I have been looking for a cabinet saw there is a 20 year old 1.5 hp Delta Unisaw that is in very good shape. Made in USA. Prior to that I was thinking of a 3hp Grizzly cabinet saw for around a $1000.
The Grizzly has 3hp and the ShopFox Fence while the Unisaw is only 1.5 hp and has the old style tube rails and fence. I assume I could wire the 1.5 hp to 220 which may make it slightly better than running on 120. I would think the fit and finish would be superior on the Unisaw but I figure I get more bang for my saw dollar with the Grizzly 3hp with ShopFox fence. Be cool to have a USA Delta but might not be worth it.
I would appreciate your opinons on the 1.5 hp Delta Unisaw; is the 1.5 hp motor going to be a limitation? Down the road will it be possible for me to put a 3 hp motor on the Unisaw or will it not fit? How are the older Unisaw fences - is this something that will require upgrading down the road? What do 1.5 hp Unisaws in good condition bring on the market today?