[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by NY65912

I've got a 3 hp Delta with a Biesemyer fence that is 25 years old. Why
not look for a quality used saw with a quality fence. I can rip thru big oak with ease.

This. My father in law is a professional cabinetmaker with 25+ years experience. His workshop has two Delta pedestal saws (rip and dado) with cast iron tables and Biesmeyer fences. They are at least 20 years old, and vastly superior to anything you can buy new. I don't think he has ever had to tweak the fence, it is spot-on perfect every time. Having used it many times, I can tell you that it makes expensive new saws feel incredibly cheap. He often laments that you simply cannot buy anything even close to the same quality anymore, no matter what the price.

Focus on the table and fence, because most of them are total crap.