Craftsman Table Saw

I own a CRaftsman saw that has a few upgrades, like the Osborne EB -3 gauge and a Vega fence system and the saw does everything I ask of it. Having said that, it doesnt have a granite top and from the few people I have talked to who DO have granite, you really have to be careful with it. While it is heavy, it also chips and it is NOT easy to repair. Cast iron stands up to far more abuse. Sure, the granite wont rust, but with a little regular TLC on a cst top, you wont deal with rust. By the time you add a good fence, you’re up to the price new at Sears. As far as power, if you put a thin kerf balde on that saw from Forrest or Ridge Carbide, you’ll be fine. My concern is the durability of the granite.

$650 is too much for that saw without a fence IMHO unless it’s coming from a store and has full warranty and return privileges. It’s been a while, but I’ve seen it drop near $700 new on a couple of occasions. “New condition” is better than beat up, but it often means no warranty or return privileges, so it should sell for what a used saw in mint condition goes for, less appropriate deductions for the lack of a fence.

The saw is made by Steel City/Orion, and was essentially the same saw as the 35930 so one of their fences should be a direct bolt on. The Delta T2 could need some additional drilling, but is one of the better values going in aftermarket fences…. ~$153 shipped from Tools-plus.com. Vega, Biesemeyer, HTC, and Shop Fox (Grizzly) are other good fence options.

1-3/4hp is usual plenty for most hobby needs. The end performance will be very dependent on setup and blade selection. If you’re used to a full blown 3hp industrial cabinet saw, it may seem a little weak, but otherwise should have ample power.

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

I would stay away from the rock u mite have a mental lapse and whoops, and you can use clamps on cast iron without to much worry it makes a good second bench, the guy in knoxviile has a bunch of saws he has all kinds of woodworkin equip at a good price just lookup craiglist knoxville good heavy woodworkin equip

-- Stevo, work in tha city woodshop in the country

and dont buy it all Im tryin to save some money to buy a couple of peices got some nice jointers

-- Stevo, work in tha city woodshop in the country

You could get a new Ridgid R4512 for less. The Ridgid R4511 is granite, but I have yet to understand why anyone needs a granite top.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

thanks for the responses, I don’t think I am going to even mess with it. He seems a little urgent to get rid of it and that makes me worry too. I have sold sruff on craigslist and when someone is urgent to sell, there is usually a reason for it.

-- The College Woodworker