Old saw or New saw?

ktmguy | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on February 13, 2004 08:12am

I am looking at buying an old Davis & Wells 12″ commercial table saw for $1250.00. It has been fully restored with a Euroguard and a mobile base. I’ve heard that older machines were made better than the new ones, but would I be better to save up and buy a new Delta or Jet with all the new features (Fences, etc.) ? If I do buy the Davis & Wells is $1250.00 a good price? Any responses would be appreciated.

Replies

cedarguy | Feb 13, 2004 12:27pm | #1
I own one of the Big iron antiques. My monster weighs in at about 1500 lbs. Delta or Jet ain't ever going to build a saw that can keep up with it.The only concern that you may have is all that safty stuff ain't going to be on the old saw. Most folks don't use it on the new saw either but it's there and you should use it.

Watch the fingers and have a great day
joinerswork | Feb 13, 2004 04:39pm | #2
On some of the older table saws, the whole table tilted rather than the arbor/blade. Don't know about the one you are considering, but that alone would make me want the new style.

Regards,

Ray
Crunk | Feb 13, 2004 05:09pm | #3
JUMP ON IT!
rslatm | Feb 13, 2004 05:23pm | #4
Older isn't necessarily better. I've done the old iron thing for years but find vast improvements with new tools and technology a boon. I much prefer a slider for a saw as it's a lot easier to deal with solid wood panels and plywood. You should check with Davis and Wells for parts availability. They have a website...look it up with google.com. I wouldn't touch that saw if it came with the original fence. A modern retro fence like a Bies would be a must. That's about $350 right there. Remember the saw is only part of the equation. The operator is the most part of the equation. I don't care how good a saw you have if you don't know how to use it it's a waste. I've seen work from guys in South America and Asia who have an arbor mounted on a piece of ply wood that did work better than some of the best equipped shops in this country. You might check with http://www.exfactory.com for some pricing comparisons.
Mackwood | Feb 13, 2004 07:11pm | #5
Sounds like "Jump on it" is pretty good advice. I just looked at "EXFACTORY", sure enough they had one---for $1950!!

Old Unisaw I bought for $225-- they want $850!!!!

Your saw sounds like a great opportunity, especially if it's been decently maintained. $1250 is the price of a low end cabinet saw! What you're getting is way up the food chain from low end! If you don't want it, let me know where it's at!!!LOL

Enjoy!

Mack