Saw choice.... Slightly different question

[cadas]

I'm on the hunt for a new table saw, the other half has decided the list of jobs that need doing outweigh the cost....

But here's my problem... I was, until 5/6 years ago a full time cabinet maker. Since arriving in Australia I've bought a couple of 'hobby saws' from carbatec, etc. as this is no longer my day to day source of income. But these, so far, have been unusable and downright dangerous. I'm shocked at the poor quality of both the product and safety features.

So...I'm looking for something in the 2-3k band.. And here's my question.

I hear great reviews about the Laguna/jet/Harvey but I'd like to hear from anyone who has one of these who has had pro equipment before., to see what your views are.

My last saw (or two) were altendorfs. My other option is a small panel saw, but I'd really need a 2.6m ( which are rare as hell) or maybe cutting down a 3mt saw slide. I've only got a large double garage and would love a small footprint saw (hence interest in Laguna). So if I was to go for the Laguna, etc... Are these really capable saws, or am I just wasting cash and should really be hunting for a panel saw that will fit.

Cheers

[elanjacobs]

Lots of good used stuff here: Sell or Buy Panel saws 2.6m to 3.2m - Second Hand Panel saws 2.6m to 3.2m for sale Australia

I've also been spoilt by Altendorf, both at work and TAFE. Can't comment directly on any of the brands you mention, but seeng that Jet can't seem to be able to surface grind a jointer table flat, I'd be doubtful of their ability to get a sliding table to run true

[clear out]

If you can live without a sliding table a Wadkin AGS tilting arbor dimension saw a 30 year old machine may be worth a look.
They came in 10inch, 12 inch and 14 inch.
The 10 inch will accommodate a 12 inch blade and is by far the most common.
The later BGS is a 12 inch with a fence similar to the BGP panel saw.
These get a mention in the Antique tools and machinery thread on here.
I currently have a BGS but have owned or used the others.
Note these are Wadkin Bursgreen the cheaper version with the cast top and fabricated cabinet.
The later BGP was available with a scribe blade also.
These are often 3 phase machines but are very easy to change the motor to single.
You are welcome to come over and check out my BGS and there is a BGP in a nearby mens shed.
A mate has an AGS here in Sydney and if you want to chase one up I may know of one for sale.
H.

[clear out]

Have you considered a combination machine?
I personally have never owned one but they do help with limited space.
I am involved in selling of a deceased estate for a mates widow.
There is a Luna W59 combo saw, planer/thicknesser and spindle moulder for sale.
This has a 12 inch saw with a sliding table.
10 inch under and over planer/thicknesser.
Single phase.
H.

[cadas]

Hi all, thanks for comments. Taking in reverse order...

I'd love another Luna, I had one for nearly 10 years and even when pro, it had a special place in the corner of the workshop and was used regularly. Selling it was one of my biggest regrets. Where is this one based?

Wadkins are great machines, but reality is a good one will still cost almost as much as a Laguna, and, although the house has three phase, I'm still looking at a fair cost to run a three phase supply to the garage.

Problem is now I'm based in Adelaide, not Sydney and choice is even more limited down here.

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

[clear out]

[QUOTE=cadas;1732791]Hi all, thanks for comments. Taking in reverse order...

I'd love another Luna, I had one for nearly 10 years and even when pro, it had a special place in the corner of the workshop and was used regularly. Selling it was one of my biggest regrets. Where is this one based?

Hi, sorry for the delay in getting back re the Luna.
Its in Mogo which is a few k below Batemans Bay on the coast.
I have some pics I can send you.
We can get it to Canberra or Sydney for shipping.
Maybe even Albury if you want to drive over.
H.

[clear out]

Pics of Luna as I don't know how to post them on a PM.
The Mog snuck in? Sorry.
H.