Replies

1. 
   bduffin104 | Mar 21, 2010 12:26am | #1

   Powermatic model 66, 3 HP,  with Biesmeyer "T" square fence with 52" rip capacity. I have a Grizzly and a Unisaw but miss my PM66 and prefer the Grizzly over the Uni. I just don't like right tilt saws.

   Bret

2. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 22, 2010 12:01pm | #2

   It may help to decide whether you want a contractor's saw or a cabinet saw. Then, look for older Delta or Powermatic.

3. 
   IrishAmerican | Mar 22, 2010 01:12pm | #3

   Good luck. I found it very difficult to find anything used and made in America that someone was willing to sell. Most of the older stuff I found on Craig's List, Ebay, etc. was very old and worn out. Too much money and time to bring them back to life.

   I ended up buying a Delta Unisaw. It is partially made in America (table, trunnion, motor). It's obvious which parts of this saw are made in China. The Chinese parts are junk.

   But once you get it all set up and trued up, it performs great. I got the 5hp motor, 52 inch capacity, and the optional out-feed table. This set up gives me lots of real estate. I made some metal brackets for the spindly Chinese legs on the main and out feed tables because Delta China discontinued the braces. Will eventually put a router lift and fence in the main table.

   You may get lucky and find an old American Delta or Powermatic. I think Dewalt made some fairly large contractor saws before moving their operation to Mexico, later China. I would jump on a Canadian made General too if I could find one. All of these saws used to be high quality machines made in their native country before the criminals outsourced the jobs to China, Taiwan, Corea, Mexico, etc. I think you are on the right track. I don't buy foriegn junk either.

   Happy hunting.

1. 
   69mecheng | Mar 27, 2010 10:55pm | #6

   Thanks for your comments, It will get me started in the right direction. I am still using a inexpensive Sears saw that I bought 30 years ago and still working OK.

4. 
   jointerman | Mar 23, 2010 01:11am | #4

   I must admit, it was pretty hard for me to give up my "last of it's kind" American made Delta Contractor's saw. But I did sell it on Craig's list and I am very happy with my new Taiwanese made saw. My American made saw was only about 11 years old. I think that you can look for cabinet shops that are getting rid of them as they step into European style panel saws. Hope you don't mind, but I'm going to post a picture just for nostalgia.

    

   
1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 23, 2010 12:02pm | #5

   Gee, that saw looks almost brand spankin' new, JM - especially compared to the Delta oldies (40+ yo) I have. ;-)

5. 
   RichClark | Mar 28, 2010 09:48pm | #7

   Maybe Flesh out your profile a bit?

   I know of several "tool Resellers" that are in the business of buying and refabing old tools...  If you are in FLA there was a plethra of practically free table saws auctioned of recently as sever counties stoped shop (sob) or purchased SAW STOP ones... 

   You have to coondog Craigs and Ebay.. and also look in your yellow pages and call machine sellers they know of local resellers.

   Rich