Hi all, I have a question that I really need some advice on.
I've been looking for a new table saw for some time now. I've been a home builder doing high end custom work for over twenty years. As a part of that business we regulatory turn out a lot of custom built-ins, mantels, stair cases, etc. For years I've had a Delta contractor saw that has served most of our needs reasonably well, but it has always lacked in the ripping department. I have an upcoming project that is going to require a lot of ripping and I want to upgrade my saw. I've been looking for a 5hp single phase saw because my shop is limited to single phase power, and I don't want to be left wanting for more power when ripping.
I've looked at all the new options (already decided against a Saw Stop) and I've spent more time on the internet looking at used options than I really care to. I want to do this as inexpensively as I can because I want to get a few accessories too, including a power feeder (another reason for 5hp so I can run rips quickly).
I have looked at the Grizzly G0696X as a new possibility (I have some Grizzly tools and like them), and pretty much all the HD used saws you can name. I do like the PM66 a lot, and I feel the Delta/Rockwell Unisaws would fit the bill too, but it seems that almost all 5hp saws are three phase. My problem is finding a 5hp, single phase saw that is close enough to me to go and pick up (I'm in Northeast TN and I'm willing to drive 5 hours or so one way for the right saw). This leads me to my specific questions.
If were to buy a 3hp saw and decide at some point that it just needed more power, how easily can I retrofit a 5hp motor to a saw? Is there a specific saw that would make this easier or cheaper to do? It looks like a motor would be under $500 so I think this is an option if the price on a 3hp saw was right. I also realize I might find that 3hp is enough as well, but if I can get 5hp upfront that's definitely what I prefer. Any other ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. I need to do something on this in the next thirty days.