Used Table Saws

If you’ve spent some time searching the Internet woodworking forums you know there are a lot of experts out there who recommend looking into the used table saw market, especially for those on a tight budget. If you have the time to invest in searching around you can get a higher end used cabinet saw for less than you’d pay for a low end contractor saw.

As is the case with purchasing any used equipment you have to know how to evaluate what you are buying. There are things you’re going to want to be especially careful in checking out and the rules are different for different categories of saws. In general, cabinet saws are made to last almost forever, so you can shop this category with a little more confidence. You need to be extra cautious when looking at lower end saws, like bench top and portable table saws.

Used  Bench Top Table Saws and Portable Table Saws

The first thing you’ll want to determine is why the saw is being sold. This can be easy if you’re dealing with a private party but more difficult if you’re buying from a commercial reseller of used woodworking equipment. In either case, you can’t always believe what you’re told, so let the buyer beware. Your eyes and your knowledge of table saws should be your guide. As a general rule, cheaper saws use cheaper materials and are not as durable as the more expensive saws, so if you are looking at a low end portable table saw that looks badly beaten up, forget about it. These saws use universal motors that burn out over time. If the saw looks like it hasn’t seen much use, it could be a good deal.

Obviously you’re going to want to start it up and listen to the motor. If you can, bring a piece of wood to test the cutting capacity of the saw – treated lumber is good as it is more difficult for some saws to handle. Check the accessories like the rip fence and miter gauge to ensure they operate smoothly. If these are missing, they can be replaced with aftermarket parts, but make sure you add their cost to the purchase price. If the blade guard is missing, make sure you can get a replacement from the saw’s manufacturer before you even consider buying. Not everyone takes care of their tools, so don’t be surprised if you run across a saw where its owner removed the guard and can’t find it. A table saw without a blade guard should not be used by anybody.

Used Contractor Table Saws and Cabinet Table Saws

With these saws you’re going to want to start with the same kinds of tests you’d use on used bench top saws. Cabinet saws are usually sold due to owner upgrades so they frequently sit idle for extended periods before a prospective buyer comes along. So if you hear a little knocking in the belts at star up don’t be alarmed. Check the tilting and blade raising mechanisms for smooth operation. Lower the blade and check the table for flatness. If the table is not absolutely flat try to determine the problem. If there is surface residue on the table it can be removed. While saw fences and miter gauges can be replaced you can’t fix deep gauges in the table surface of a cabinet or contractor saw.

Where to Find Used Table Saws

Craigslist is a source for private party sales and you might find a few of these on Ebay as well. If you have a professional woodworking retail outlet in your area check with them. Sometimes they have bulletin boards for posting used equipment for sale. You can find used saws on Internet woodworking equipment sites but you won’t be able to check them out. Find out if there is some kind of guarantee before you buy. Many are sold “as is” so figure the cost of parts upgrades into your purchase price. Delta offers an upgrade kit for around $50. Delta has been around longer than anybody and they have excellent parts replacement service, so Delta saws are generally a safe bet. Check out some of those used equipment sites and you’ll see most used saws for sale are Deltas, with Powermatics not far behind.