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You can pick a table saw up for a very reasonable price but then there are models that are much more expensive. This is a dream for many people but buying a used table saw means that you may be able to get something much more high end for a reasonable price. However, when buying used equipment, you must be certain that you are getting something that is safe, reliable and will work as expected.
With selling sites and auctions littering the internet, it has never been easier to get your hands on used items. The term ‘One man’s trash…’ has never been more fitting.
In this guide, we are going to be looking at how to source a used table saw and what you should look for before buying. Unlike buying from a retailer, you have no legal rights to return so it is vital that you are careful.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Used Table Saw?
It doesn’t take a genius to work out how to buy a table saw, but it certainly takes some skills and knowledge of how second-hand trading works. In the UK, there are no laws covering how used goods should be sold on a private level. Unless you are buying through a third party that offers returns such as Amazon, then you’re pretty much on your own.
For this reason, it is vital that you do not part with any money before you are certain that the table saw is going to meet your expectations. Take a look at the following points.
Age
An old table saw may have a lot to offer but it depends on how well it has been taken care of. If you are looking at something that has been kept in an outbuilding, unused for many years then it won’t likely be much good.
Conversely, looking at a new table saw doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be getting a good deal. The saw may be defective or have parts missing.
Therefore, it is essential that you ask questions about the age in comparison with the performance.
Condition
Leading on from our previous point, looking at the condition of the saw is always a good idea. When you see a ‘used table saw for sale’ advertisement, you need to question just how used it really is.
Someone may be selling a table saw that is in near perfect condition that they purchased for a one time project and no longer need. Most of the time, a saw will be sold ‘as-is’ which means that what you see is what you get. You are expected to understand that if anything goes wrong with the saw once you take it away, the previous owner will take no responsibility. Be sure to give it a good check before you take it away.
- Look for signs of rust, while this can be removed, it may also suggest that the saw has not been very well looked after.
- Check that all the pulleys and belts are in good condition.
- Ask to see the saw in action so you can see how well it cuts and how safe it is.
- Be sure to look at the quality of the fence. This should be square and well-maintained.
Add-ons
While many people are selling the table saw and nothing more, you can often find deals online and in local ads where people are selling table saws with some handy extras.
If this will be your first table saw, you might like to take advantage of these kinds of deals as you will get something more complete. This could include upgraded fences, a selection of blades or even safety gear.
Does It Meet Your Needs?
Every table saw is different, and how you intend to use it may differ from the previous owner. For this reason, it is important to look at the capability of the saw. You may consider the following factors:
- Look at how flat the table is; to make an accurate cut, the table needs to have a deviation of no more than 0.005”.
- Does the saw have a dust extraction feature?
- Look at the power of the saw and compare this with the types of material you will be cutting to determine if it will be strong and reliable enough.
- Some table saws have the ability to be tilted to make bevel cuts. Take a look at this if you think you will need something more versatile.
Safety
When you are buying a used table saw, one of the first and most crucial things to consider is whether it will operate safely. With a massive risk of injury with bladed devices, it is imperative that you look at what safety features the tool has.
You may also wish to question the seller about any problems they have had in the past. But we would always suggest looking over the saw as well since someone who is keen to sell may omit certain problems.
Collection/Delivery
Buying online sometimes means that you will end up purchasing from a seller that lives a considerable distance from where you are. Before you hand over any money, make sure that you are clear as to whether the saw will be delivered to you or whether you will need to collect it.
Check Out The Seller
The reputation of a seller plays an important role in used goods. If you are purchasing from an experienced used tool retailer on a website like eBay, there is a chance that this will be the seller’s livelihood and they will take things seriously. However, it still pays to check out their reviews.
Conversely, if you are browsing table saws on Facebook Marketplace, you have nothing to go on other than what you can see on the seller’s profile. There is an option for people to review sellers on Facebook but with it being such a laid-back feature, many people don’t do this.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. You are going to be taking a tool from this person that could be dangerous. What’s more, you don’t want to get home to find that the saw won’t even start and you have wasted your money.
An honest seller will be prepared to talk you through any concerns and demonstrate the tool in use. Someone who is simply trying to make a quick quid will likely be defensive or unable to answer your questions easily and should be avoided.
Can You Inspect In Person?
If you are purchasing something from further away, it may not be practical to inspect the table saw in person. However, it is entirely possible for you to ask the seller to take a video of specific photographs. While this is no substitute for seeing the saw in real life, it may sometimes be the only way.
Of course, if you want to travel to look at a saw, or if the seller is local, it is a great idea to go and inspect it. This can be difficult since you may feel obliged once there to buy the table saw. However, if you are at all concerned about the quality or safety, you are within your rights to politely decline.
What To Do If The Table Saw Is Not As Advertised
If you arrive at the seller’s location and inspect the tool only to find that it is not what you expected, you should talk to the seller about your concerns. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a lower price, provided that you are prepared to deal with any potential problems with the saw down the line.
Alternatively, you could decline the purchase.
However, if you have purchased a used table saw and found that it does not live up to the claims in the advertisement once it has been delivered, where you purchased it will depend on what you can do.
Websites like eBay and Amazon have return policies in place. In the case of eBay, you can return an item if it is not exactly as it was described in the listing. However, if you simply change your mind, the seller is under no obligation to accept a return.
If you complete a private transaction, for example, an ad from a local newspaper or on Facebook Marketplace, the seller has no legal obligation to take the item back. According to UK Law advisors, you should always purchase with a ‘buyer beware’ attitude.
What Brands To Consider
There are hundreds of brands that make table saws, some are much more preferable than others. However, when you are shopping for a second-hand table saw, the following brands are considered to be the most reputable.
- DeWalt
- Evolution
- Bosch
- Einhell
- Makita
Where To Buy A Used Table Saw
If you are looking to get a good deal on a table saw, then there are plenty of places you can go to get a brand new saw for a very reasonable price. For example, looking for a table saw Black Friday deal may yield some very lucrative results. Of course, it will need to be the right time of year.
If you have your heart set on a used table saw then using reputable online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay is the best option. While there are selling pages on social media sites like Facebook, you should be mindful of who you are buying from as you will have no legal return rights.
There are also many used tool shops around the country. Plenty of businesses recondition appliances and resell them for a competitive price so it can be worth looking at whether there is anything like this in your local area.
Conclusion
Buying a new table saw isn’t always affordable so many people look for a used tool but there are some things to be mindful of. You should always do your homework and make sure that the table saw lives up to your expectations, will operate safely and won’t break the second you get it home.
