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New (to me) Table Saw Advice

1K views 9 replies 9 participants last post by  MadMark 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm sure it's been asked 50 different ways, but I'm having trouble finding recomendations for a new table saw. I currently have a ryobi portable/job site saw that I've been using for a few years and it's time to upgrade. This is the saw with the cheesey sliding table on the left and the weird blade guard, which means I can't make a sled, use a dado, or build/buy a zero clearance insert.

I'm not opposed to building a new table around a table top model saw vs a hybrid, but I"m trying to get the advantages of each. Basically I want a saw that I can:
1) use a dado blade
2) build/buy inserts (several, for straight cuts, tilted cuts, and dado cuts)
3) build a sled

Also, are there any saws with a good workable fence system straight out of the box? or would I be better off saving some money on a cheaper saw and then spending money on an aftermarket fence system? I see the delta 36-725 and the Rigid R4512 both have larger fences, but both are only 13amp, where as some of the table top model saws are 15 amp.

budget is around $600, unless that's completely not do-able with what I want. Belt driven would be a big plus too, but I know that's a lot to ask.
 
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#2 ·
For a modest upgrade and best bang for the buck, find a nice used C-man contractor saw on CL for $50-$100, and then add a $200 Biesemeyer t3 fence. Save the extra cash for blades and wood.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#3 ·
If you buy and upgrade the Craftsman saw, you will stilll have an underpowered saw compared to more recent models. I know because I owned one for 25 years. I was happy to give it away. The replacement was a Ridgid 3650 contractor style saw and it was a vast improvement - no fence upgrade required. I used it for 10 years and hated to see it go.

The jobsite saws, with their universal motors and direct drive, are much louder and generally less powerful than the two contractor/hybrid style saws you mentioned. Some don't even have a standard sized miter slot, which I consider essential.
 
#5 ·
Thanks guys, can't think about it tool long or I'll talk myself out of it. I found a 10% off coupon for lowes and went ahead and ordered it. There was one on Craigslist for $400, but it would have me driving an hour and a half to get it, meeting some guy in a warehouse, and I wouldn't be able to use a couple gift cards I had been given. The extra $150 is worth the convenience.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
Plus warranty (in this case 5 years),
Plus not having to deal with all frustrations that come with territory when dealing with craigslist.
Thanks guys, can t think about it tool long or I ll talk myself out of it. I found a 10% off coupon for lowes and went ahead and ordered it. There was one on Craigslist for $400, but it would have me driving an hour and a half to get it, meeting some guy in a warehouse, and I wouldn t be able to use a couple gift cards I had been given. The extra $150 is worth the convenience.

- Panthers65
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
Newer Rigids don t allow for drop in inserts or aftermarket fences(that I can find). You have to buy their inserts. Fence is decent on it though.

- LDO2802
You can add an aftermarket fence to just about any full size saw, and even some odd sized saws. However, very few are direct bolt-ons. You need to be prepared to possibly drill some new holes in the cast iron. The good news is that CI drills pretty easily.
 
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