Brag Thread: Tools from Craigslist

[sewerrat]

I saw something similar in the main forum with arcade cabinets . .thought I'd try one for tools

I've been wanting a table saw for a long time, but didn't want to spend $500-$700 on a decent one and definately didn't want to spend $200 on a Lowes/Sears/HD one, so I scoured and monitored Craigslist for weeks for a used one. 
Then, one day last week, it happened:

For sale . .table saw found in basement of my father who recently passed away.  I don't know anything about saws but I do know my father loved woodworking.  Its too heavy for me to remove, so you will have to get it out of his basement.  $30

I responded ASAP and was at the house within 20 minutes.  I had to take the saw apart to move it, but it was well worth it.  An almost mint condition Sears Craftsman, belt driven, huge cast iron top, and all kinds of blades (kerf, dado, etc) and jigs that he had made and used.  And it had a stand with locking casters as well.  In talking to the young woman (early 30's), her father had passed away from cancer.  I felt guilty getting the saw at such a great price, I told her I would make a $100 donation to the local cancer center in her fathers name in addition to the $30 I paid her, and I did.  $130 for an awesome table saw. 

[leapinlew]

 I got a 30 gallon air compressor for $60. I wasn't sure if I wanted a air compressor, so this was a good opportunity.

Turns out I love having an air compressor and would gladly pay several hundred for one next time.

[sewerrat]

I got a 30 gallon air compressor for $60. I wasn't sure if I wanted a air compressor, so this was a good opportunity.

Turns out I love having an air compressor and would gladly pay several hundred for one next time.

Roger that - although I'd love a 30 gallon (I think mine is dual 4 gallons).  I have it in my garage with the retractable overhead air hose and it gets used a lot.

[NiteWalker]

A compressor is on my list of needed things. Hope I get a good deal like you did lew...

[ChadTower]

Niiice on the tablesaw. 

I have a good looking air compressor/tank I got off Freecycle that I don't know how to use yet. 

[Chris G]

I'm starting a hunt for a nice used tablesaw, so thanks for the encouraging story.  Congrats!

[padstack]

I got a 30 gallon air compressor for $60. I wasn't sure if I wanted a air compressor, so this was a good opportunity.

Turns out I love having an air compressor and would gladly pay several hundred for one next time.

I picked one up at an auction when my grandfather sold his farm.  I needed more than the basic 10 gallon one, but didn't want to pay $700 for one.  I picked up 120 gal w/ a massive compressor and motor (used to run a couple 1" drive impacts at once) for $200.  No one else even bid!  Even better, 10 min later, a guy walked up and asked the auctioneer when he was selling it because he had a few guys send him over w/ bids for over $400 for it (still a bargain).  My grandpa took exceptional care of it as well.  Just like new!

[ChadTower]

I'm starting a hunt for a nice used tablesaw, so thanks for the encouraging story.  Congrats!

Me too, so far I see a lot of antique tablesaws but few that tempt me.  Saw one guy with a brand new Ryobi for $50, which I know is low end but it was $50, but it was 90 minutes away from me.

[Chris G]

I started my "hunt" by doing a Craigslist search for "table saw".  After sifting through dozens of ads, I realized that I know absolutely nothing about table saws.  So now my hunt is for education so I don't end up with a $600 - $50 tablesaw.

[ChadTower]

Heh, me too, same boat, I'm hunting by brand name and age.