UPDATED: Can't decide on contractor TS.....

Tracy · 03-17-2006, 03:23 PM

I have decided to move up from my old Craftsman 10" benchtop saw which has served me well for about 6 years. Would like to move up to a contractor tablesaw, which needs to be mobile (working in a 2 car garage). Also would like to keep it in the $600 range if possible. I'm looking at the:

Delta 36-680
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=4921

RIDGID TS3650
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/TS3650-Table-Saw/

I have seen these two tablesaw's (in person) and have likes/dislikes about each and can't really decide. Can anyone assist me with their experiences with either of these saws or perhaps advantages/disadvantages based on what your experienced eye may see??

3/21 UPDATE: Looked at a few other recommendations online (JET, Griz, General,). Finally settled on the RIDGID TS3650 as I felt it had great reviews, good features and was probably the best bang for the buck as far as what I was looking for. Not going to go into a review here as there are plenty of professional ones already done. All I can say for now is....WOW!...

....what have I been missing with the benchtop tablesaw? This thing is quiet and out of the box was cutting great with just a few minor adjustments. I'm thrilled with my choice and THANKS to all who provided input/suggestions/comments to assist me in this purchase. Oh, went $6 over budget...

. Ran me $606 out the door at the local HD.

kota62 · 03-17-2006, 03:39 PM

This may not be a lot of help, but Amazon is running a special on the Delta you are interested, not sure if this is a great deal since I haven't been in the market for a tablesaw myself
By the way, welcome to our merry band of sawdust makers

Gary

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000EI961/ref=br_lf_hi_/102-2838916-0434535?n=228013&s=hi&v=glance

Ray Martin · 03-17-2006, 03:51 PM

Tracy,

Can't offer much help on their tablesaw but I do have a Ridgid Jointer and Ridgid Planer. I like them both. I did have a problem with the jointer when I forst got it, and their service folks were VERY helpful.

I also seem to remember the Ridgid tablesaw getting pretty good reviews in one of the woodworking mags.

Ray

DavidF · 03-17-2006, 03:57 PM

Can't help on the tablesaw, but second the good report on Rigid - I have the jointer.

If you can run to the $800 range I would highly reccommend the Dewalt 746

Canuck · 03-17-2006, 04:02 PM

Hi Tracy,

I know that are several members here with the Rigid TS3650 and seem to like it. Me? I went with the baby brother - Rigid TX2400LS. It has been a great saw for my personal use. I do need to rep lace the blade with something better than the OEM blade. I find the fence pretty good in terms of holding its alignment. I believe that the 3650 uses the same fence.

You may want to check out some of the comments of at the Rigid forum at:
http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/index.php

A am sure that some Rigid owners will chime in later.

Wayne

McRabbet · 03-17-2006, 04:12 PM

Sadly, you missed Insomniac's recent good deal on his Delta. He even tossed in a good quality dado blade and sold it for less than your budget. For the next few days, you can get the Delta at Amazon.com for $429.00 +$99.00 shipping charge (after $150.00 rebate).

I'll be truthful -- I believe comparison reviews and one saw that has gotten very good grades is the Grizzly G0444Z 2HP contractor's saw. It is a 220V saw so the power is real (Delta is 110V 1-1/2hp). I have Grizzly's 10" cabinet saw (G1023SLX) and love it. I can vouch that they make good quality/price-performance products. I believe it is superior to either of your choices.

Rob

PeteM · 03-17-2006, 04:12 PM

If you just need the mobility to move it around the garage you can always get a standard base saw and build or buy a mobile base for it. That gives you many more options and I it will also be less expensive. The dedicated mobile saws are designed to be hauled around a job site.

My .02
pete

Ray Martin · 03-17-2006, 04:20 PM

Dave,

I agree on the DeWalt tablesaw... that's the one I have and I'd give it very high marks. I went a bit overboard when I got it though... I got the slider (very nice) and the long extension.

LOVE

this saw

Ray

DavidF · 03-17-2006, 04:22 PM

Me too - slider+52" rails, and bought a WW II blade - sweet.

DaveO · 03-17-2006, 04:40 PM

I have to put my vote in for the Griz 0444Z, it one heck of a saw for little money. I have one and have been very pleased.
Dave

Steve D · 03-17-2006, 04:40 PM

I've had the Grizzly "Z" series contractor saw for about 9 years without a single problem. All of the saws mentioned so far are excellent choices and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

Inflatable Screen Door · 03-17-2006, 05:29 PM

from the first two I'd lean toward the delta because I like the fence design more. Like others have said grizzly saw are a great value and they also have a great bies clone fence design. IMHO the fence is the feature that seperates saws in this price range.

Somthing nobody has yet suggested is the sears hybrid saws. If you plan on using dustcollecton The sears saws are fully enclosed and would collect dust much better than a contractors saw with an open base.

Also don't rule out used. For around 600.00 you could get a used cabinet saw with plenty of horse power and a top notch fence. Even though they are not as shiny, old saws can cut wood just as good as new.

Travis Porter · 03-17-2006, 05:50 PM

I don't have either, but you might want to check out the Jet at Lowes if you haven't. No real opinion on it either, but I think they have been on sale for $400 or less.

stoneskippers · 03-17-2006, 06:32 PM

I got the TS3650 after owning a MT3000 and couldn't be happier with it. The mobility of it is great and the fence is excellent. I ripped some full sheets of 3/4" plywood last week and it was very easy except for picking the sheets up by myself. I also have the Ridgid 6" jointer, 14" bandsaw, and 12" miter saw and they all have preformed great and I really like their warranty. My 2c.

Grgramps · 03-17-2006, 06:43 PM

Tracy, I can sympathise with your dilemma. (Geez I wish this site offered spell check.) I go through the same agonizing process trying to be sure we get the most for our money and that we don't suffer buyers remorse.

I bought the Delta contractors saw 8 years ago when I started woodworking and have had no regrets. One of the first improvements I made was to add a WWII blade. Later a link belt was added (although that didn't make a great difference.) You will probably be satisfied with whatever you get, so don't lose too much sleep over it.

But keep in mind - you owe us a report on what you decide.

Roy

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