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New tables saw

2K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  BoilerUp21 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Folks
Good morning. I am in the process of purchasing my first table saw. I am a hobbyist at best and want to continue to get better at this craft. At my age, 56, this will probably be the only table saw I purchase. I do not mind paying more for value; however I do not want to overpay for a name either. I read and researched a lot, now its time to make a purchase.The Sawstop machine comes up everywhere; however. I think i like what i see on the grizzly machines; G609 or the 1203 series. However, I am not used to making this big of a purchase without putting my hands on the product, may not be an issue. I am also open to other coomparable manufacturers. I have 220V available and would prefer a machine with at least 3HHP. I also want to purchase in the near future a planer and maybe a large band saw; therefore, trying not to spend my entire budget on the saw.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Craig
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi Craig,

Welcome to LJs. IMHO, both the G1023RL and the G0690 represent among the most bang for the buck on the market. If you're willing to be your own middleman, there are legitimate savings to be had on a very good saw. The Saw Stop PCS 3hp is a very fine saw, but is close to twice the price.
 
#3 ·
Thank you for the response. I have read you comments on other posts. I am still researching and will go look at the saw stop just because I can put my hands on it i will look forward to others thought. Do you have a preference of the 2 grizzly's listed?

Thanks again
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thank you for the response. I have read you comments on other posts. I am still researching and will go look at the saw stop just because I can put my hands on it i will look forward to others thought. Do you have a preference of the 2 grizzly's listed?

Thanks again

- Ceick
Both are solid saws and great values, but I have a slight preference for the updated trunnion and arbor design of the G1023RL, the fact that it's made in Taiwan vs mainland China, and the Shop Fox Classic fence….it doesn't hurt that it's a bit less expensive. The stock rip capacity is is 4" smaller, but you can extend it by sliding the front rail to the right a bit.
 
#5 ·
Thank you for the response. I have read you comments on other posts. I am still researching and will go look at the saw stop just because I can put my hands on it i will look forward to others thought. Do you have a preference of the 2 grizzly's listed?

Thanks again

- Ceick
I am considering getting a new grizzly table saw as well. I would purchase the G1023RLW or G1023RLWX which both have the insert for a router and are 3/5HP respectively. The slight price increase for the horsepower and cast router wing in well worth the price in my opinion.
 
#6 ·
I moved from an old Delta to a Sawstop professional last year. For me there was no alternative.

1. I value my fingers. Even though I am careful, it happens to hundreds of people each year.
2. As you have read, it's a quality item.
3. As I get older, I'm a healthy 63 right now, I anticipate, just as my driving reflexes are supposed to diminish with age, my dexterity using power tools might too. Thinking of the future.
4. I've got 30ish year old daughters with husbands. They come over to use the shop for their projects. They are capable, careful, adults but I always sweated them using my table saw. Now I let them without worrying too much. The other power tools are potentially hazardous but not like that spinning blade. BTW… both daughters are accomplished violinists. Fingers right?....
5. It's such a good saw, someone I care for will someday inherit it. I care about their fingers after I'm gone too.
 
#7 ·
I understand peoples concern with safety and the Sawstop but I don't find the value in it. When the stop is actuated it destroys the blade and the $70 brake. Yes my fingers are worth more than that but in 50 years I have yet to have an finger cutting incident. A far more common accident is a kick back. A neighbor of mine was injured with kick back into his stomach, he developed septicemia and died.
My first choice in saws would be the Powermatic with the 3hp motor, second Jet with the same, and 3rd a top end Grizzly. The table saw is the center of most shops so it should be the best available if you have the means to buy it.
I'm using a 22 year old Delta which has been a great saw and at my age I don't plan to replace it, although it would be nice to have a new Powermatic.

I tried to look and the Grizzly G609 and G 1203 series but only found the G690 and the G1023 in the 10" cabinet models. Both nice saws at about 2/3rd the price of Powermatic.
 
#8 ·
Those grizzly saws are all over, and people do great stuff with them. You'll be good either one you choose.

I like my Sawstop. When you see one you will see the fit an finish and realize that is part of the price too. They are premium in all their features, not just the safety mechanism. If you decide to spend the extra, you'll get something for it. I have several ShopFox tools, and they have all worked great. They are not quite as pretty, and their (identical except for the paint job in most cases) Grizzly counterparts will be in the same class. Good quality users.

Powermatics are also quite nice in terms of fit, finish and functionality but at that price I'd just go for the Sawstop

Brian
 
#10 ·
I bought the G1023RLW last year and really like it. The only problem for you today is all of the G1023 models are out of stock and along with half all their other models…and don't believe their delivery estimates.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
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