I need a good table saw !

I need a good table saw ! · 09-12-2009, 08:32 PM

I just joined this forum today so I would like to say hello to everyone here ! I live in Fredericksburg, VA. and am a modest woodworker. I have been woodworking for about 2 years building basic cabinet boxes for my guitar tube amplifiers that I build from scratch. I have been a guitar player for over 25 years and started making my own amplifiers now for a couple years. I have been slowly putting together a decent wood shop in my 2 car garage for the past year and I am finally ready to start buying some REAL woodworking equipment. I need a good table saw that will last me many years and provide quality results. Here are my requirements :

1. Must not excede $1000.00 in cost
2. single phase operation
3. belt driven motor

I appreciate everyone's input and hope that I can make a good decision on my table saw purchase next month when my bonus check arrives

Thanks to all in advance !!!!

mshel · 09-12-2009, 11:20 PM

Buy older american made equipment.

1. Check out the craigslist postings in your area daily.
2. If you find a good deal, jump on it or someone else will.
3. Don't settle for a contractors saw, start right and get a cabinet saw. That way you won't have to upgrade down the road.
4. Or buy new and skip all the drama. Lots of choices out there in your price range.

There are a lot of old Delta unisaws out there as well as some Powermatic 66. Either will set you for life.

Mike

worm1595 · 09-12-2009, 11:28 PM

Craigslist you say ?......I know all about that ! Last week I scored my Bench Dog Pro-Top router table complete with the pro fence and pro lift for $75.00 !!!

That's right.....$75.00 !!! It is in like new condition to boot ! I still can't believe I got such a sweet router set up for under $100 !

I am leaning toward a hybrid table saw from Delta as of right now but I am sure I will change my mind before the cash comes out.

James Davis · 09-12-2009, 11:34 PM

Welcome to the site. Just did a Craigs list search in your area and there were two Unisaws listed now. The older one was the better deal as it stood. The other guy is dreaming.

Check it out,
James

merrill77 · 09-12-2009, 11:35 PM

You might want to elaborate a little on what you will use the table saw for and how you define good. If you have something now (such as a benchtop table saw), tell us what it is and why it doesn't need your needs.

You can get a very good used contractor saw for well under $500, which leaves you with cash for blades and the various jigs and fixtures that you find you need for various tasks (tenon jig, etc). Don't let anyone tell you that you _need_ a cabinet saw to get good results. You'll find plenty of great woodworking coming out of shops on this list using contractor saws.

Chris

worm1595 · 09-12-2009, 11:49 PM

Well since you asked....I do not have a table saw right now. I am not going to spend the huge cash on a saw that I do not need. I am looking to build fine hardwood cabinets for my amplifiers that I make as well as matching speaker cabs too. I am setting my budget at 1K. I am really liking the hybrid saws from Jet, Delta and Grizzly. The Ridged 3650 has caught my eye too. I will probably buy new because I am sooooooooo particular with my stuff. I like my stuff new or in like new condition.

James Davis · 09-13-2009, 12:06 AM

I just went through the same thing a while back. I was saving for a new contractors saw and decided that if I was ever going to get a Unisaw this was the time. I went with a 3HP 1 phase 220v model with a 52" Biesmeyer fence. I read the reviews in the magazines of the hybrid saws and they complained about the cost of the hybrid compared to what Steel City and Grizzly was selling a true cabinet saw for. So I went with a used Unisaw that was in great shape and have not looked back. The Hybrids were OK but for my money, and I don't have much , it was worth the effort to clean up the table and not worry about an under powered saw when the sawing got tough.

MTCW
James

worm1595 · 09-13-2009, 03:10 AM

I am really liking the Jet ProShop 10" saw. Looks like you get alot of saw for around $800 and the 5 year warrenty looks good too !

Guy in Paradise · 09-13-2009, 05:40 AM

I have owned a Delta unisaw and two Grizzly cabinet saws and been very happy with all. It has been like losing a family member every I have moved (Department of Defense employee), but I have always been able to get a replacement.

Craigslist in Delaware has one: sale-jrag5-1329017789@craigslist.org

Although I have had the long rails, I prefer the short rails. I just don't do that much large cutting of plywood sheets, and the table surface suits my needs well. Although your budget is $1K, you can get a nice saw, with patience, on craigslist for that. I still would recommend getting a brand new one. The Grizzly G1023SL for $1075 with free shipping is right at your number. I loved mine. Now I have the G0690, still for $1250 with free shipping, is a great deal.

Go with a cabinet saw. There are many good choices. No matter what saw, do plan on getting a good blade.

Good luck.

DavidF · 09-14-2009, 12:56 PM

The Dewalt DW746 Hybrid is a GREAT saw, mine has done sterling service and don't worry about the seemingly low horse power. With a standard kerf blade this saw will rip a full height cut in just about anything I have thrown at it.

Mark O · 09-24-2009, 10:14 AM

As a shameless plug, I am selling my 5 yr old Dewalt 746 with 30" fence, dewalt mobile base and left cast iron extension wing for $375. I bought a sawstop and just don't have room for it.

pafekete · 09-24-2009, 05:30 PM

For fine cabinetry I believe a cabinet saw is the best investment you can make. I have had a Unisaw for 6 years and it requires hardly any maintenance and still cuts like the first day I used it. They are life time machines. I will be selling mine soon because I am moving cross country but I have too many accessories for your price range. If I buy a new table saw again I will probably buy the stop saw though. Good luck.