First Table Saw

You can’t really go wrong either way. I feel buying the bigger saw would probably be better if you are
going to buy one anyway. You are basically set as far as a table saw goes. No need to think about
upgrading in the future and getting rid of the old one

As far as dust collection goes, both saws will make the exact amount of dust.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Huckelberry, Gary is right in saying both saws will make the same amount of dust, so that consideration doesn’t realy matter. If I was buying for the first time again, I would buy the 3hp saw over the 1 1/2 hp. I have a 1 1/2 hp saw myself and I am happy with it most of the time, but when you need that extra hp on hardwoods it isn’t there. So buy the 3hp if you can.

-- Guy Kroll

With a table saw, buy the most you can when you can.
If your budget doesn’t allow it, go with the contractors style saw.
But you’ll never regret having a full-sized cabinet saw.

I lived with a contractor/hybrid saw for years because of space
limitations. Since upgrading to a cabinet saw, I wonder how I ever
got along with the smaller saw (I didn’t, just fooled myself into
thinking that I did).

Also for the cabinet style saws, look for the 220v motors. They
use half the amps as a 110v motor. Down side is you’ll need to
have a dedicated 220v circuit installed for it. I had a friend
(licensed electrician) wire mine for a case of beer. Make sure your
electrical cabinet has a double-space available for the breaker
first.

-- Still learning everything

Spend the money to get a cabinet saw so that you will see no need to upgrade later. I have had the same Grizzly left tilt 3HP saw for years and I never think about exchanging it. It works perfectly, does all that I want, and requires almost no maintenance. I first looked at a contractors saw and I am so glad that I made this choice instead.

Steel City has brought good products to the market. I would look at theirs, the Grizzly, and maybe a few others, but as I already said, if you can afford it and have space for it, think cabinet saw with at least 3hp.

-- making sawdust....

It all depends on what you really want to spend. I hear a lot of people talk about getting a contractor saw, then upgrading to a cabinet saw. I have the Ridgid TS3650, and I don’t think I will ever have the need to upgrade. With the price of the PM contractor saw, you could get a hybrid and that would help with the dust collection. Or you could get the Grizzly 1023 3hp cabinet saw for just a little over $1,000 delivered. Also, make sure you have 220 volt, you will need it for a 3hp cabinet saw.

I would put in another vote for a 3 hp cabinet saw. You seem to like to make some large projects (the dining table and so on). I don’t think you will regret it long term.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

I started out with a portable contracters saw. Regretted that the first time I needed to saw sheet goods. My second saw was a Grizzly 1023SLW 3hp cabinet saw. I’ve never regretted buying it. Other than attaching the side tables and putting on the handles this saw was ready to go. Oh yeah, you’ll probably have to buy a blade too, at least the Grizzly didn’t come with one. After ordering the saw my son and I ran two 220 volt lines and two more 110 lines out to the garage. As Time would say, more power, whoot, whoot. ;)

-- Owen Johnson - aka IowaWoodcrafter

Spend the money for the bigger saw.

To quote Matt Vanderlist (Matt’s Basement Workshop.com) buy your second tool first. I have a 1 1/2 HP contractor saw and while it still works fine I want to upgrade to a cabinet saw. The Steel City product looks really good and the granite top upgrade is unique- dead flat and it doesn’t rust. The amenities you get with a better saw- fence, dust collection, cutting width,- will make your woodworking life much less frustrating.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Huckleberry, I wish I had bought my 2nd saw first. I hate spending money twice. lol.

-- Carl Rast, Pelion, SC

The first thing after reading your blog was look at your projects. You aren’t making little boxes, I would vote for the bigger saw.

I started out with the Jet Contractor saw with a 1 1/2 hp motor, and to be honest I loved it. It had sufficient power and it fit my space at the time. It came wired for 110 but could be changed to 220. It was a super smooth saw.

I happened to find a smokin’ deal on a Jet cabinet saw that had been ordered and not picked up. I could not pass it up. The funny thing is I did not actually feel like I had outgrown the contractor saw at the time. I loved the extra power and table size because of cutting sheetgoods. I can say for sure that I would have outgrown the contractor saw for the type of work I do.

If your space is limited the contractor saws are something that you can live with for years to come. If you have the space and you plan on upgrading in the future, buy the right saw the first time. Save yourself the money of a double purchase. These are long term investments.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Go big or go home.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.theeasellife.com

I also started with a small saw, the price was rite. Then was givin a craftsman old time table saw and soon wore it out. I purchased a Jet cabinet saw and that is the best saw I have used, and cutting sheet goods is a breeze. I say go big to start you will not be sorry.

-- A duck that brags on his own pond, soon swims alone.

I have had both.Huck. Started off with the smaller improvised version and ended up with the 3HP single phase variety. To me there is no comparison, the bigger saw saw much more capability. I would definitely go for the 3HP even if it stretches the funds. By the time you make all the jigs to go with the T/S & play with them you won’t even think about buying new tools.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Disagreeing with my fellow wood workers, I opted for the contractor saw from Delta and have not looked back. Mine has the 1 1/2 Hp motor and the cast iron extensions. It also has dust collection and a built in mobile base. I make custom furniture and marine cabinets (for boats) and have no problems cutting through anything, especially with the thin kerf Freud blades. Having the extra money in my pocket feels good too.

-- Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsman can hide his mistakes.

Buy the biggest friggin’ table saw you can afford!! Go into debt if need be. I have a puny saw and every time I turn it on I hate it. My next one is going to take a fork lift to unload.

-- Woodworking is Life. Anything before or after is just waiting.--S. McQueen sort of