SawStop Contractor vs Laguna Cabinet Saw

Well, the SawStop really (only) has the advantage of the blade-stopping mechanism to offer, but that is about all it has – it’s a great invention, and a wonderful safety device – but it’s still a contractor saw. what would you benefit from a cabinet saw? move power of course (one of the main reasons), better dust collection, trunnion that is mounted on the cabinet as opposed to contractors saw where it is mounted to the table top – making it much harder to align the blade with the fence and miter gauge. Also the motor is in the cabinet and not hanging out the back of the saw. Cabinet saws are heavier, and with a more massive trunnion making it more stable with less vibrations – all in all, a better quality product.

people keep bringing up the “need for power” on table saws, and although a 1 3/4HP saw can cut 8/4 maple with no problems , a 3 or 5HP saw will cut it with more ease – meaning less force that the operator needs to apply on the lumber – adding to the overall safety of the tool

If the power that the contractor saw is more than you need (and it is for most of us), and you dont mind the motor hanging out the back of the saw, and you already plan on fabricating a good dust collection system for this saw – then with the added blade stopping mechanism – you have a winner!

personally – I’d go with a full size cabinet/cabinet style(hybrid) saw like the Laguna/New Unisaw/Steel City/etc…

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

If you can afford the $4K for the SawStop, get it. You gain your wife’s peace of mind for not having to worry about you cutting off your arm or something. That can lead to you getting even more tools with all the bells and whistles which are more safe as well. Plus, I don’t know if you have children but, I worry that my daughter may walk into the shop someday and decide to “play” with my equipment. The peace of mind that at least the biggest piece of equipment won’t hurt her has to be worth a lot more than $4K. And, let’s face it, unless you’re making some very wicked good projects, you’re not going to max out the capabilities of the contractor’s SawStop. BTW, I’ve heard there are a few things about the SawStop that don’t come with most cabinet saws, check it out.

Good luck,

-- Jim

The SawStop contractor is about 2K which is the same as most cabinet saws. So the question is what won’t the contractor saw do that a cabinet saw will. I’m with you on the not wanting to cut my fingers off though.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Hi Damien,

Purplev did a great job of filling you in with all the technical details, and a recommendation of his first choices.

Having talked with a number of retailers through the ezee-feed business, and based solely on their input, my feelings of hybrid saws aren’t that great.

They seem to believe the hybrid’s were designed to convince buyers you can buy a cabinet style saw for less money, and end up with cabinet saw quality.

Damien, having seen your work (through pictures), I think you should consider that your talent deserves the quality of a first rate saw, as you are doing first rate work.

If you don’t want to spend the money for the Saw Stop, I would consider a steel city saw, even without the “finger thingy”, since they will deliver the best in precision.

Regarding your fingers, you know if your tendencies are to follow all the safety concerns and precautions, that should protect you, and use that track record for your decision.

Hope I’ve helped in confusing you even more. lol

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Lee Thanks for the input about the retailers. I’m curious though if you can shed some more input from that source as to what reasons the hybrids are not that great ? I will be upgrading my table saw in the future, and was originally thinking about going hybrid as they are more “convenient” with the ability to run them on 110V, but lately with the introduction of the new Unisaw, and some rave reviews on the Steel city saws I’m tending to go that route (although the steel city 1.75Hp seems like a good choice at the moment with cabinet mounted trunnions, riving knife, and very very good reviews here and elsewhere) ?

Damien – like Lee mentioned, as long as you follow safety procedures, and be conscience and focused while working, you shouldn’t be at the point where you need a blade-stopper. What I’m somewhat concerned is that people with SawStops will rely on the saw to be safe for them, and end up working more sloppy – and what would then happen when they work on another machine?... just food for thought.

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

Thanks for the kind words Lee. I guess my question is would a cabinet saw provide any more accuracy over SawStop’s contractor saw?

With regards the Steel City Lee would you go granite or iron?

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Granite tends to chip, iron doesn’t. Stay away from granite, it is a fad.

-- Rich, WNY, www.nyrockingchairs.com

Okay, and out of left field how is the JET Deluxe EXACTA 3HP/50” compared to the SS & the Laguna?

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

The sawstop is coming out with a hybrid model with an in between price.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne