CK

"CM"

13/01/2008 12:05 AM

Vintage Unisaw questions

I bought a vintage Delta Unisaw from a friend that needed some cash for the
holidays. I now have a few questions.

Check the pictures out here: http://www.azcraig.us/Unisaw.html

I plugged it in and it runs fine. I ran a piece of 1/2" ply through it and
found the blade dull but the saw seams smooth. The adjustment wheels work
well.

1. What year is it?
2. Should I consider keeping it over my Jet contractor saw? or wait and
upgrade to something else later?
3. Any pitfalls to owning a saw this old?
4. What would it be worth if I clean it up a little?

Thanks,

Craig

www.vintagetrailersforsale.com



This topic has 28 replies

GG

Greg G.

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 5:55 AM

Gerald Ross said:

>Mike O. wrote:
>> On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:14:43 -0600, Mike O. <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>I have a similar model that's a '55 but I think they made them with
>>>that base for about 30 years until the early 60's. Everything on them
>>>can be rebuilt and the bearings or the entire yolk and shaft can be
>>>bought today.
>>
>>
>> Ooops...that would be yoke.
>> It's getting late.....
>>
>> Mike O.
>
>Sorry, but I didn't get the yoke.

Nor did I, but the hard-boiled attempts to free me from my shell last
night have left me poached. Wine and over-easy women can scramble your
senses.

Ugh... Did I really say that...


Greg G.

BA

Bob AZ

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

12/01/2008 7:20 PM


> 1. What year is it?
> 2. Should I consider keeping it over my Jet contractor saw? or wait and
> upgrade to something else later?
> 3. Any pitfalls to owning a saw this old?
> 4. What would it be worth if I clean it up a little?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Craig
>
> www.vintagetrailersforsale.com

Craig

Definitely a keeper. But please put a nice new power cable on it and
position the cable so there are no bends or kinks to make it look like
the present one does. A motor clean out and bearing replacement would
probably be in order.

Bob AZ

Dd

"DanG"

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

12/01/2008 6:21 PM

I'm itching to know what you gave, but I suspect you suck.

1. Total uneducated guess late 40 or early 50. With the serial
number you can get quite accurate.
2. Many would say, me included, "what on earth could be an
upgrade?" and "hell yes, toss that Jet."
3. The pitfalls are many, I would take it off your hands so you
don't fall into any of them.
4. True bliss doesn't come until you get an aftermarket fence. I
prefer the Biesemyer style.

--
______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)
[email protected]



"CM" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I bought a vintage Delta Unisaw from a friend that needed some
>cash for the holidays. I now have a few questions.
>
> Check the pictures out here: http://www.azcraig.us/Unisaw.html
>
> I plugged it in and it runs fine. I ran a piece of 1/2" ply
> through it and found the blade dull but the saw seams smooth.
> The adjustment wheels work well.
>
> 1. What year is it?
> 2. Should I consider keeping it over my Jet contractor saw? or
> wait and upgrade to something else later?
> 3. Any pitfalls to owning a saw this old?
> 4. What would it be worth if I clean it up a little?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Craig
>
> www.vintagetrailersforsale.com
>
>
>

MJ

Mark & Juanita

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

14/01/2008 6:23 PM

Robatoy wrote:

> On Jan 13, 7:14 pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Robatoy wrote:
>> > On Jan 13, 5:30 pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
>> >> Robatoy wrote:
>>
>> >>> You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
>> >> Nyro?
>>
>> > Yes, it was a tepo.
>>
>> It's a slow day. I"m home sick. And
>> bored. And soooooooo tempted. I'll refrain.
>>
> That's no good. Being sick sucks. I'm still on weight restrictions,
> and I feel great (Except some asshole doctor is going to rip my big-
> toe-nail off tomorrow, that'll be a hoot.)
> I'll be chomping down a mitt-full of percs before I go there. I can
> see me now: "Suuuure, cut the whole foot off..."

Not to be overly morbid, but why would someone want to rip your toenail
off? Seems a bit extreme for completing hernia rehab.


--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

Ff

FrozenNorth

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

14/01/2008 8:29 PM

Mark & Juanita took a can of maroon spray paint on January 14, 2008 08:23 pm
and wrote the following:

> Robatoy wrote:
>
>> On Jan 13, 7:14 pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> Robatoy wrote:
>>> > On Jan 13, 5:30 pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> >> Robatoy wrote:
>>>
>>> >>> You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
>>> >> Nyro?
>>>
>>> > Yes, it was a tepo.
>>>
>>> It's a slow day. I"m home sick. And
>>> bored. And soooooooo tempted. I'll refrain.
>>>
>> That's no good. Being sick sucks. I'm still on weight restrictions,
>> and I feel great (Except some asshole doctor is going to rip my big-
>> toe-nail off tomorrow, that'll be a hoot.)
>> I'll be chomping down a mitt-full of percs before I go there. I can
>> see me now: "Suuuure, cut the whole foot off..."
>
> Not to be overly morbid, but why would someone want to rip your toenail
> off? Seems a bit extreme for completing hernia rehab.
>
The toebone is connected to the hernia bone.....
;-)

--
Lits Slut #9
Life would be so much easier if we could just look at the source code.

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 6:09 PM

On Jan 13, 7:14=A0pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
> Robatoy wrote:
> > On Jan 13, 5:30 pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
> >> Robatoy wrote:
>
> >>> You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
> >> Nyro?
>
> > Yes, it was a tepo.
>
> It's a slow day. I"m home sick. And
> bored. And soooooooo tempted. I'll refrain.
>
That's no good. Being sick sucks. I'm still on weight restrictions,
and I feel great (Except some asshole doctor is going to rip my big-
toe-nail off tomorrow, that'll be a hoot.)
I'll be chomping down a mitt-full of percs before I go there. I can
see me now: "Suuuure, cut the whole foot off..."

MO

Mike O.

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 12:14 AM

On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:05:49 GMT, "CM" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>I bought a vintage Delta Unisaw from a friend that needed some cash for the
>holidays. I now have a few questions.
>
>Check the pictures out here: http://www.azcraig.us/Unisaw.html
>
>I plugged it in and it runs fine. I ran a piece of 1/2" ply through it and
>found the blade dull but the saw seams smooth. The adjustment wheels work
>well.
>
>1. What year is it?
>2. Should I consider keeping it over my Jet contractor saw? or wait and
>upgrade to something else later?
>3. Any pitfalls to owning a saw this old?
>4. What would it be worth if I clean it up a little?

It's a keeper.

I have a similar model that's a '55 but I think they made them with
that base for about 30 years until the early 60's. Everything on them
can be rebuilt and the bearings or the entire yolk and shaft can be
bought today.
The only minor problem can be finding someone who will rebuild the
motor if you need that. There are people who will do it but their
numbers seem to be dwindling. The motor can be replaced with a new
style that will have the correct brackets if needed.
Every one has mentioned owwm.com and it is a great resource for
general info and repair.
They are fun to mess with, easy to work on and very much worth the
effort.

Mike O.





RC

Robatoy

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 2:06 PM

On Jan 13, 4:53=A0pm, Tom Watson <[email protected]> wrote:
> I believe that this tune was written about a similar situation:
>
> If you start me up
> If you start me up I'll never stop
> If you start me up
> If you start me up I'll never stop
> I've been running hot
> You got me ticking gonna blow my top
> If you start me up
> If you start me up I'll never stop
>
> You make a grown man cry
> Spread out the oil, the gasoline
> I walk smooth, ride in a mean, mean machine
> Start it up
>
> If you start it up
> Kick on the starter give it all you got, you got, you got
> I can't compete with the riders in the other heats
> If you rough it up
> If you like it you can slide it up, slide it up
>
> Don't make a grown man cry
> My eyes dilate, my lips go green
> My hands are greasy
> She's a mean, mean machine
> Start it up
>
> If start me up
> Give it all you got
> You got to never, never, never stop
> Never, never
> Slide it up
>
> You make a grown man cry
> Ride like the wind at double speed
> I'll take you places that you've never, never seen
> Start it up
> Love the day when we will never stop, never stop
> Never stop, never stop
> Tough me up
> Never stop, never stop, never stop
>
> You, you, you make a grown man cry
> You, you make a dead man come
> You, you make a dead man come
>

You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 3:15 PM

On Jan 13, 5:25=A0pm, Tom Watson <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:06:07 -0800 (PST), Robatoy
>
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
>
> You know, I like "counterfitter" but have you considered
> "counterterrorist"?
>
I had played with counter culture, but my staph voted against it.

Ld

LRod

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 2:39 AM

On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:05:49 GMT, "CM" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>I bought a vintage Delta Unisaw from a friend that needed some cash for the
>holidays. I now have a few questions.
>
>Check the pictures out here: http://www.azcraig.us/Unisaw.html
>
>I plugged it in and it runs fine. I ran a piece of 1/2" ply through it and
>found the blade dull but the saw seams smooth. The adjustment wheels work
>well.

>1. What year is it?

I agree with DanG, probably about 55 or 60 years old. One of the keys
is the Milwaukee name on it. Check the owwm.com website for the Unisaw
chronology. More to the point re the serial number; there is a list on
owwm.com to which you can compare yours, but it's not complete. Many
people have had good results calling Delta directly and asking them.

Another thing you should know--don't be put off by that "1 HP" motor.
It's probably a repulsion-induction (R-I) motor and that 1 HP acts
like a lot more of today's horses.

>2. Should I consider keeping it over my Jet contractor saw? or wait and
>upgrade to something else later?

Are you nuts? First, a Unisaw is usually what people upgrade to.
You're now already there.

Second, a bad cabinet saw is superior to even a good contractor saw
for at least three reasons: beef, power, and footprint. The trunnions
and guts in general will be much more robust in a cabinet saw. The
drive system of the cabinet saw will transfer power better and is not
limited to roughly 1½ HP as the contractor saw is. Even though they
look bulkier, weigh more, and cost more, the cabinet saw takes up less
floor space than a contractors saw because there's no motor hanging
out the back.

>3. Any pitfalls to owning a saw this old?

The Unisaw (and others of their ilk, such as PM 66es) are ageless.
Many of the parts of a modern Unisaw will fit yours. Maintenance will
be a breeze. In some respects (old cast iron vs modern stuff, for
example) the older machine (in the narrow focus we're applying in this
discussion) is superior to the current offering.

That JetLock rip fence might be a "pitfall" if you want to call it
that. It's not terrible, but if you were to throw a Biesemeyer at it
you would pretty well have gilded the lily to the max.

>4. What would it be worth if I clean it up a little?

Doesn't matter. You're keeping it.

And you suck.


--
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net
http://www.normstools.com

Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997

email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month.
If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't
care to correspond with you anyway.

GR

Gerald Ross

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 5:01 AM

Mike O. wrote:
> On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:14:43 -0600, Mike O. <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I have a similar model that's a '55 but I think they made them with
>>that base for about 30 years until the early 60's. Everything on them
>>can be rebuilt and the bearings or the entire yolk and shaft can be
>>bought today.
>
>
> Ooops...that would be yoke.
> It's getting late.....
>
> Mike O.

Sorry, but I didn't get the yoke.

--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA

War doesn't determine who's right, but
who's left.



Nn

Nova

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 12:57 AM

CM wrote:
> I bought a vintage Delta Unisaw from a friend that needed some cash for the
> holidays. I now have a few questions.
>
> Check the pictures out here: http://www.azcraig.us/Unisaw.html
>
> I plugged it in and it runs fine. I ran a piece of 1/2" ply through it and
> found the blade dull but the saw seams smooth. The adjustment wheels work
> well.
>
> 1. What year is it?

If you can find the serial number check the web site below:

http://www.owwm.com/Delta/VintageProject/Part1.asp

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
[email protected]

CK

"CM"

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 12:20 AM

Barry,

I am a sucker for vintage so I may keep it. I'll wait and see what others
say. I know I would have no trouble selling my Jet contractors saw.

Thanks,

Craig
"Bonehenge (B A R R Y)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:05:49 GMT, "CM" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>>I bought a vintage Delta Unisaw from a friend that needed some cash for
>>the
>>holidays. I now have a few questions.
>
>
> I don't have any answers to your questions.
>
>
> However... That saw looks like it would be a really cool tool with
> only minor cleanup. Go for it!

Rr

"RonB"

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

12/01/2008 6:37 PM

Don't know what you paid for it but it looks like you have a project. Based
on the other link on your post, I have a feeling you are ok with that.

I squinted at the patent plate on one of your pictures and it looked like it
had a 1934 date on it which seems a little early. I suspect if I owned it I
would be very tempted to play with it (don't know if I would get rid of the
Jet until I knew what I had.).

Pitfalls are finding parts, but if you rebuild, without being too careful
about maintaining its vintage, you might end up with a nice machine, and
conversation piece. Trouble with vintage restoration is you can extend part
availabilty problems forever. replacing some stuff with more modern
hardware might be better if you can make it fit.

If it was mine, and I kept it, I would probably be cleaning it up a lot.

Reminds me of the older (not that old) Unisaws I used to use in HS and
college wood classes. The new Unisaws don't match up that well.

RonB

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

14/01/2008 9:10 PM

On Jan 14, 9:08=A0pm, Tom Watson <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:23:33 -0700, Mark & Juanita
>
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > =A0Not to be overly morbid, but why would someone want to rip your toena=
il
> >off? =A0Seems a bit extreme for completing hernia rehab.
>
> The evil of socialized medicine.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tom Watson
>
> tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/

It is wonderful to see that these threads can spiral into an abyss
without my participation..*G*

Actually, I blew off one of my Gucci's whilst ballroom dancing and
buckled a toe nail. In the ensuing stumble, I almost dropped the
lampshade from my head. Egg on MY face!
I'll never be allowed to attend THAT church again. *sigh*

TW

Tom Watson

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 5:39 PM

You were fiddling whilst Rob was burning.


On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:30:27 -0500, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:

>Robatoy wrote:
>
>>
>> You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
>>
>
>Nyro?
Regards,

Tom Watson

tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)

http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 3:25 PM

On Jan 13, 5:30=A0pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
> Robatoy wrote:
>
> > You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
>
> Nyro?
>
Yes, it was a tepo.

TT

Tanus

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 5:30 PM

Robatoy wrote:

>
> You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
>

Nyro?

--
Tanus

This is not really a sig.

http://www.home.mycybernet.net/~waugh/shop/

TT

Tanus

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 7:14 PM

Robatoy wrote:
> On Jan 13, 5:30 pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Robatoy wrote:
>>
>>> You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
>> Nyro?
>>
> Yes, it was a tepo.
>

It's a slow day. I"m home sick. And
bored. And soooooooo tempted. I'll refrain.

--
Tanus

This is not really a sig.

http://www.home.mycybernet.net/~waugh/shop/

TT

Tanus

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

14/01/2008 8:40 PM

Mark & Juanita wrote:
> Robatoy wrote:
>
>> On Jan 13, 7:14 pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> Robatoy wrote:
>>>> On Jan 13, 5:30 pm, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>> Robatoy wrote:
>>>>>> You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.
>>>>> Nyro?
>>>> Yes, it was a tepo.
>>> It's a slow day. I"m home sick. And
>>> bored. And soooooooo tempted. I'll refrain.
>>>
>> That's no good. Being sick sucks. I'm still on weight restrictions,
>> and I feel great (Except some asshole doctor is going to rip my big-
>> toe-nail off tomorrow, that'll be a hoot.)
>> I'll be chomping down a mitt-full of percs before I go there. I can
>> see me now: "Suuuure, cut the whole foot off..."
>
> Not to be overly morbid, but why would someone want to rip your toenail
> off? Seems a bit extreme for completing hernia rehab.
>
>

Those southern Ontario doctors just
aren't what they used to be....

--
Tanus

This is not really a sig.

http://www.home.mycybernet.net/~waugh/shop/

TW

Tom Watson

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

12/01/2008 7:29 PM

http://www.owwm.com/

Regards,

Tom Watson

tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)

http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/

GG

Greg G.

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 5:15 PM

Robatoy said:

>On Jan 13, 4:53 pm, Tom Watson <[email protected]> wrote:
>> I believe that this tune was written about a similar situation:
>>
>> If you start me up
>> If you start me up I'll never stop
>> If you start me up
>> If you start me up I'll never stop
>> I've been running hot
>> You got me ticking gonna blow my top
>> If you start me up
>> If you start me up I'll never stop
>>........
>> You, you, you make a grown man cry
>> You, you make a dead man come
>> You, you make a dead man come
>>
>
>You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.

LMAO!


Greg G.

MO

Mike O.

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 12:41 AM

On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:14:43 -0600, Mike O. <[email protected]> wrote:

>I have a similar model that's a '55 but I think they made them with
>that base for about 30 years until the early 60's. Everything on them
>can be rebuilt and the bearings or the entire yolk and shaft can be
>bought today.


Ooops...that would be yoke.
It's getting late.....

Mike O.

TW

Tom Watson

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 4:53 PM

I believe that this tune was written about a similar situation:


If you start me up
If you start me up I'll never stop
If you start me up
If you start me up I'll never stop
I've been running hot
You got me ticking gonna blow my top
If you start me up
If you start me up I'll never stop

You make a grown man cry
Spread out the oil, the gasoline
I walk smooth, ride in a mean, mean machine
Start it up

If you start it up
Kick on the starter give it all you got, you got, you got
I can't compete with the riders in the other heats
If you rough it up
If you like it you can slide it up, slide it up

Don't make a grown man cry
My eyes dilate, my lips go green
My hands are greasy
She's a mean, mean machine
Start it up

If start me up
Give it all you got
You got to never, never, never stop
Never, never
Slide it up

You make a grown man cry
Ride like the wind at double speed
I'll take you places that you've never, never seen
Start it up
Love the day when we will never stop, never stop
Never stop, never stop
Tough me up
Never stop, never stop, never stop

You, you, you make a grown man cry
You, you make a dead man come
You, you make a dead man come


Of course, I could be wrong.




(apologies to the obvious...)




On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:05:49 GMT, "CM" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>I bought a vintage Delta Unisaw from a friend that needed some cash for the
>holidays. I now have a few questions.
>
>Check the pictures out here: http://www.azcraig.us/Unisaw.html
>
>I plugged it in and it runs fine. I ran a piece of 1/2" ply through it and
>found the blade dull but the saw seams smooth. The adjustment wheels work
>well.
>
>1. What year is it?
>2. Should I consider keeping it over my Jet contractor saw? or wait and
>upgrade to something else later?
>3. Any pitfalls to owning a saw this old?
>4. What would it be worth if I clean it up a little?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Craig
>
>www.vintagetrailersforsale.com
>
>
Regards,

Tom Watson

tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)

http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/

TW

Tom Watson

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 5:18 PM

On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:06:07 -0800 (PST), Robatoy
<[email protected]> wrote:


>You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.


I could never compete for Ms. Nyro's affections when she had Eli
coming for four solid minutes.

Regards,

Tom Watson

tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)

http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/

BB

"Bonehenge (B A R R Y)"

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 12:10 AM

On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:05:49 GMT, "CM" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>I bought a vintage Delta Unisaw from a friend that needed some cash for the
>holidays. I now have a few questions.


I don't have any answers to your questions.


However... That saw looks like it would be a really cool tool with
only minor cleanup. Go for it!

TW

Tom Watson

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

13/01/2008 5:25 PM

On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:06:07 -0800 (PST), Robatoy
<[email protected]> wrote:


>You just melt me when you quote Laura Nero.


You know, I like "counterfitter" but have you considered
"counterterrorist"?

Regards,

Tom Watson

tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)

http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/

TW

Tom Watson

in reply to "CM" on 13/01/2008 12:05 AM

14/01/2008 9:08 PM

On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:23:33 -0700, Mark & Juanita
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
> Not to be overly morbid, but why would someone want to rip your toenail
>off? Seems a bit extreme for completing hernia rehab.


The evil of socialized medicine.


Regards,

Tom Watson

tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)

http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/


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