Recommendations for a table saw on budget

$350 for a good saw is pushing it a little. you might be able to get by with a lower cost benchtop saw, but for an extra $150 – at the $500 (or $600) range your options are getting extremely better with saws like the Ridgid R4511, or the Ridgid 3660, or a used Delta/jet/Grizzly (craigslist)

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

You can get a good used for $350. Look for full size (27” deep), a belt drive induction motor, a good fence, and preferably cast iron wings but steel works too and can be upgraded later if needed…same is true of fence, just factor all those things into the price.

Like PurpLev said, used Delta, Jet, Grizzly off Craigslist.

Depending on the model of Delta you purchased I think you want to get something more meaty than a benchtop. Contractors or Hybrid are possible in your range, assuming you find a closeout or a gently used one. A couple other options below.

Craftsman
The 1980’s Craftsman (by Emerson) are reliable cheap used saws.
For new the Craftsman 22124 – Manufactured by Orion (Same as Steel City Cabinet except the C’man only has 1.75 hp instead of 3hp) These have been showing up on the Sears Outlet in the $400-$500 range. “Rumor” is that they are closing out the sales of the cast iron model for a granite top version. Combined with one of the regular 5-15% Sears deals you could get that closer to $400 for an Orion built hybrid.

Ryobi
Mostly low quality, but for an intermediate cheap saw the Ryobi BT3K series (also Crasftsman 22819) can be tuned to make decent cuts. In the $150-$200 range used they’re a bargain

Depending on what is available in the used market, you can get a LOT of saw for not a lot of money if you are careful with how you shop.

Thoroughly check out whatever saw you buy. The above listed saws, Emmerson built Craftsman and Ridgid saws are excellent and can be had cheap. The Orion built Craftsman Zip Code saws also can be had cheap IF you get lucky. A prime condition Ryobi BT3100 is a LOT of very accurate saw for not a lot of money. Not it’s not a Unisaw, but for what it is it is a very tough saw to beat, and the heart of my shop….

If I hadn’t gotten the deal on my BT3100 that I did, I would have snagged a cast iron topped Emmerson built Craftsman or Ridgid Saw… Or even a TTI / Ryobi built Ridgid TS3650 / TS3660 as those are all great saws for the money, and are often seen around here under $300.00

-- Trying to follow the example of the master.

This just showed up in Sacramento.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/1448292153.html

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

The Ridgid TS3650 is an outstanding contractor table saw with lots of good reviews. I’ve seen them for as little as $250 on CL. They are known for having very little vibration and a great mobile base system (Herc-u-lift). I’ve had mine for since 2002 and it has been a flawless saw for me. I’ve done one setup job on it and haven’t had to do anything else to it since. It also has a solid cast iron top with a long hole cut into each cast iron wing. The fence system is reliable and easy to maintain.

I’ll eventually replace this saw, but not until I have a permanent shop with enough room for a full sized Unisaw. Until that day, this table saw has definitely been worth it..

Things to look for. Some folks have reported that the legs for the TS3650 can be a little loose. I have not had this problem but a few guys at the Ridgid forums came up with good solutions to stiffen the legs.

I have also read many good things about that Ryobi BT3100. It is sort of a mix between a contractor and a bench top saw due to it having a universal motor instead of an induction motor that is used in most contractor tables aws. Usually this means a shorter lifespan but the BT3100 uses twin drive belts and supposedly has an improved trunnion mount that helps with durability. The saw doesn’t have a cast iron top but it has a sliding table instead.

It appears to me that the BT3100 has a cult following. Folks don’t like or dislike the saw. They either dislike it or they a rabid, frothing at the mouth fans. IMO that says the saw is worth serious consideration if you are a light to moderate use hobbyist. A heavy use hobbyist should go with a more traditional tablesaw.

Hope this helps.

I found a Grizz G0444Z cast iron, good fence, well set, w/Freud blade, HF dust collector, and accessories for $500.00. Haven’t been disappointed at all.
Bill

Ridgid on Craiglist

Delta on Craigslist

Dewalt on Craigslist

Bosch Reconditioned

I bought mine this time last year from CPO a Delta 36-977 with T2 fence recon for $367 and I love it!
It looked new when i got it.

They may be some driving but might be worth it. Hope this helps!

-- Kolmar

craiglist can be good, although – in my humble experience – i’ve found that you would be just as likely to receive a miniature poodle than the tool described. it’s a 50/50 shot.

J. Behlen
Waterlox Inc.

-- http://woodworker.com