I would have a look out for the following things:
1 Using a straight edge, check that the table is flat particularly around the blade where the wood passes around the blade. A bit of dish is OK and to be expected, but nothing excessive.
2. Check that the claw on the rear of the fence isn’t broken. They are cast iron and if the fence is dropped they can and do break. If it’s broken, walk away, they are dangerous without the full hook profile.
3. Check the micro adjust cog, it’s inside the fence casting, so take off the fence, turn it upside down and have a look. If it’s worn they wont adjust the fence properly. You can buy new ones, but they are expensive!
4 Check the bars that the fence rise on are straight and true, if not it can be dangerous as the fence won’t hold its position with respect to the blade at all positions.
5. Check that the rise and fall and the tilt work properly.
7.Put a coin on the table top on its edge, start and stop the saw a few times. If it falls over it could be the bearings are worn.
8. Remove the belts and grab hold of the spindle and give it a good tug up and down. If you feel any movement the bearings or worse need attention. Do the same with the pulley on the motor. (disconnect the saw from the power when doing this).
9. Check the spindle thread and nut for damage / wear. Spares are available but expensive.
10. Check the flange of the spindle for dents / damage. Spares are available but expensive
11. Check the removable flange plate for dents / damage. Spares are available but expensive.
12. Check the riving knife is flat and not bent. Again spares are available.
13, Make sure it has a properly fitting crown guard, preferably an original one that hasnt been chewed up by the blade. Originals are available but very very expensive.
14. With a straight edge check the fence is actually straight. Remove any sacrificial fence before doing this.
15. Check the saw spindle isn’t broken where the bar to lock it goes through. There is a hole in the table that the bar inserts through. They are often broken.
16. Check that it has the two fixed bars that bolt into the ends of the bars that the fence slide on. They are important for keeping the fence true.
17. Start it up and take a few test cuts.
18. If the owner doesn’t want you to do a thorough inspection / checks, walk away they probably have something to hide!
Startrites are brilliant saws, well built and last for generations. Good luck.
A Startrite 175 will not take the same blade size as a 275, they are not identical.
