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Table Saw Choice

14K views 36 replies 19 participants last post by  wormil 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Why is it so hard to decide on a table saw thses days?

OK I am replacing a small craftman 28462. Looking for something considerably more heavy duty. I will be moving the saw about every 3 months.

Here are the options that I have found in my price range.. Which would be the best saw and are these resonable prices? Has anyone used the Ridgid Lifetime warrenty? Is that a big hassel or might it be worth buying new to have that?

Ridgid R4512 New
Delta 10" Contractor Table Saw (used) $400 (See picture)
General lr63420 model d 2003 (used) $500 (See Picture)
Craftsman 152.221140 (used) $350

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#3 ·
General has a good reputation, and that appears to be a better built saw than the Delta. It appears to have cast iron wings while the Delta does not, and the fence looks more robust as well. I can't really say anything about the Craftsman one way or the other.
 
#4 ·
$400-$500 is way overpriced for a used contractor saw. That model Delta sold for ~$550-600 new, so even in pristine condition should be priced used for less than $300. Don't know as much about the General, but it is in the same range. It does have a decent fence, so that ups the value a bit, but not to $500 IMHO.

The Craftsman is the closest to being priced correctly. I might be willing to offer 300 on that model in really good condition.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
The GI at least has solid cast wings, and an excellent Biese fence. It's a good saw, but $500 is a tad steep for what is essentially an outdated design (no riving knife).

The Delta is too much for an older contractor saw with steel wings and a starter fence.

The 22114 could be a good deal…solid cast wings, cabinet mounted trunnions, and nearly 400# of heft, but the fence is a bit marginal. You could add something like a Delta T2 for $158 shipped, sell the stock fence for $50-$75, and have a nice hybrid with a good fence, solid cast wings, and cabinet mounted trunnions for ~ $425 out of pocket.

The R4512 has a riving knife, steel wings, and a marginal fence.

I'd go for the 22114 with an updated fence, or the GI…hopefully for a bit less than $500.
 
#7 ·
For those commenting that the General saw is priced too high, I would point out that the cheapest retail price I could find on the internet was $1,000.

I can't say whether the saw is really worth $1,000 or not, I'm just saying $500 represents a big discount over retail.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
The General "International" 50-185M1 (not a Canadian made General) is very similar to the PM64a, which I think is also overpriced at current retail of $1K. I bought one new in 2003….going rate was around $700, and it was one of the better buys back then for an older style contractor saw with the outboard motor, connecting rods, and a traditional splitter….hybrids were'nt very popular then. It's also very similar to the former Jet, former Griz G0576, Bridgewood, etc. I upgraded from the GI to the Cman 22124 with the Biese fence….the 22124 had cabinet mounted trunnions, very similar fence, full enclosure, 44" of solid cast iron surface, and weighted ~ 425# vs 300# for the GI. Both were good saws with excellent fences, but the 22124 had most of the advantages IME. The GI had a motor rated at 2hp vs the 1.75hp for the 22124, but it was easier to get the alignment dead on with the 22124, plus it had a more efficient drive belt, so the 22124 ended up with slightly better ripping power (IMHO).

The 22114 is pretty similar to the 22124 but with a 3/4 enclosure, lesser fence, and possibly 1/4hp less motor. I don't think $500 is a terrible price for the GI in nice shape, but it's not a steal, and I think the 22114 offers a better buy with the fence upgrade (if it's in good shape….no pic shown on that one).
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
I see where you are coming from Charlie.

Here is my take and why I, personally, feel that it is overpriced. The prices of contractor style saws have really jumped in the past few years, due to the additional safety features and the price of cast iron, but I base used pricing on 1/2 of when that unit was new, not what a current new model would cost. When that General was new, it was probably around $700-750. 1/2 of that means starting around $350, add a bit for the upgrades and it says $400 to me, not $500.

All that said, regional differences and will come into play. I see used saws that are the same level of these priced $200-300 in my area often enough to not spend a bunch more than that. Different areas of the country will have variations. If good used saws get snapped up quckly, then it might be worth $500 to someone else in another part of the country.
 
#12 ·
A lot of people seem to really like the R4512 in spite of a few its short comings but for $529 you get a brand new saw with a riving knife and an integrated mobile base. I have bought a couple saws off CL and have not had great success and whenever I do decide to buy another saw it will most certainly have a riving knife.
 
#14 ·
I can't argue with your reasoning, Jay. Personally, I usually feel like if I can get something in good used condition for 1/2 of what it would cost me to go out and buy a brand new one it is a good deal. But having said that, I'm not sure any contractor saw (other than maybe a Sawstop) is worth $1,000.
 
#15 ·
ridgid 4512. if a HD honoring the harbor freight "20% off any single item" coupon can be located, the price goes from $500 to $400. it's features make it a winner (CI table, included mobile base, riving knife, hybrid design) and the LSA can't hurt. BTW, ridgid's stationary power tools do not carry a lifetime warranty. they are eligible for registration with ridgid's lifetime service agreement (free parts and labor for life).
 
#16 ·
I have 2 Delta Contractor saws and love them both. However, I think at $400 the one you're looking at is over priced. I have seen them on CL for between $250-$350 routinely. There's nothing I haven't been able to do on these saws. I really didn't need two, but one was given to me. I set it up with a dado blade and use it specifically for that now. I haven't used the General or Rigid, but the Craftsman isn't nearly the saw the Delta is IMHO. I'd recommend negotiating the price on the Delta, I bet you can get it for a lot less.
 
#17 ·
I have bought a couple saws off CL and have not had great success

Why? The great thing about CL (as opposed to many online auctions such as e-bay) is that you get to touch and feel the thing before you purchase. If it's not up to snuff, you can walk away or offer a stupid low price just to use it as a parts machine. I have had nothing but phenomenal success with every CL purchase I have made. And yes, I have walked away from many as well after getting up close and personal. The key is to know what you are looking for, know what to look out for (online resources are a big help with that), and be patient.. If one doesn't float your boat, another one will be along shortly for you to look at :) Remember, in a CL transaction, you are the one with the cash so you get to call the shots.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#19 ·
Not yet. I found the Ridgid at Direct Tools Outlet for $414 and with an additional $50 off sale this weekend. There would only be the 3 year Warrenty on it but it is also a new tool. Home Depot also tells me if I have an original Harbor Frieght Coupon that they will honor it. So that would be $400 with the LSA.

All of the used saws are at least an hour away. So before I go and look at them and haul a trailer with me to bring it back I want to have a pretty good idea of what I am doing. If I go for the used saw I am leaning towards the General followed by the Craftsman, but probably it will come down to what type of price I can negotiate on them. I will let everyone know when I make a decision.
 
#20 ·
The Delta in that condition should be around $250, crappy old fashioned fence, stamped wings. That said, I've had one (but a step or two up) for over a dozen years and I've been very happy with it. I'd buy the General if you can negotiate the price down by $100.
 
#21 ·
$400 plus tax for the 4512 is a lot of saw for the money. a price difference of $100-150 would not sway me from the 4512. if you don't like it, the saw can be returned within it's first 90 days. can't do that with an older saw on CL.
 
#22 ·
If the other saws do not come with mobile bases and you'll need to move your saw around, you should add the cost of an aftermarket base to your calculus - which may make the R4512 a very attractive option at $400. For what it's worth, I went with the R4512 at HD with the 20% off coupon and have been very happy, but I also don't know as much about table saws as the other Jocks.
 
#23 ·
The R4512 has a lot going for it for $500 even more if you can get it for $400 with the HF coupon. Integrated mobile base, riving knife, LSA. I think you could deal with the table mounted trunnions and the stamped steel wings at that price, especially if you are thinking about mounting a router table in one of table saw extensions. The last question would be how long do you need the saw to last, 2-3 years, 5 years 10+? If you think you will end up replacing this saw in 5 years or less than I would go with the R4512 and you could probably resell it for at least $350 within the next 5 years and get most of your money back and put it toward your next saw.
 
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