Replies

1. 
   FordPrefect | Sep 23, 2004 04:58pm | #1

   I also have a Rockwell 9" contractors-type saw. Currently I'm running a 3/4 HP 220V motor at 3450 RPM with the blade spinning at about 3600 RPM. I run a Freud thin kerf blade most of the time. I've replaced the original twin tube fence with a shop built t-square fence, and replaced the mystery metal pulley on the motor with a Browning cast iron unit. I use mine daily for ripping cedar chair parts and can't really say a bad thing about it. Well, the one or two times I carried it across the yard I said bad things, but for a tablesaw, heavy is better.

   As for upgrading to a bigger/newer saw, you have to consider what you need versus what you're willing to spend. Do you have the space and the jack to bring in a Unisaw or a PM66? Are you willing to spend a little time getting to know the Rockwell and do some work on it? $800.00 will get you a pretty good factory fresh offshore contractor saw, but $400.00 will get you a decent motor for some solid American iron.

   -d

2. 
   DougU | Oct 03, 2004 12:27am | #2

   Just read your post on the 9" saw.

   I have the same saw, used it for 10 years building cabinets and general use. Never had a problem building anything that I needed to. Sure a nice big saw would have made the job easier but I still got the job done.

   My original motor was a 1 horse, when that went bad I upped it to a 1 1/2.

   Havnt used the saw in a while now but I guess I could if needed.

   Doug