Collin,

I don't know if it is possible to buy just the base and whether or not it retrofits the stamped stell based model.

So you got the saw from Mori-san, huh? I guess you know he died a year or so ago? A nice fellow from whom I've purchased a fair number of tools. I'm not sure if his wife is still continuing the business or not. Sounds like you bought an old stock model, because 5 years ago there were no 10"/250 mm saws in production as far as I remember. I imagine it will be difficult to get parts for it.

I agree with you on the 13" - it is the perfect size of larger saw. The 16" just doesn't have quite enough power really. They should make it a 230 v. model and beef up the wattage. With a really sharp blade it is adequate at best.

Chris