Replies

1. 
   popawheelie | Dec 01, 2008 06:18am | #1

   you really can't go wrong with a cabinet saw. I'd buy used. If it needs a little work it is no big deal.

   A cabinet saw with a nice fence and a big outfeed table.

   I'd go for the big motor.

2. 
   amillionquestions | Dec 01, 2008 06:54am | #2

   I agree that a larger motor and a good name brand, made in the (old) USA is a good investment. There are, and probably are about to be more high quality saws available at reasonable prices. Keep your eyes open and look at Craig's list, ebay, local cabinet shops, etc.. You are bound to come up with one fairly easily.

3. 
   bd | Dec 01, 2008 02:29pm | #3

   Depending on where you live, looking for a used saw may work or not. I have never seen anything around here when I needed it. Woodworker's Supply has Unisaws (the current model, not the newly redesigned one) with mobile bases & free shippiing for about $1500. You can get a new, Grizzly for even less, but probably have to pay for shipping. What's your time worth in looking for a used saw, checking it out & maybe refurbing it?

4. 
   jc21 | Dec 01, 2008 05:57pm | #4

   Some questions to ask  ........What kind of budget are you working with?  What kind of space do you have- what kind of rip capacity do you want/need? Do you have 220 and/or three phase in your shop? If it were me I'd go with a cabinet saw- better dust collection, more power, and stouter, stronger trunions and chances are you'll never be wondering what if. There are several ways you can go. New - you can go from a Grizzly G1023SL (less than $1100 to your door) to over $4000 for a SawStop. Best deal I've seen on Delta Unisaws are the recon versions- $1399 for a 50" left tilt w/ Bisemeyer fence. The one downside to these is the shorter warranty- six months vs the five years of the X5. The Canadian made General (not to be confused with the imported General International line) is top notch in my book (Meehanite castings, Baldor motor) but a new one will run you about $3000. Used is the best bang for your $ but it requires some patience. Craig's List and eBay are good places to start. Watch out for three phase if you don't have it in your shop- changing to a single phase motor or adding a phase convertor may well negate any $ savings. On the other hand, if you're going to be adding more machinery a phase convertor will give you more options on future machinery.

   "The inherent vice of capitalism is the uneven division of blessings while the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal division of misery" Sir Winston Churchill

5. 
   JoshRountree | Dec 01, 2008 06:00pm | #5

   I'd look for the bigger motor and 220V at a minimum.

6. 
   Stache | Dec 01, 2008 06:56pm | #6

   Sounds like you would be plenty happy with a contractors saw or newer hybrid saw with a really good fence. Less than 10 years old. More likely to find a good one used and 115v power makes it simple. If it is an older unit be sure that you can replace the fence with a Biesemeyer style. The problem generally is poor (or no) dust collection and silly blade guards that often have to be removed. Unsafe. You will have to build some kind of outfeed table no matter what saw you settle on. If you have the 220v, the money and the room for a heavy 3 hp cab saw get a new one with a riving knife. Best thing since sliced bread. (See recent comparison in Fine Woodworking Mag) You will not find them on used saws unless a European model (expensive). Much better dust collection, accurate fence, and heavier running gear on newer saws will serve you the rest of your life.

7. 
   Scott | Dec 01, 2008 09:08pm | #7

   I think there are two ways to go:

   1) A big, old, used cabinet saw. Table saws are simple beasts, and as long as the table and trunnions are in good shape then you're OK. Bearings, fences, motors and accessories are easy to replace. My favorite is a big ol' Unisaw with the Biesemeyer fence. General and Powermatic are well respected too.

   2) A good portable saw with a big drop-in extension table (there was a tool tip on this in FHB a few months ago. With this solution you get the benefit of a large table, but portability when you need it.

   Scott.

   Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

8. 
   maverick | Dec 01, 2008 11:19pm | #8

   no one ever complained about too much HP

   the Delta contractors saw with metal base and stand might make for a good hobbyist shop

1. 
   silvertip | Dec 02, 2008 05:35am | #9

   Thanks guys.  Just in the process of building my shop so wiring for it is no problem.  Money isn't a real issue.  Not that I want another mortgage to pay off but I am willing to shell some money out for it.  Most of us on this site have been in the industry for awhile including myself and over the years have used various ones some have features we like and some we don't.  I figured that with a collective of views of various saws I could get a over all sense of one that would be the best bang for my buck.

1. 
   Scott | Dec 02, 2008 05:49am | #10

   Ok, in that case we all expect a photo spread of the new shop that would make Norm A. blush. Bring it on!!!!!!Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

9. 
   McDesign | Dec 02, 2008 06:16am | #11

   Unisaw - and I like the 52" Unifence better than the Bessemer.

   I found the supplied magnetic switch was too sensitive to loading it up with the 220 V - 3 Hp motor, even with the little trim pot turned all the way up.  It would trip in the middle of long hardwood rips, and not the 30 A breaker

   I just replaced it with a heavy DPST switch and never have had a problem since.

   Yes, I know it won't drop out automatically in a power cut!

   Forrest - livin' on the wild side

1. 
   montee | Dec 02, 2008 07:07am | #12

   Ridgid has a new hybrid version ts coming out as we speak. Granite top. Comes with herc u lift mobile base. Looks nice. Watch for reviews. Might suit your needs. Worth considering at $599. go to homedepot.com for a look.

   Mike

   Edited 12/1/2008 11:17 pm ET by montee

1. 
   alwaysoverbudget | Dec 02, 2008 08:05am | #13

   i'm not sure what i think of that,i can see how the bulk would help with vibration. but granite can break,then what?????

   look at the weight of that thing 475lbs.if a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?

1. 
   KenHill3 | Dec 02, 2008 08:56am | #14

   Granite? Silly idea. What the heck is wrong with cast iron ?

1. 
   calvin | Dec 02, 2008 04:36pm | #16

   Never heard of it either until I perused a Steel City catalogue at a supplier.  His response to my queery was that it is a very stable table-moreso than steel, C.I. etc.

   Probably wouldn't need to chock the wheels.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

10. 
    frenchy | Dec 02, 2008 02:49pm | #15

    I bought a Grizzly because my previous Delta had lasted less than a year and a year where it never really did make decent cuts twice in a row..

     I did everything they said I replaced the blade with several high end blades, I aligned the frence rest the trunions and spent more time under it than working with it. 

      I bought a 12 inch Grizzly because it was only marginally more expensive than My Delta Contractors saw and have been pleased ever since..

     Most American made saws aren't American any more but made in the same place the Grizzly is..

      Apparently Grizzly's quality controll is better than American brands because of the major pieces of shop equipment I own (all Grizzly) none have given me any trouble in 7yeara and  working over 40,000 bd.ft. of hardwood.  In fact the only maintinance thus far has been one drive belt I got at a local NAPA store for $5.00 and it took me less than 5 minutes to replace..

     go to  http://www.grizzly.com

11. 
    Dave45 | Dec 02, 2008 05:48pm | #17

    Post this question over at Knots - then be ready for some serious information overload. - lol

12. 
    Westcoast | Dec 06, 2008 10:00pm | #18

    You should definately check out a sawstop saw too, they are top notch.