So after mulling and procrastinating for about three months now I finally plunked down the cash for a sparkly new tablesaw.
In the end it came down to the Steel City or the Jet XACTA and I went with the Jet. Lee's glowing recommendation of Steel City almost pushed me the other way but in the end a few details pushed me back to the Jet.

It was just a couple of things really, Jet had the angle wheel on the right which seemed more convenient and it had a better blade guard. I didn’t like the fact that on the Steel City the better blade guard was reserved for their deluxe table saw so I wondered what other ‘deluxe’ features they hadn’t included in their more basic riving knife equipped model, and I won’t lie I just thought the Jet looked cooler :)
Anyway, I got it all via Amazon (got a mobile base too) so no tax or shipping. Really looking forward to getting this thing setup, just need to run a fresh 240V line to the shop.
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso






















11 comments so far
Bob #2
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3035 posts in 914 days
posted 436 days ago
Nice looking saw.
Is it a hybrid?
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
fredf
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320 posts in 603 days
posted 436 days ago
Nothing like a new tool! Start running that wire now :-) that way when it comes in and you get it set up you can play right away!!
-- Fred, Springfield, Ma
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 872 days
posted 436 days ago
Congratulations Damian,
I’m sure you will love it!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Damian Penney
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1030 posts in 884 days
posted 436 days ago
It’s not a hybrid it’s the 3HP cabinet saw w/50” fence.
Thanks Lee, after your SS pitch it was a really hard decision, and had it not been for the wine I’d had a little earlier I’d probably still be mulling over my decision :)
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
Brad_Nailor
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1213 posts in 850 days
posted 436 days ago
Congrats! Nothing like the smell of new tools…
-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"
ChicoWoodnut
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895 posts in 708 days
posted 436 days ago
You are going to love that saw Damian. I have had the JTAS for about 7 years now and it has performed very well. 50” on the right is awesome. The fence is a dream. Three belts and pulleys make it run practically vibration free.
Now just put a big outfeed table on it and you have liftoff for a long time to come!
I just wish they were putting riving knives on the saw back then. I’m trying to find one that will fit my saw.
Ignore all the junk on the table. It’s not always like that :) I was in the middle of a bathroom re-model when I took this picture. Thus the drywall and plumbing cra..
-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net
PurpLev
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2733 posts in 541 days
posted 436 days ago
Congrats! I like the Jet products, they seem to be sturdy and well balanced, and lets face it – they do have the best color scheme on the market…
Enjoy it when it arrives, and keep us posted to how it does for ya’
-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
matt garcia
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716 posts in 565 days
posted 436 days ago
Damien, that is an impressive cabinet saw!! We sell Jet at my job, and I’ve been looking at a lathe. Every time I look through the catalog I admire that saw, and now it’s yours!! Congrats!! Need me to come over and help put it through it’s paces??
-- Matt, Houston Texas
scottb
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3402 posts in 1220 days
posted 436 days ago
funny the torture we put ourselves through making a decision. Congrats on your purchase! I’m very happy with my Jet Mini lathe, it is so smooth, quiet and doesn’t vibrate at all! I need to graduate from my $70 portable one yesterday.
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
Napaman
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3482 posts in 970 days
posted 436 days ago
congrats…that has to be a tough choice…but in the end I am sure you will be happy…good luck getting it together…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
trifern
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7894 posts in 660 days
posted 436 days ago
Awesome! I am looking forward to the sweet projects you will create using this beauty. Thanks for sharing.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.