Used Tablesaw on Craigslist?

[jyl]

I'm looking at table saws on Craiglist. Want one precise enough to make bathroom and kitchen cabinets, ideally able to take a dado blade. Will be working with 1" and thinner material. Don't need to rip 4'x8' sheets or other large stock.

In some prior threads on tools, folks spoke highly of Delta saws. There are a ton of Delta saws for cheap on Craigslist, don't know if these are crap ones?

Well, there are so many table saws on Craigslist I don't know where to start. Here are some ads that caught my eye. Could anyone give me any thoughts - which ones should I call on?

A $100 Delta. There are zillions of these Deltas for $75-100.
http://portland.craigslist.org/yam/tls/1321108506.html

A $75 Delta with extensions. If these are okay, I could pick up one a day.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/tls/1320254599.html

A $450 DeWalt. These are $1,300 new with no fence. How are these better for my purposes than the cheaper ones?
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/tls/1320547165.html

A $250 Rigid
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/tls/1318741977.html

A $150 Craftsman with extension and Biesmeyer fence. Are Craftsmans okay?
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/tls/1314562922.html

A $650 Delta with extension and Beismeyer fence. More than I want to spend, but what makes it worth it?
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/tls/1313515462.html

[rouxroux]

Just make sure there are not any "Pelican Parts" on the blade.....(Vash)

[bell]

The biggest thing imo is that the guide isn't wore out, if it doesn't tighten square than it's useless....
My old saw It would take numerous adjustments and measuring to make sure it's square and was a big pia, a new/sharp blade is an easy fix for actual cutting and efficiency when it comes to the drive motor....

[javadog]

These are all lightweight saws, designed to be portable enough to haul to a job site. For cabinet work, I would rather use a larger, higher quality saw.

Just one opinion,
JR

[MBAtarga]

Like Bell states, the fence is the most critical aspect of a "good" saw. Older Craftsman models lacked in that regard. Also, many 8" saws won't accept dado blades - they have a shorter shaft that won't allow them. The 10" Ryobi table saw (you don't show a link) - requires it's own brand of dado blade for that reason.

The benchtop styles may not be quite large enough for your purposes. I'd recommend Delta or Rigid brands for the contractor style (with legs). If space is not an issue and you intend to continue using the saw, the Dewalt saw is a very nice saw for that money - if it's in your budget.

[look 171]

To build your kitchen you will need, at the very least, a contractor's saw. The ones with the motor hanging off the back with a belt. Try to get an older one. The older Delte saw are good. I had one for many years when I started my cabinet making business back in my college days. the newer saw one might have a better fence then the old, but everything was built better back before the late 80's.

I buy the last one just because of the Besmeyer fence. if not, at least the second on the last one on your list. One thing I would do is wire the motor up for 220v. You will find that if you want to cut 3/4" plywood on that 120, the saw will run out of steam. You will really need to do that. and plus, it is dangerous when that happens. Remember, a dull tool is more dangerous then a sharp tool. I can't stress that enough. I also teach woodworking at my local high school 3 hours a day. I drill that into their heads

If you have more questions, let us know. spend a few bucks and get a good saw blade. It will make all the difference on your cut with that type of saws. Don't forget a good belt.