So I bought the 1940s Craftsman after taking it for a test drive. No vibration and, with the exception of a power cord plug that can stand replacing, seems in great condition. Here's the kicker:

The seller is a master luthier who makes and repairs guitars. We spent about an hour in his shop where he showed me guitars he was repairing for Eric Clapton and a guy from Guns N Roses (somebody who calls himself Flash or Splash). He had a couple of barrels of cutoffs and gave me about a dozen pieces. Half of them were flame maple boards about 1x5x30. A couple were 3x3x24 spalted maple. He gave me some gorgeous exotic ebony. I believe the wood was almost equal to the cost of the saw.

Finally, I have an old mandolin with a crack in the back and he's going to take a look to see if it is worth repair.

I know that there are some musicians in the group. This gentleman's name is Larry Brooks, if that rings a bell.

Larry