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Magna sliding table saw

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 5:44 pm
by Underdog
What do any of you here know about the Magna sliding table saw? I've found one on Craigslist and am curious as to how it would compare the the table saw function on the 10er (or to other table saws of it's size).

Thanks!

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 2:15 pm
by Ron309753
I've never heard of a Magna sliding table saw, unless the seller is describing how the table carriage slides on the tubes. Is there a picture on the CL listing?

Sincerely,

Ron309753

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 2:46 pm
by wlhayesmfs
Shopsmith made the SawSmith 2000 from 1985 to 1987 which had a siding table top and the blade did not move was concidered ahead of its time and safer than a RAD, Used a 1 1/2 HP motor, you can find them from time to time usually with an upgraded RipFence. Most go around this are from $400 to $700, I don't have one of these Yet. You can see a picture here
http://www.songofthegreatlakes.com/ssmodels.htm if you want to see what they look like
Hope this was what you were looking for. I have not seen one by Magna. The Magna SawSmith is a RAS it ended production in 1965 I believe, I do have one of them.

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 2:53 pm
by wlhayesmfs
I looked this up on CL, does have a Magna emblem on the blade raiser knob, But doesn't look like the blade slot is long enough to be a sliding table. Doen't look like anything but a regular slot. Boy SS are really high priced in that area when I looked them up. Thought they were high in Okla but guess I will not complain anymore. Sorry but have not seen anything like this so cannot help on suggestions. I have used the ShopSmith sliding table saw just don't have one yet. If I could get the SS Table Saw for the right price and in good shape I would pick one up for my Shop, Just my 2 cents

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 5:06 pm
by Ron309753
I think this is the same as what you are looking at, but I don't why it's called a sliding table. Unless I was a tool collector, I think I would save the $75.

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/ ... px?id=1008

Sincerely,

Ron309753

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 5:46 pm
by wlhayesmfs
Ron, I think you found it, I looked at the CL from his area and this is just like what is pictured but in more detail. I did not see anything that looks like it would slide, I agree I would save my money. If I was going to spend it and needed a table saw a lot larger saws come up all the time just not a Magna, Like you said if you collected Magna you might pick it up.

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:16 am
by recurvearcher
Thanks for the pictures. I've never seen one of those saws before. Looks interesting. I'm glad it's not close to me or I might have gained a project and be out $75

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 11:25 am
by Underdog
Yeah, things around here are few and far between when it comes to "reasonable" prices. Most of the stuff I've picked up as bargains have come from other states, which is hard as I have to plan my shopping around my travels. And then you are limited to what bargains are there at that time. Oh well. Makes the hunt all that much more enjoyable.

I was surprised to see a Magna table saw out there. Hadn't heard of it before, wondered what anyone here knew of them...

From what I can tell, the adjustable table "wings" slide either left or right which would allow you to use the fence at much greater distances to either side of the blade than a "regular" table saw. I don't need it, or have the space for it, but admit I've been tempted to go out and take a look...

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 12:10 pm
by Ed in Tampa
wlhayesmfs wrote:Shopsmith made the SawSmith 2000 from 1985 to 1987 which had a siding table top and the blade did not move was concidered ahead of its time and safer than a RAD, Used a 1 1/2 HP motor, you can find them from time to time usually with an upgraded RipFence. Most go around this are from $400 to $700, I don't have one of these Yet. You can see a picture here
http://www.songofthegreatlakes.com/ssmodels.htm if you want to see what they look like
Hope this was what you were looking for. I have not seen one by Magna. The Magna SawSmith is a RAS it ended production in 1965 I believe, I do have one of them.
Actually the Sawsmith 2000 to the best of my knowledge did not have a sliding table but rather had a carriage under the table that allowed the operator to pull on a rod to slide the saw blade forward and back.

I don't think anyone thought it was ahead of its time. The reason most people didn't buy the thing was if you grabbed the blade you could move it left and right about a 1/16-1/8 inch. The movement was from the slop in the slide mech that allowed the blade to move froward and back.

Had Shopsmith made this saw without the sliding blade feature I would have bought one. I really liked the table and fence. But now I perfectly happy I didn't buy one.

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 8:26 pm
by chucks
I'll find out..good or bad. Found this Saw Smith 2000

Shopsmith Saw Smith Table Saw - $150

Shopsmith Saw Smith Table Saw - NEW. In original box and has never been assembled or used. This
unit was purchased new for $950.00. Excellent buy for anyone in need of a table saw.


Now I have to set it up.....