of money, I'd have the PM most likely. I've worked on all of them through the years, once you get to that level they are all very similar.

[bogydave]

Well I did it.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-T...Rails/G1023SLX
G1023SLX on order if additional shipping charges are reasonable.
Tool budget < $0.
I'll be making wooden knobs for a while.

[Don]

Now I've got saw envy :mad: You won't be sorry and you'll enjoy it for many years, congrats.

dawjr

[Dagster]

Nice! That's the one I have, or at least the equivilent they made a few years ago. Love the saw.

[bogydave]

Not a done deal yet. Takes 2 business days to calculate the additional shipping charges to Alaska.?? So I'll know Monday. + I was so excited, Some how I hit the order button twice & they want to know if I really want 2 of them. Checking with a buddy who is building a shop & see if he wants one. Maybe that will reduce the shipping, probably not.

[Don]

Ahhh - the dreaded nervous double-click. That second click got you in trouble, huh? Well if you have $3000 to spend on a saw we may have to rethink your choices.:)

dawjr

[bogydave]

:) :)
Actually my buddy was also looking for a table saw. He & I both were drulling when we looked at the Grizzly catalog. When I told him what happened & that the guys on this wood working forum recommended the 23SLX he said go ahead & order same saw for him. His girlfriend has a better way to ship to Alaska. (cheaper) So it worked out better. It will be next week before I get the shipping arranged (3 day weekend). Thanks for the help.
Does this Forum get a $$$ percentage for selling 2 Grizzly saws?

[Don]

This forum gets diddly at this point - we're all having fun at the pleasure and generosity of the forum owner; this guy, http://www.woodworkingbuzz.com/forums/member.php?u=3 It would be a very good thing for members to send him a PM and allow what you think of the site and give him a atta boy for the opportunity.

Of course the goal is to one day attract advertisers that our members would be interested in trading with, but until then . . .

Anyone responsible for bringing an advertiser on board has the opportunity for a share of the revenue. You'll see advertisers in the future as banners, links and features.

[dpmcreations]

The saw looks like it is in good shape... But like quite a few have said, That saw is available for the $500.00 mark in the lower 48 so check out a new one... There are a bunch of great saws out there these days.. I have seen, felt, and touched the Grizzly.. For the money they are an awesome saw.. Good luck on your purchase..

[dpmcreations]

Ahh I see I am a bit slow as usual... Congrats on your new purchases... And Good cutting... YOu will love the saws...

[dpmcreations]

I know I am late, but I just noticed a really nice Powermatic on Ebay for a good price.. LOL..

[bogydave]

I saw one in the Seattle area on Ebay, but it was 3 phase & pick up only, not that a new single phase motor is a big deal if you get it the saw at the right price.
Thanks for posting it though, maybe somebody close will be interested.

[dpmcreations]

Auction must have ended... It stated the saw was in Anchorage... Oh well.. Make lots of sawdust