Table saw recommendations for ~$650

[jinjuku]

I am looking for a table saw in the $650 range. I wish I could afford a cabinet saw but that simply isn't happening.

I have looked hard at the Grizzly G0444 and it is $625 + free shipping.

What others should I be giving serious consideration to?

Thx in advance every one.

 

[chris357]

I would check craigslist for used, they are probably in really good shape (I mean what can go wrong) i got a 700 saw for 250. You just need a friend and a truck.

 

[jinjuku]

I would check craigslist for used, they are probably in really good shape (I mean what can go wrong) i got a 700 saw for 250. You just need a friend and a truck.

Ya, I saw(pun not intended) a Powermatic 64a in Cincinnati for $650. BUT I don't have the house quite yet... I would have to rent a U-Haul.

That Powermatic is most likely a $2K (or round about) saw.

 

[ma7rix13]

Yeah, I feel your pain jinjuku. Weight was a hugh issue for me as I would like to move it from the garage to the basement when not in use. I settled on the Craftsman 21804, for $250. Probably would not recommend this as I have accuracy issues b/c of its poor build quality (lots of plastic parts)

 

[jinjuku]

Yeah, I feel your pain jinjuku. Weight was a hugh issue for me as I would like to move it from the garage to the basement when not in use. I settled on the Craftsman 21804, for $250. Probably would not recommend this as I have accuracy issues b/c of its poor build quality (lots of plastic parts)

That is why I have the $650 budget. $250 is going to be wasted on a table saw. Better off getting a good circular saw and rip fence.

 

[lsiberian]

I'm pretty sure bosch table saws are very reliable. However you might check

Do you want a cabinet, hybrid, portable, or contractor saw?

 

[jinjuku]

I'm pretty sure bosch table saws are very reliable. However you might check

Do you want a cabinet, hybrid, portable, or contractor saw?

My price range is dictating a contractor saw. Decent hybrids are another $250 or so.

Saws from what I have seen progress in price like this:

Low$$ portable-contractor-hybrid-cabinet High $$

Most Hybrid's that I have seen start at $850, cabinet saws? easily start at $1200-$1400.

The Grizzly looks like it has the features I want:

4" dust collection
Out board (what is the actual term?) motor
220v capability
Nice rip fence (biesemeye clone?)

I am just wondering if Bosch/Jet/Rigid/Craftsman(*who ever makes them)/Hitachi have any models that will touch this one.

 

[lsiberian]

My price range is dictating a contractor saw. Decent hybrids are another $250 or so.

I think that's the best way to go for most DIY'ers.

I suggest a JET, Powermatic, or Delta brand saw. All 3 have a good reputation.

http://www.amazon.com/708307K-JWTS-10PF-2-Horsepower-Contractor-Extension/dp/B0009H57RA/ref=dp_ob_title_hi

http://www.amazon.com/Powermatic-1791227K-2-Horsepower-Contractor-Accu-Fence/dp/B00005OQM5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1251830228&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-36-980-2-Horsepower-Contractor-Cast-Iron/dp/B000H0THTI/ref=dp_cp_ob_hi_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1251830278&sr=1-14

The prices are all to high I realize, but you may look around for used saws similar to these. So many folks never use their tools and just buy them that you can probably score a great deal somewhere.

If this proves to be too much in cost.

Look at this http://www.amazon.com/EZ-Smart-Tool-Guide-System/dp/B0009STZOU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1251830690&sr=1-5

http://www.eurekazone.com/
It's supposed to be amazing.

 

[jinjuku]

I think that's the best way to go for most DIY'ers.

I suggest a JET, Powermatic, or Delta brand saw. All 3 have a good reputation.

http://www.amazon.com/708307K-JWTS-10PF-2-Horsepower-Contractor-Extension/dp/B0009H57RA/ref=dp_ob_title_hi

http://www.amazon.com/Powermatic-1791227K-2-Horsepower-Contractor-Accu-Fence/dp/B00005OQM5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1251830228&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-36-980-2-Horsepower-Contractor-Cast-Iron/dp/B000H0THTI/ref=dp_cp_ob_hi_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1251830278&sr=1-14

The prices are all to high I realize, but you may look around for used saws similar to these. So many folks never use their tools and just buy them that you can probably score a great deal somewhere.

If this proves to be too much in cost.

Look at this http://www.amazon.com/EZ-Smart-Tool-Guide-System/dp/B0009STZOU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1251830690&sr=1-5

http://www.eurekazone.com/
It's supposed to be amazing.

The problem with the EZ Smart (which I have looked at) is the ability to setup repetitive cuts.

I have a circ saw and diy rip fence that will let me break down large stock for the table saw.

I 'think' the Grizzly has hybrid features but a contractor saw price. Is there anything going against it? That is the question. Currently with all the reviews I have read it seems to be a great saw. I just wanted to see if anyone here had some personal experience.

 

[Warpdrv]

These are excellent table saws, I know lots of people that have them, and they are extremely accurate and very popular with the DIY guys over on AVS
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100642039/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[DaveHo]

I don't have any specific advise, but have you looked on Woodnet?

http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php

-Dave

 

[jinjuku]

These are excellent table saws, I know lots of people that have them, and they are extremely accurate and very popular with the DIY guys over on AVS
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100642039/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

It looks nice but Rigid isn't making this model any longer. Do you think replacement parts would be a problem?

 

[highfigh]

That is why I have the $650 budget. $250 is going to be wasted on a table saw. Better off getting a good circular saw and rip fence.

Can you go a little higher? The motor on this one is made for 220V/110V and has a riving knife. If you plan to work with sheet goods a lot, the riving knife is a great safety feature and it's one of the first available in the US with that. Europe banned saws without a riving knife quite a while ago and it's illegal to remove it for cutting a dado over there.

http://grizzly.com/products/10-2-HP-Contractor-Style-Table-Saw-with-riving-knife/G0661

I have four Grizzly machines and they have all been great. I've read comments from people at www.taunton.com in the forums about how bad Grizzly and all of the imported machines are but literally all of the major woodworking machine companies have at least part of their line made in China, usually at the same plants. General makes their own, but General International is made in China. My saw is dead accurate after 7 years.

Look for sales on the Forrest WoodWorker II blade. It's the best I have used and mine has been sharpened once in the time I have had it. I have cut particle board, MDF, laminated materials, oak, cherry, hard maple, plastics, masonite and solid surface material with excellent results.

First time I handled it after unpacking it and checking it out, I put it away. A few minutes later, my hand was sticky. Turns out that I had cut my fingers but never felt it. If you know what a glue line rip is (a rip so clean and straight that it needs no other prep before gluing the pieces together, this blade will cut that well. Woods with higher sugar content (maple and cherry) are more likely to burn, but if the feed rate and cutting depth are OK, it should leave clean surfaces. With oak, poplar and mahogany, nothing more is needed.

 

[highfigh]

My price range is dictating a contractor saw. Decent hybrids are another $250 or so.

Saws from what I have seen progress in price like this:

Low$$ portable-contractor-hybrid-cabinet High $$

Most Hybrid's that I have seen start at $850, cabinet saws? easily start at $1200-$1400.

The Grizzly looks like it has the features I want:

4" dust collection
Out board (what is the actual term?) motor
220v capability
Nice rip fence (biesemeye clone?)

I am just wondering if Bosch/Jet/Rigid/Craftsman(*who ever makes them)/Hitachi have any models that will touch this one.

Not sure where Bosch are made but the rest are made in China at the same plants. If you can, run it on 220V. The manual has the info for changing the wiring. The fence looks like the one on mine but mine has HDPE faces, which aren't the best because they tend to "grow" when the temperature gets into the upper 90s.

 

[highfigh]

The problem with the EZ Smart (which I have looked at) is the ability to setup repetitive cuts.

I have a circ saw and diy rip fence that will let me break down large stock for the table saw.

I 'think' the Grizzly has hybrid features but a contractor saw price. Is there anything going against it? That is the question. Currently with all the reviews I have read it seems to be a great saw. I just wanted to see if anyone here had some personal experience.

The saw I linked to has a 2HP motor, which can be helpful but if you're not cutting 3" white oak, hard maple or southern yellow pine, it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Just maintain a safe feed rate and let the blade so its job to be safe.

If you plan to cut sheet goods, look around for plans on how to build an outfeed table. It's much better than using roller stands or saw horses if you're working alone.

 

[highfigh]

Good news! I found this in Grizzly's scratch and dent section-

http://www.grizzly.com/outlet/14-10-HP-220V-440V-3-Phase-Sliding-Table-Saw-w-Digital-Controls/G0620

Such a deal!

 

[lsiberian]

Can you go a little higher? The motor on this one is made for 220V/110V and has a riving knife. If you plan to work with sheet goods a lot, the riving knife is a great safety feature and it's one of the first available in the US with that. Europe banned saws without a riving knife quite a while ago and it's illegal to remove it for cutting a dado over there.

http://grizzly.com/products/10-2-HP-Contractor-Style-Table-Saw-with-riving-knife/G0661

I have four Grizzly machines and they have all been great. I've read comments from people at www.taunton.com in the forums about how bad Grizzly and all of the imported machines are but literally all of the major woodworking machine companies have at least part of their line made in China, usually at the same plants. General makes their own, but General International is made in China. My saw is dead accurate after 7 years.

Look for sales on the Forrest WoodWorker II blade. It's the best I have used and mine has been sharpened once in the time I have had it. I have cut particle board, MDF, laminated materials, oak, cherry, hard maple, plastics, masonite and solid surface material with excellent results.

First time I handled it after unpacking it and checking it out, I put it away. A few minutes later, my hand was sticky. Turns out that I had cut my fingers but never felt it. If you know what a glue line rip is (a rip so clean and straight that it needs no other prep before gluing the pieces together, this blade will cut that well. Woods with higher sugar content (maple and cherry) are more likely to burn, but if the feed rate and cutting depth are OK, it should leave clean surfaces. With oak, poplar and mahogany, nothing more is needed.

Is this the blade
http://www.amazon.com/Forrest-WW10407125-Woodworker-10-Inch-8-Inch/dp/B0000223VQ

Looks like they sale circular saw blades. I may have to check that out.

 

[Warpdrv]

It looks nice but Rigid isn't making this model any longer. Do you think replacement parts would be a problem?

I doubt it would be a problem.... they are extremely well made units, haven't heard anyone having a problem with them to date...

I would buy one in a second if I had a need for a non-portable unit...

The price is certainly attractive, why spend more.... that saw is no slouch.

I have the smaller portable unit and I love it, powerful and works great.

 

[highfigh]

Is this the blade
http://www.amazon.com/Forrest-WW10407125-Woodworker-10-Inch-8-Inch/dp/B0000223VQ

Looks like they sale circular saw blades. I may have to check that out.

That's almost full list price. Look at Rockler- they sometimes have it for a lot less. If you have one, get on their mailing list for the coupons and sales. I only go to the one here when I need specific things and they're on sale. I don't remember the last time someone at that store had a decent answer for my questions. They're usually too busy complaining about working there, management or some meeting they have to go to.

If you think you'll be buying one and need other things, check out The Woodworking Shows. They run every year and Forrest is always there with specials. They usually have some good seminars, too. http://cms.thewoodworkingshows.com/cms/

They kick off this year in Dallas, too-Oct 23 through the 25th. It's best if you know the going prices before you get there because not all of the dealers have good deals. Some rely on the feeding frenzy.

 

[chris357]

I am looking for a table saw in the $650 range. I wish I could afford a cabinet saw but that simply isn't happening.

I have looked hard at the Grizzly G0444 and it is $625 + free shipping.

What others should I be giving serious consideration to?

Thx in advance every one.

considering this one has free delivery which is nice and will save you a few bucks and a sore back. Its in your price range.. its probably as good as any in this price. BUT you can rent a home depot truck for 20 bucks buy a friend a case of beer and you can wait for a really awesome used one for the same price or less.