Table Saw Recommendations?

I am a grizzly table saw guy.. more for your money. You would do best by searching the other recent postings answering this same question. If you do a search, you will find more input about table saws that you could read in a day. This may be the most common question asked. I wish you luck in your search.

-- making sawdust....

Not sure of your location but you can sometimes find great deals at local woodworking shows on some of the bigger name models like Delta. When I lived in Denver I was able to order a Unisaw from Woodcraft when they were at the show for $400 less than they were normally. Part of that was in direct competition to Tool King who was running a show special as well, but it took a tool out of my range back into my grasp.

I love the Delta. I’ve worked on the Powermatic too and am VERY impressed by it. My experience with one Steel City saw was less than positive. The tool set up was a mess but that was a one time experience so I wouldn’t put much stock in one interaction unless others have had the same issue.

Good Luck!

If you don’t mind the price Sawstop is one on my wishlist. But it is pricey. The PM2000 is a wonderful saw as well. Both were on my Chirstmas list but somehow Santa forgot me this year. I guess I need to work on being nicer this year.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Both the Delta Unisaw (I have one), the powermatic, and the SawStop are great saws. You can’t go wrong
with any of them. The SawStop have a safety edge but it come at a very high price. About twice the price.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Last fall got a Sawstop, I’m lucky enough to have three phase power so I have the 5 hp motor, it’s a beautiful machine, well built, I have the saw stop fence and it is the most accurate I’ve used. Just as pretty inside as out, with well machined trunions, everything Vbelt driven. Unfortunately I have activated the brake twice, once when my tenoning jig happened to touch the blade, second when I was cutting some heavy duty oak and the riving knife came a little loose and touched the blade, when this occurs both the blade and brake are toast, the second blade was an almost new Forrest. However, I view this as along term investment, hopefully the last saw I will ever buy, and if I should ever be careless definately cheaper than a visit to the emergency room and the subsequent pain and anguish. To me worth every penny. Customer service is great, They answer e-mails and will send replacement brakes quickly. I live in southern West Virginia and would be glad to show it off!!!!
Thanks
Michael

I had a Unisaw (US made) before we relocated, sold it on Ebay. Now have a PM2000. I like the PM very much, seems a bit more “refined” than the Unisaw, plus I like the safety of the riving knife.

Dan

I have a 3 HP Jet cabinet saw. Works well. The only problem I’ve had was with belts that stretched. Cured that with link belts. Of course, I wish it was 14 inch with 7 1/2 horse motor….................

-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon

Jeeeesh Greg, I think when you get up in that range of saw, your almost comparing apples to apples. They are all very nice. IMHO….......The only saw that separates itself at that price range would be the SawStop due to the added safety. The machining on the PM’s seem to be a tad better than others, but not by much.
I might get a real nice cabinet saw some day myself…...........but for now I’m very happy with my Delta contractor saw.

Hi Greg

I am in the process of buy a new table saw and decided to get another Powermatic Model 66. The main reason is that I had one before and never had a bit of trouble with it. I sold it because I had gotten a divorce and did not have a place for any of my equipment when moving back from California.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

Thanks everyone for the good advice and info. I guess I am still choosing between the Unisaw or Powermatic, but you all reinforced that both are fine machines and its more personal preference. Thanks for all the help.

-- Greg, Burnt Hills NY

Hi Greg,
One thing I forgot to mention in my post is that regardless of the saw itself, probably the most important part is the blade!! Use the best one you can afford, preferly carbide, keep it clean and sharp. Get the best quality rip blade you can, this has been important for me because I rarely crosscut with the table saw, I use a radial arm saw for that. I use both Freud and Forrest and have good results with both, rarely have to use the jointer for glue ups.
Thanks
Michael

If I had room and money (LOL) I’d go with a sawstop. You can’t buy new fingers.

-- Made lots of sawdust and pounded some nails. Haven't finished anything, though.