Cabinet Saw Purchase

I love my Jet JTAS left tilt cabinet. Not a single problem with the
saw. Works great. I added the biesmyer snap in splitter, zero
clearance throat plate and now couldnt be happier. If I had to
complain at all, and it is minor, its that the fence HDDP (or whatever
that plastic stuff is) is not completely flat. Using the ts aligner it
shows a fluctuation by about .0002 or so. Not much but its there


Kirk E. Dobihal wrote:

> I'm in the market for the purchase of a cabinet saw. Last summer I
> burned up a ryobi direct drive milling cypress for a deck. I
> promised myself, never again direct drive. I have a chance at a used
> Delta cabinet saw, 3h, 3 belt, 220v with Beismeyer Fence. Includes
> rollers and extended table wings. $1200 In that new ones are around
> 1500, my thinking is I am not getting that much of a break. Anybody
> out there have any opinions on this or advice on cabinet saws in
> general.

It's not a contractor saw in a cabinet. Check the specs- it's a 3 hp 220/
only motor. It simply isn't called a Unisaw and I'm not sure why - probably
because it's made in Taiwan to compete with the lower end cabinets in the
marketplace.

Don

LRod <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 17:38:11 GMT, "mttt" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >"LRod" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Most everyone will leap to the conclusion that a Delta cabinet saw
> >> you're refering to is a Unisaw. And it may be. Delta, however, does
> >> (did) make a "Tilting Arbor" saw that is really a contractors saw in a
> >> cabinet. Keeter refers to it as Unisaw Light. It's not worth $1200,
> >> even new. Make sure this isn't one of them.
> >>
> >
> >Is this the "Lite" version:
> >http://www.deltawoodworking.com/index.asp?e=136&p=4835 ?
> >And:
>
>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000EI96J/qid%3D1081531464/sr%3D11-
1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-7387547-6100946
> >
> >It's almost $1200 from Amazon. (The Unifence version, 36-731, is $1250)
> >Delta's website does not call it a Unisaw.
>
> Kind of looks like it. I haven't looked at one in years, ever since I
> found out what it really was. I can't believe they have it priced that
> high.
>
>
> - -
> LRod
>
> Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
>
> Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
>
> http://www.woodbutcher.net

On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 08:14:42 -0500, "Kirk E. Dobihal"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I'm in the market for the purchase of a cabinet saw. Last summer I burned
>up a ryobi direct drive milling cypress for a deck. I promised myself,
>never again direct drive. I have a chance at a used Delta cabinet saw, 3h,
>3 belt, 220v with Beismeyer Fence. Includes rollers and extended table
>wings. $1200 In that new ones are around 1500, my thinking is I am not
>getting that much of a break. Anybody out there have any opinions on this
>or advice on cabinet saws in general.

Most everyone will leap to the conclusion that a Delta cabinet saw
you're refering to is a Unisaw. And it may be. Delta, however, does
(did) make a "Tilting Arbor" saw that is really a contractors saw in a
cabinet. Keeter refers to it as Unisaw Light. It's not worth $1200,
even new. Make sure this isn't one of them.


- -
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net

Kirk E. Dobihal states:

>have a chance at a used Delta cabinet saw, 3h,
>3 belt, 220v with Beismeyer Fence. Includes rollers and extended table
>wings. $1200 In that new ones are around 1500, my thinking is I am not
>getting that much of a break. Anybody out there have any opinions on this
>or advice on cabinet saws in general.

It's not a helluva deal, but you face some "buts". Is it in great condition? Is
it tuned? How much use has it seen? I wouldn't touch a Unisaw at $1200 used
unless it hit the first 2 marks, and was on the low end for the third. Or
unless it was 40 years old and hit all 3 marks. I'd jump on that.

Look for rust, measure run-out, check miter slots, generally do everything
you'd do if you were planning on tuning the saw up at home. If you find ANY
problems at that price, walk away or negotiate.

After all, for another $300 or so, you get a new saw, with warranty.

Charlie Self
"Adam and Eve had many advantages but the principal one was that they escaped
teething." Mark Twain

>OR for a couple hundred LESS you can get a new Grizzly cabinet saw with warrenty.
>Dave Hall



Be still my beating heart.

UA100

On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 21:16:32 GMT, Unisaw A100 <[email protected]>
wrote:

>LRod wrote:
>>Keeter refers to it as Unisaw Light.
>
>I'm sure someone will prove me wrong but I don't ever
>remember referring to it as a Unisaw Light.

Hmmm. I stand corrected. Maybe *I* just coined it...


- -
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net

[email protected] (Charlie Self) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Kirk E. Dobihal states:
>
> >have a chance at a used Delta cabinet saw, 3h,
> >3 belt, 220v with Beismeyer Fence. Includes rollers and extended table
> >wings. $1200 In that new ones are around 1500, my thinking is I am not
> >getting that much of a break. Anybody out there have any opinions on this
> >or advice on cabinet saws in general.
>
> It's not a helluva deal, but you face some "buts". Is it in great condition? Is
> it tuned? How much use has it seen? I wouldn't touch a Unisaw at $1200 used
> unless it hit the first 2 marks, and was on the low end for the third. Or
> unless it was 40 years old and hit all 3 marks. I'd jump on that.
>
> Look for rust, measure run-out, check miter slots, generally do everything
> you'd do if you were planning on tuning the saw up at home. If you find ANY
> problems at that price, walk away or negotiate.
>
> After all, for another $300 or so, you get a new saw, with warranty.
>
> Charlie Self
> "Adam and Eve had many advantages but the principal one was that they escaped
> teething." Mark Twain







Dear Clif:

In a previous life I was a tool dealer and owned a woodworking supply
store. In my career I have sold 100's of tablesaws: Delta's, Jets,
Powermatics as well as Dewalts and others. Most problems one has with
equipment was freight damage. Since we unloaded the trucks, put them
in our wharehouse, and then loaded or deliveried them to the customer
direct we had very few problems. I am a big fan of the Delta Unisaw
and I have had experience with 100's of saws not just one, I am very
confident in recommending the Delta Unisaw. Delta always impowered me
to take care of the customer. I am sure the Delta Unisaw would give
you years of good service. In my opinion I believe the Unisaw is
still the best value and is the foundation of how other saws are
judged. Good luck and happy woodworking to you.
Mike

[email protected] (Charlie Self) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Kirk E. Dobihal states:
>
> >have a chance at a used Delta cabinet saw, 3h,
> >3 belt, 220v with Beismeyer Fence. Includes rollers and extended table
> >wings. $1200 In that new ones are around 1500, my thinking is I am not
> >getting that much of a break. Anybody out there have any opinions on this
> >or advice on cabinet saws in general.
>
> It's not a helluva deal, but you face some "buts". Is it in great condition? Is
> it tuned? How much use has it seen? I wouldn't touch a Unisaw at $1200 used
> unless it hit the first 2 marks, and was on the low end for the third. Or
> unless it was 40 years old and hit all 3 marks. I'd jump on that.
>
> Look for rust, measure run-out, check miter slots, generally do everything
> you'd do if you were planning on tuning the saw up at home. If you find ANY
> problems at that price, walk away or negotiate.
>
> After all, for another $300 or so, you get a new saw, with warranty.
>
> Charlie Self
> "Adam and Eve had many advantages but the principal one was that they escaped
> teething." Mark Twain


OR for a couple hundred LESS you can get a new Grizzly cabinet saw with warrenty.

Dave Hall

"Kirk E. Dobihal" <[email protected]> wrote in message ...
> I have a chance at a used Delta cabinet saw, 3h,
> 3 belt, 220v with Beismeyer Fence. Includes rollers and extended table
> wings. $1200 In that new ones are around 1500, my thinking is I am not
> getting that much of a break. Anybody out there have any opinions on this
> or advice on cabinet saws in general.

The real answer is in the condition of the saw. I think $1500 may be light
for that model today (I think closer to $1800) but you can check that out
easily. The Unisaw is one of the best on the market and you will not be
disappointed with it.
Ed

"MN Guy" wrote in message
> General 650 would be my choice. US made Baldar motor, massive
> trunnions - much larger than Delta, and made in Canada. I've now been
> told mine will be in 'the middle of next week' for three weeks.
> Beginning to lose my patience, but if you ever put your eyes and hands
> on one I think you would agree it's worth the wait. Also - a silly
> thing but I love the fact that they put a real door on the side
> instead of a cheesy plastic kind.

You've chosen well, IMO. In the current market place, and were I in the
market again, I would do the same.

That said, my Unisaw does what it is supposed to do and does it well despite
the plastic free choice dog chow bowl dust/motor cover. I mean, after all,
it has a place to hold not one, but two, count'em - TWO, miter gages built
right into that sucker ... surely that makes up a bit for the "value
engineering", doesn't it?

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/08/04

"Kirk E. Dobihal" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> I'm in the market for the purchase of a cabinet saw. Last summer I
> burned up a ryobi direct drive milling cypress for a deck. I promised
> myself, never again direct drive. I have a chance at a used Delta
> cabinet saw, 3h, 3 belt, 220v with Beismeyer Fence. Includes rollers
> and extended table wings. $1200 In that new ones are around 1500, my
> thinking is I am not getting that much of a break. Anybody out there
> have any opinions on this or advice on cabinet saws in general.
>

Well, there's buying used, and then there's buying through a good local
dealer.

There's a time and a season for both, as well as other, options.

What Mike at American Sycamore said about the dealer's role weighed heavily
in my decision, because I just wanted to buy a good tool, and get on with
woodworking. Peace of mind and convenience was worth the markup the dealer
earned, and has earned several times again, on a major tool purchase.

That having been said, I did time my purchases to match up with the
manufacturer-sponsored 10% off days. But I'm a part-time 'wood artist',
not a full time professional, and can wait for a new toy to arrive. Other
parts of my life are less patient.

BTW, I paid $1700 for the Unisaw left tilt, with mobile base, a passable
blade, 52" Bies fence, in the back of my pickup truck. That number
includes the 8.25% premium we pay for the privilege of living in the San
Francisco Bay Area. 15 months ago, or so. I'd do it again, without
hesitation.

On the other hand, one of my woodworker friends who scouts for old tools
has his eye out for a good deal on a better quality, 6" or 8" jointer,
used.

Patriarch,
who remembers that consistency is supposed to be the hobgoblin of something
or other....

don't tease me.

dave

Unisaw A100 wrote:

>>OR for a couple hundred LESS you can get a new Grizzly cabinet saw with warrenty.
>>Dave Hall
>
>
>
>
> Be still my beating heart.
>
> UA100

"LRod" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
>
> Most everyone will leap to the conclusion that a Delta cabinet saw
> you're refering to is a Unisaw. And it may be. Delta, however, does
> (did) make a "Tilting Arbor" saw that is really a contractors saw in a
> cabinet. Keeter refers to it as Unisaw Light. It's not worth $1200,
> even new. Make sure this isn't one of them.
>

Is this the "Lite" version:
http://www.deltawoodworking.com/index.asp?e=136&p=4835 ?
And:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000EI96J/qid%3D1081531464/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-7387547-6100946

It's almost $1200 from Amazon. (The Unifence version, 36-731, is $1250)
Delta's website does not call it a Unisaw.

B a r r y wrote:
>It's hard to tell if this saw has trunion adjustments of a Uni, or
>contractor style.


Under the top the design is the same as found on the Unisaw.
The major departure is in the motor mount. For the
Chiwanisaw Delta did away with the proprietary motor mount
and uses a mount that takes standard frame (footed) motor.
They are also selling the saw with a removable arbor,
something you'll only see on the larger 12/14 saw. I'm
curious as to the what/where/why of this feature. With the
12/14 it was done to allow for different arbors to be used.
It's seems like a pricy feature but then I suppose the
children of S.E. Asia maybe aren't charging Delta too much
for it. It's also might be a selling point. And then it
might also be a feature to allow the sale of the saw in
Europe with a shorter arbor. It's a wonderment for sure.

Other parts may be different enough to not make them
interchangeable with the Unisaw but I wouldn't rule out a
very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very close match.

Unisaw:
http://media.ptg-online.com/media/dm/PartsLists/20040114094051_CS4K151.pdf

Chiwanisaw:
http://media.ptg-online.com/media/dm/PartsLists/20031030092857_CS4Q6B.pdf

UA100

General 650 would be my choice. US made Baldar motor, massive
trunnions - much larger than Delta, and made in Canada. I've now been
told mine will be in 'the middle of next week' for three weeks.
Beginning to lose my patience, but if you ever put your eyes and hands
on one I think you would agree it's worth the wait. Also - a silly
thing but I love the fact that they put a real door on the side
instead of a cheesy plastic kind.

I've put a ridiculous amount of time into researching the saw I want,
figuring, someday my son will have it. I went to Muncy and looked at
the Grizzly's (totally unimpressed and a long drive), spoke to the
reps for Powermatic (over-priced), Jet (made in Taiwan) and Delta
(Nice saw and available, X5 is a great value) at a local tool show.
When I got a chance to see the General in person, I was sold
immediately. Fit and finish is beautiful. Roughly the same price as
the Delta, but much more substantial than the Delta.

A distributor for Powermatic told me they have risen their prices on
all models effective April or May by $200, making the Powermatic that
much more uncompetitive. Generals have won two recent table saw
shootouts - one in the contractor size and one in the cabinet size
creating a demand General appears to be having trouble keeping up
with. Oh well, - mine 'should be in the middle of next week.

I've posted this previously, but if anyone wants a copy of Wood
magazine's article from the October '03 issue with the cabinet saw
shootout in a .pdf (Acrobat) file, drop me an email.
[email protected]

$.02, please.

LRod wrote:
>Most everyone will leap to the conclusion that a Delta cabinet saw
>you're refering to is a Unisaw. And it may be. Delta, however, does
>(did) make a "Tilting Arbor" saw that is really a contractors saw in a
>cabinet. Keeter refers to it as Unisaw Light.

I'm sure someone will prove me wrong but I don't ever
remember referring to it as a Unisaw Light. I have though
referred to it as a WantsaBeAUnisaw or/and a
Contractor'sSawInnaBox.

There is a saw that has been referred to by me as the Baby
Unisaw or the Junior Unisaw but the WBAU/CSIAB isn't that
saw.

>It's not worth $1200, even new. Make sure this isn't one of them.

Ditto what ElRod said. Also, the WBAU/CSIAB isn't even
worth $600.

UA100

On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 17:56:03 +0100, LRod
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Kind of looks like it. I haven't looked at one in years, ever since I
>found out what it really was. I can't believe they have it priced that
>high.


FWIW, it's NOT a contractor saw in a box. It's closer to a Unisaw
than a contractor saw. It's got a 3HP motor, and enclosed base w/
dust collection, and two belts vs. the Uni's three and a contractor's
saw's one..

It's hard to tell if this saw has trunion adjustments of a Uni, or
contractor style. I'll bet that it's got the fit and finish of a
Grizz. I'd love to see one in person, but no local dealers have one.

Me thinks this is aimed at other imports like the Jet and Grizzly. It
gives a dealer ammo if the customer says "I can get a cabinet saw for
$1200, or a Jet for $1500 with a router and lift."

Barry

On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 13:18:32 -0500, "V.E. Dorn" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>It's not a contractor saw in a cabinet. Check the specs- it's a 3 hp 220/
>only motor.

That doesn't make it not a contractor saw. Now I don't know this for a
fact, but when the discussion has come up before it was described as
having trunnions that hang from the top (ala contractor saw) as
opposed to the trunnions attached to the base and the table bolted
onto the trunnions. That's the genesis of my "contractor saw in a
cabinet" apellation.

They can put any motor they want on a contractors saw. Granted, it
might be a little less useful to those contractors using them in the
field without easy access to 220, but that's not its defining
characteristic.

>It simply isn't called a Unisaw and I'm not sure why...

Because it isn't a Unisaw. It's not like a Unisaw except for those
three diamonds on it and the big handles. Even the fence is different
(although you can get it with a UniFence, as previously noted by
another poster).


- -
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net

"Kirk E. Dobihal" wrote in message
> I'm in the market for the purchase of a cabinet saw. Last summer I burned
> up a ryobi direct drive milling cypress for a deck. I promised myself,
> never again direct drive. I have a chance at a used Delta cabinet saw,
3h,
> 3 belt, 220v with Beismeyer Fence. Includes rollers and extended table
> wings. $1200 In that new ones are around 1500, my thinking is I am not
> getting that much of a break. Anybody out there have any opinions on this
> or advice on cabinet saws in general.

First and foremost, it depends upon the condition of the saw itself ... then
any extras that come with it and the cost of getting it home and running,
versus a new one.

Without seeing the saw in question, for $1200 I would expect to be buying
one "like new", with low mileage and in excellent condition ... YMMV.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/02/04

mttt wrote:
>Is this the "Lite" version:
>http://www.deltawoodworking.com/index.asp?e=136&p=4835 ?
>And:
>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000EI96J/qid%3D1081531464/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-7387547-6100946



No. That saw is the Chiwanese cabinet saw that Delta
started to import into Kanada a couple of years back. Word
was that with the exchange rate your average Kanadian was
faced with buying a Unisaw or paying out a couple hunnert
dollars more for the General. It was a no brainer. Delta
stepped in with this machine to try and win back market
share.

Anyway, to make a long story short, they (Delta) have begun
to market the Chiwanisaw in the US.

The Contractor'sSawInnaBox/WanstaBeAUnisaw is this one.

http://www.tegstools.com/details.php?prodID=15612

This saw was dropped from the Delta line around the turn of
the century. It's now been dusted off and has re-debuted in
Kanada. It's only a matter of time before it re-finds it's
way into the lower 48.

And with the closing of the Tupelo plant it's only a matter
of time before the Unisaw gets dumped for the Chiwanisaw.

UA100

On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 21:48:13 GMT, Unisaw A100 <[email protected]>
wrote:

>B a r r y wrote:
>>It's hard to tell if this saw has trunion adjustments of a Uni, or
>>contractor style.
>
>
>Under the top the design is the same as found on the Unisaw.
>The major departure is in the motor mount. For the
>Chiwanisaw Delta did away with the proprietary motor mount
>and uses a mount that takes standard frame (footed) motor.

sounds like a good feature for a guy who likes to tinker with
machines.



>They are also selling the saw with a removable arbor,
>something you'll only see on the larger 12/14 saw. I'm
>curious as to the what/where/why of this feature. With the
>12/14 it was done to allow for different arbors to be used.
>It's seems like a pricy feature but then I suppose the
>children of S.E. Asia maybe aren't charging Delta too much
>for it. It's also might be a selling point. And then it
>might also be a feature to allow the sale of the saw in
>Europe with a shorter arbor. It's a wonderment for sure.

although I can't think of any immediate application for this feature,
I do like machinery that is easily adapted and modified.



>
>Other parts may be different enough to not make them
>interchangeable with the Unisaw but I wouldn't rule out a
>very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very close match.


and ifchaiwanese build quality continues to climb while USA build
quality continues to decline this could wind up being a desireable
piece of machinery, somewhere down the road. considering the asian
attitudes towards propietary design, these features will likely be
adopted throughout the tablesaw making industry there and soon show up
in the grizzly and yorkcraft and woodtek models as well.

think we'll start seeing some lines of chaiwanese woodworking
machinery being marketed under their own names soon? it has happened
to some extent with the metalworking tool market- you can buy rongfu
mills and such now with the rongfu name on them as well as with more
western names.




>
>Unisaw:
>http://media.ptg-online.com/media/dm/PartsLists/20040114094051_CS4K151.pdf
>
>Chiwanisaw:
>http://media.ptg-online.com/media/dm/PartsLists/20031030092857_CS4Q6B.pdf
>
>UA100

On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 17:38:11 GMT, "mttt" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
>"LRod" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>>
>>
>>
>> Most everyone will leap to the conclusion that a Delta cabinet saw
>> you're refering to is a Unisaw. And it may be. Delta, however, does
>> (did) make a "Tilting Arbor" saw that is really a contractors saw in a
>> cabinet. Keeter refers to it as Unisaw Light. It's not worth $1200,
>> even new. Make sure this isn't one of them.
>>
>
>Is this the "Lite" version:
>http://www.deltawoodworking.com/index.asp?e=136&p=4835 ?
>And:
>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000EI96J/qid%3D1081531464/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-7387547-6100946
>
>It's almost $1200 from Amazon. (The Unifence version, 36-731, is $1250)
>Delta's website does not call it a Unisaw.

Kind of looks like it. I haven't looked at one in years, ever since I
found out what it really was. I can't believe they have it priced that
high.


- -
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net

Bridger:
>although I can't think of any immediate application for this feature,
>I do like machinery that is easily adapted and modified.

With the 12/14 saw the arbors came in 1" and 1 1/14"
diameters as well as longer arbors that would take a 2" wide
dado. There were others but I don't have the paper in front
of me.

UA100