Rockwell/delta unisaw, anyone have one and restore it?

[240sx4u]

Good point on that mag switch. I hadn't thought about the power failure situation. Thanks for the info!

[GuyK]

Originally Posted by westend

With the T-track on that fence, it's pretty easy to add a sacrificial surface like EPDM or straight hardwood. Too bad the fence is going to cost more than the saw (assumption on my part) but having a good fence is critical for accuracy.
I think you're going to be real happy with how that saw works, these older saws have a lot of cast iron and heavy steel so stability and accuracy is very good. If you know a woodworker that has a setup gauge system and is willing to lend it out, you'll be able to dial it in so that everything is aligned. Good luck with the Unisaw!

Very true. These are excellent machines!

In case you may not know anyone with a setup gauge, a dial indicator with a mag base is often available for rental cheap. Maybe $15 for an afternoon. These tools make this task SOOO much easier!

[treserious]

I used to work at a toolmaking shop that has plenty of mag base dial indicators used fro cylindrical grinding.
I don't think it would be a problem to borrow one for a day, considering I'm still on great terms with my old boss, and I get all my saw blades and other tools sharpened there.

[westend]

How is the saw resto going? Got it up and running?

[treserious]

Originally Posted by westend

How is the saw resto going? Got it up and running?

Got it running.
new bearings, new belts, and a freshly sharpened freud blade.
Got it aligned fairly well.
still need a fence system.
currently using a straight piece of oak and clamps.

[westend]

Cool beans, they are good saws, IMO. If you still have friends at the toolmaking shop, you might throw out the idea of building your own fence. I know how some guys are and someone might take it on as a crusade of sorts. I bet you could make one that rivals or surpasses most of them.
The Mule fence I use has a 1/8"aluminum box channel, 1 1/2", open on one face for the rail and the locking mechanism is a threaded rod and two tapped blocks inside the rail. A piece of 3/16" angle iron attaches the mechanism to a large, 2 1/2" extruded aluminum T-track that is the fence. It is a very simple design but is quite stable.

[treserious]

picked up a delta t-square fence on CL today for 75$. Guy tossed in a cast iron extension with it.

got that on there and got it trued up.
in the process of tapping 2 holes and making a sacrificial fence for it.

[westend]

Nice grab, either of those isell for much more than the total you paid!I think you're going to be real happy with that saw. What types of blades are you using?

[treserious]

Originally Posted by westend

Nice grab, either of those isell for much more than the total you paid!I think you're going to be real happy with that saw. What types of blades are you using?

Currently a cheap 48 tooth rip blade, and a Freud 80 tooth finishing blade.

[westend]

If you see one on sale, grab a Forrest Woodworker or Woodworker II. I'm using a Freud Glue-line rip blade, ATM, and it's a fairly good blade but doesn't make the same difference as using a Forrest.

[treserious]

Unfortunately, I doubt that the forrest line is available in Canada...

[GuyK]

Originally Posted by treserious

Unfortunately, I doubt that the forrest line is available in Canada...

Know anyone South of the border that could ship one to you? It's worth it.