Rikon Sliding table saw

Rikon Sliding table saw · 09-12-2009, 05:09 PM

Hello everyone: Can anyone tell me where to actually see a Rikon 10" sliding tablesaw in person. I'm in Asheville and willing to take a drive to see one. I've phoned all the distributers with 150 miles and no one has one in their showrooms. Other than that, has anyone had any experience with the saw and can anyone comment on its fit and finish? I'll take any information as a gift. Thanks!
Bill

Tarhead · 09-12-2009, 10:34 PM

Both Klingspor in Hickory and Woodcraft carry Rikon. May want to give 'em a call. Klingspor may have it at their show in Hickory last weekend of October.

Herebrooks · 09-12-2009, 11:10 PM

Thanks Mark: I phoned those two stores, no one seems to stock one.
Bill

Tarhead · 09-13-2009, 06:35 AM

Rikon Customer Service?

Herebrooks · 09-13-2009, 12:21 PM

Hi Mark: I tried the customer service number and got a nice person who sent me on to someone's voicemail who didn't return my call(%^$*#%*) Anyway, the reason I'm so interested in the Rikon Sliding Tablesaw is that I have owned a POITRAS TS121(made in Quebec) since 1976. It has a great sliding table, and having had one for over 30 years, I can't understand why more woodworkers are not clammering for that feature. The rikon seems to be the only saw in that price range that will do everything my saw will do, like crosscutting a 4x8 sheet. OK, Rikon doesn't have the reputation that some of the other sawmakers have(Delta,Steel city,SAWSTOP(I have no intention of cutting another finger off)). But WHAT justifies the cost of these saws. If you want to see a really great saw, see the new Laguna slider for about 4500.
I'm not saying the unisaw,or the others, are not good saws. On the contrary, everything works as it should, mercively, the fences have improved over the years(they no longer crimp out of square), but really, what have they done for the crosscut? ZIP! In the early years, I made crosscut jigs that worked perfectly well....as long as I remembered to lean on the right quadrent, hold my breath with the follow thru, and compensate for the blade opening that had grown since I used that thicker blade the week before. Natter, natter, please forgive me.
My poitras has given me 34 years of service without a complaint. I stopped ripping solid woods on it(unless there was no alternatives,ie sizing drawer sides) to save the stresses put on it by boards that would close on the back sides of the blade. I rip solids on my bandsaw. Maybe this saved the saw. BUT, crosscuts, and machining cuts have always been extremely accurate due to the sliding table.
Too bad my saw isn't made anymore. It's a 14" saw, with a stub ripping fence, a direct drive 3 HP, weighs in at almost 600lbs AND it only cost 1600.00 in 1976. C'est domage!
Bill

eyekode · 09-13-2009, 08:27 PM

Keep us posted if you get your hands on one. The one on ebay looks to be an amazing deal if the saw is decent quality (~1900$ for sliding table, 3hp, 600+lbs + a "free" Rikon 6" jointer, free shipping). Just last week "bing" cash back made it to 15% for ebay...

I don't think I have the room for such a beast but it is nice to dream. For now I will go back to cross cutting 4x8 sheets on the floor of my garage with a straight edge and circular saw

.

Salem

Travis Porter · 09-13-2009, 10:41 PM

I can't say that I have seen a Rikon slider anywhere. Another alternative to the Rikon would be a Robland, and they come up for sale used now and again. Powermatic and Grizzly offer them as well now. Grizzly will even provide you a reference nearby to go see or check one out.

As for cross cutting, yes, a saw with a sliding table makes it a whole lot easier, I do understand that for sure.

Good luck!

Tarhead · 09-14-2009, 07:32 AM

Have you considered the Festool saws and guides for breaking down sheetgoods?
After hurting my back a few years ago it makes life a lot easier, reduces the pucker factor and reduces space requirements of handling large heavy sheets. Lots of chatter over on the Festool Owner's Group about their Parallel Guide attachments for precise rips and crosscuts (never can figure out which is which on plywood???) up to 26" on a full sheet. I'm considering adding these to my Festool stable but people like you keep offering me deals I can't refuse.

Probably too much info but here's a video of the set up (note: the demo uses the shortest guide rail. This attachment can be used with any length and I would use 2, 1400mm rails (~9ft) for a full sheet):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ogA..._embedded#t=36

Herebrooks · 09-14-2009, 08:56 AM

Hi Mark: How's that plane working for you? I agree about the parallel guides being a good way to breakdown sheetgoods, and I definitely understand the savings on the old back. I'll post a picture of my poitras table saw when I can take one, and I'll keep you posted on my Rikon search.
Bill

gdoebs · 09-17-2009, 08:17 PM

Just my .02.

I use the Festool Saw/Guide rail to rip to width. Then I use my Jessem Master Slide on my table saw to cross cut. It handles up to 36" cut so it's all I need for plywood. I do have the parallel guides for the Festool rail, and I'll use those a lot, once I get them out of the box