Anybody got a Hybrid Table Saw?

Anybody got a Hybrid Table Saw? · 01-09-2008, 10:27 AM

I again find myself displeased with the results I get from my contractor's saw. I have been looking at hybrid table saws, mostly for the ease of 110 volt connection.

There have been numerous articles in the magazines lately, all with different recommendations and results.

I was wondering if anyone has one and would be kind enough to share your opinion of what you like or dislike about your saw. I have seen numerous bad responses to the Delta hybrid on amazon.com, but not alot of informtion on the others.

If I were to purchase today, I would strongly lean towards the Steel City just because of the reviews.

Kenneth

Bas · 01-09-2008, 11:20 AM

I have a hybrid saw, the JET ProShop JPS-10. I'm extremely pleased with it, it does every thing I want it to do, and I got it for a great price. Low vibration, excellent fence, etc. I don't have any experience with other hybrids, but I've seen the Craftsman zipcode saw, which is the same as the Steel City one. It looks solid as well. In fact, I remember seeing a review recently that showed there wasn't a huge difference in quality between hybrids - they're all good.

Funnily enough, I converted my saw from 110V to 220V. I had run a 220V line in anticipation of buying a 220V cabinet saw, it was easier to rewire the saw than run a new 110V line

There is nothing I dislike about my saw, except for the guard/ splitter. I wish they made a good hybrid saw with a riving knife. Steel City is supposed to come out with one this year. It should also have the granite top option. I plan to replace my splitter with an after-market solution.

The only real difference I can see (other than price and need for 220V) is the amount of horsepower a cabinet saw delivers. I'm strictly an amateur, the few times I rip 8/4 hard maple I'll simply feed it slow.

If you happen to be in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by and check out my saw. Nothing like kicking the tires to figure out what you want.

Canuck · 01-09-2008, 11:28 AM

Kenneth,

Myself (and a number of forum members) have the Craftsman 22124. It is made by Orion and believe it is the same saw as a the Steel City hybrid.

I have had mine for just over a year and it has been great. It comes with the Beismyer fence and rail system which is an excellent fence. I have had no issues with the power and it was really easy to set up. (A little heavy, so you will likely need some physical help getting it in place.) It does come with the miter guage, which is so-so. I believe that Sears are currently running a sale on this saw for $899. I took off the right hand Masonite extension and added a MLCS router extension that has been a great upgrade. The dust collection on the saw is also quite adequate for my use.

The saw .........

The router table extension.....

There are lots of reviews of this saw here on the INTERNET for this saw. (It has also become known as the "zipcode saw".

Hope this helps.

Wayne

Douglas Robinson · 01-09-2008, 11:32 AM

I had one of the early Jet hybrids. I liked most things about it. My two issues were: 1. Power 1 3/4 HP was weak some times, and 2) the trunions were attached to the table top not the case and as a result yearly cleaning was a PAIN.

Have you considered a used cabinet saw? There have been a lot for sale lately. Here and on CL. If the saw has been well kept than you can probably get more bang for your buck. What are you looking to spend?

Doug

DavidF · 01-09-2008, 11:43 AM

I would HIGHLY recommend the Dewalt 746 Hybrid, especially with the 52" rail extentions. 1 3/4 HP has been more than enough to take a full height rip on anything I have thown at it. As Bas said, speed or power feeding is not where these saws are aimed. The out of the box setup was virtually perfect and I think the fence is awesome.

Bas · 01-09-2008, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by KWGOOCH

I again find myself displeased with the results I get from my contractor's saw.

What, specifically, do you dislike? Power, accuracy, fence, vibration, dust collection, all of the above? What saw do you have right now?

KWGOOCH · 01-09-2008, 12:54 PM

I have a Delta 36-650 that I have had for about 6 years. I had purchased replacement cast iron extensions to replace the stamped steel. They are out of square and impossible to line up. The original fence was a joke. I have recently added a unifence, which is a great upgrade to what I had. The way this saw is designed, makes it very difficult to adjust and align. The original manual included nothing about adjustments. I had contacted Delta several times and they email new instructions on alignment. I use the saw occasionally for projects, but I always end up spending more time making sure it is set up properly than actually making sawdust. I have spent enough money in upgrades trying to make it better than if I had purchased a new Grizzly cabinet saw. So, I am tired of it and I am looking for something I can work with instead of work on.

Kenneth

Ray Martin · 01-09-2008, 01:18 PM

Like DavidF, I have the DeWalt. I love it. The miter that came with it is ok. I got the slider, which comes with a larger, very nice miter.

Ray

Bas · 01-09-2008, 01:59 PM

Based on what you said, I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of the saws mentioned in this thread. Both FWW and PWW did a test on hybrid saws recently. FWW picked the Woodtek, PWW picked the Jet and Steel City (Grizzly came in as the best value).

The differences are very small, and some items are questionable. For example, PWW said this about the JET: "Because the enclosed base is so small, you need to keep dust collection hooked up at all times. That, plus a non-user-friendly access panel pushed this saw into a tie for best.". Why would you not turn on the DC if you have it? And as far as opening the access panel....I doubt this would be in people's top 10 list of features. On the Steel City, the reviewer noted the motor slowed down when feeding it thick stock. But this was not mentioned with the Craftsman, which is the same saw underneath! I don't doubt the reviewer experienced it, but it must have been that particular model. I believe the DeWalt also comes with cast iron wings, but they're a little pricey.

In short, pick the features you want. I chose the JET because of the fence (and the sale price......). The Woodtek has a built-in mobile base and a digital readout. The Craftsman has a crosscut fence and a built-in outfeed table. The Steel City has a larger work surface, which is great when handling sheet goods. The DeWalt has an option for a sliding table. Etc. etc.

Bryan S · 01-09-2008, 02:13 PM

Kenneth I don't have one yet but a hybrid is most likely what I will upgrade too hopefully in the next couple of months. Popular Woodworking had a good write up and comparison in their Nov. issue. Somewhere on their website they had some video footage of their test but Ive got to get ready for work and the links on my other puter which is being repaired.

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/up...HybridSaws.pdf

The Steel City and Jet proshop (that Bas recently got) are on my short list.

KWGOOCH · 01-09-2008, 02:35 PM

I wish I could test drive them all for myself before I buy. Even on a car you can try it out first. The magazine articles are good, but when I compare them to each other I just get more confused. Maybe when you buy yours I will come over and try it out.

I went by that wood working store in Burlington last month to look at the saws, especially the Woodtech that only 1 article listed. They were redoing the floors.....darn it!

JimmyC · 01-09-2008, 02:49 PM

Kenneth,

The Steel City is a great choice, it's the only hybrid that has the inner workings (trunnion,motor,etc.) attached the same way as a cabinet saw. All of the other hybrids are basically contractors saws in a more solid cabinet. Go to a dealer that sells Steel City and others, and ask them to show you the differences, I'm sure you will be impressed.

Either way, good luck with your choice.

Jimmy

DavidF · 01-09-2008, 03:03 PM

If anybody wants to come over and test drive my Dewalt (extension table+slider) then please do.

Bas · 01-09-2008, 03:17 PM

What DavidF said. Please go over and test drive his DeWalt.

Oh, yes, you're more than welcome to come test drive the JET too

Maybe I need to get going on organizing the shop crawl, so we can start sooner rather than later......

woodArtz · 01-09-2008, 04:06 PM

I have the Dewalt hybrid and have been quite satisfied with it. The only upgrade I felt compelled to make was a link drive belt (which I do for all my belt driven tools).