I'm considering buying an older (1951, according to
My motives: I'm interested in the saw to use, but particularly because it's an older machine. I've ended up with mostly 1950's-vintage Rockwell tools, and there's a nostalgia factor for me. Most of what I have has been in good shape when I bought it, but this saw would be a big project.
First, it's pretty rusty. All surface rust, as far as I can tell, but it's everywhere. I'd want to disassemble the saw, sandblast and have it painted, and put it back together. This doesn't appear to be particularly difficult, but it certainly looks like a lot of work. I'd probably send the arbor to have it checked and have the bearings replaced.
Even with the rust, the elevation and tilt controls work pretty smoothly, with no obvious slop in the worm gears. As far I can tell, the saw is complete except for the motor cover. The trunions appear to be in good shape.
Now for the negatives: The two big concerns I have are the table and the motor.
I wasn't able to check the table for flatness, but it wasn't obviously warped. But it has a chunk of iron missing where the right extension bolts on. That's a little worrisome, but I plan to use a plywood/MDF/etc extension table there with a 52" fence, so maybe not a big deal. The bothersome crack is at one of the holes on the front where the fence would bolt on--this concerns me more, because I don't think a fence rail would be adequately supported. I would consider replacing the table, and even though it wouldn't be original, I would like to have T-slots anyway. If I decide to replace the table, other than price, any comments on whether I should buy a new one, or is there any advantage in finding a similar vintage to the saw?
The motor is a three-phase motor, and it's the old style, of course. I understand that I could install a new motor, but I'm not willing to cut the cabinet to allow it to tilt--for me, that crosses the line into destroying the nostalgic value of the saw. So I either have to find an old-style single-phase motor or buy a phase converter. I'm familiar with conversion issues and I think overall I'd rather find a single-phase motor, but I understand that's very difficult.
An old-style round rail fence is included, but I think they're essentially worthless--I would buy a new Biesenmeyer or Unifence.
Bottom line: my brain says this saw would be a lot of work, probably not a good investment, and potentially a real money pit. My primary goal is to end up with an older machine that's in really good shape. That's more important than cost in the long run, but I don't want to waste money, either.
So, should I buy the saw and take on the restoration project, or just keep looking for an old saw that's already in good shape? Are there resellers who specialize in vintage or restored machines?
Does anyone have a cast Delta table, motor cover, or old-style single-phase motor they want to sell (or an excellent-condition single-phase 50's Unisaw in central North Carolina)? If so, email me--you'll get an automated spam filter response, but click on the link in the email and it will go through.
Thanks, Heath