Should I choose based on Dust Collector? Sawstop vs Grizzly Cabinet Saw

you can always fabricate an over-arm-blade-guard with DC incorporated in it tha will work with a sled regardlesse of which saw you get

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

If you don’t care that much about the SS technology I would get a Grizzly and add blade guard dust collection. They make nice saws for the money. By the way, in my limited experience, my blade guard dust collection does an excellent job at collecting dust but little bits might be traveling too fast to be sucked up. So there is some debris on the table top no matter what on those trim cuts…but I’m not breathing dust. Also, I use a normal throat plate (instead of zero clearance) unless it’s necessary. More dust collection that way.

-- some day I hope to have enough clamps to need a clamp cart!

I also noticed for some reason that when I went from a Full Kerf to a Thin Kerf on my Contractor Saw, the dust coming from the top of the saw was even worse. I was using a ZCI on both cases.

You can buy a over blade dust collector system for a lot less than 1500, so I would not buy the SawStop based on the dust collection aspect only.

The crosscut sled is probably going to impact any dust collection system to some extent.

-- rick

check out the Excalibur overarm blade guard
http://www.general.ca/site_excalibur/e_produits/50-exbce.html
or the Shark guard
http://www.leestyron.com/G0690.php
both are a lot cheaper than a Sawstop, that said, the Sawstop is a pretty damn good TS, safety mechanism aside.

-- Rob, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

I concur with other posters—First, I think you will notice that a cabinet saw will control dust much better than a contractor saw. My G0690 does fine for most dust. Second, an over-the-saw additional DC-connection can always be added without having to go with the SS route/cost.

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

laanguiano:
You have less collection with a thin kerf blade because you use ZCI. ZCI by definition will have a smaller slot for the air to flow through; no flow, no capture.

I think I would rather have the much more beefy Grizzly cabinet saw than the SS contractor’s saw. But, having said that, if money were no object, I’d love to be able to afford the SS cabinet saw.

-- Michael :-{| Diapers and politicians both need to be changed often; and for the same reason.

I was using a ZCI with my full kerf blade though too, so i would think the slot would of been equally the same tightness.

I have the G0691 and don’t have much of a problem with dust. I use a jet DC. You can also buy a shark blade guard with overhead DC for the grizz at a very reasonable price. Check these out at Shark . I find the stock one to work pretty good…but if you want inexpensive additional help this is a good alternative.

The reason for the SS is for the blade stop….a very good idea….but up to each individual as to how much they want to spend for the protection….the SS was not available when I bought my TS so I did not have the problem of deciding…..I do love my Grizz saw though…it works like it should and the price was very good….I got free shipping on it also.

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!

I can’t pull the trigger on a new saw right now either, but I would like to improve dust collection on my current saw.

I am thinking about building one similar to the SUVA-style guard Steve Maskery shows in this post (see the 1st reply): http://lumberjocks.com/topics/6728

Instead of using a pipe like Steve did, I am planning to use an aluminum tube (salvaged from a flag pole), which should allow me to connect a vac or DC hose to it, using the tube as part of the dust collection system.

—Gerry

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

RE the ZCI: Why not drill one or two 3/4” finger holes in the same location as the OEM insert? This won’t harm the function of the ZCI and it will increase air flow you are concerned about. Remember the slots over the G0690 motor cover serve the same purpose. Just a thought…

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

I have to agree that the dust collection that comes with the Sawstop is not reason enough to buy the saw. The collection system on the Sawstop does work well but trim cuts, as you are describing, still will generate fugitive dust. The real value of the saw is in its quality construction and safety features.

And yes you are correct about the sled. Any saw is going to have dust emissions with a sled. However the blade shroud that the Sawstop has inside the cabinet of the saw for dust collection handles dust inside the cabinet pretty well, even when using a sled.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

Hmm talked to a very smart guy at Grizzly and he suggested the G1023RLX over the G0691… and also said the blade shroud has a 2” port that links to the main 4” port for added dust collection. And said the arbor on then saw is a much better design.

Did Grizzly say that the G1023RLX was actually IN STOCK?

FWIW, THAT is the reason I have the G0690:

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/18174

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/23469

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

I agree with PurpLev…overhead dust collection is going to make the biggest difference in DC. Then buy the best saw for your money.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....