This is not another “which TS should I buy” thread, but rather just some thoughts and observations running through my head as I get ready to buy my first cabinet saw.
I had a chance to play around with a few cabinet saws today, as part of my pre-purchasing research. I looked at the Delta Unisaw, a General 350, and a Laguna LTS-260. These are the saws that are available in my neck of the woods.
The Unisaw was really nice but it’s a bit more than I want to spend. The General is also a nice saw, Canadian made, but it’s also stretching my budget and to be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about buying a saw that is no longer going to be manufactured.
So that left me with the Laguna. I’ve read all of the horror stories about their customer service, and I told the sales guy at the store that I was concerned about it. He acknowledged that there have been some problems in the past, but he claims they have improved in that area in recent years. He also made the point that if I have a problem with the saw, I won’t be dealing with Laguna, he will be. The sales guy was actually very helpful, pointing out the various features of the saws, and even encouraging me to wait until next month to buy as they have a sale coming up then.
The Laguna saw itself is an exact clone of the Grizzly G0691 with a different paint scheme. I’m on the fence (no pun intended) as to whether I want a 52” rip capacity. Laguna doesn’t offer a 30” version of their saw, so if I decide to go that route I’d have to look at the G0690 (or cut down the rails on the Laguna).
I’m going to make a trip down to the Grizzly showroom this weekend, just to check out their machines in person. I was initially considering a G1023RLW, but I don’t think I can live with a 26” rip capacity.
Too many freaking saws to choose from… what a problem to have, eh? :)
Knottscott is the table saw guru on this site. He has great info on saws
Well if you end up going for a Grizzly. They are having tent sales at all they locations. Never been to one but from what I’ve heard you can get good deals on “as is” and “scratch and dent”
Via Grizzly Facebook Page it says: Muncy PA – May 18th and Sept 21st Springfield MO – June 8th Bellingham WA – June 22nd
If it’s for your self esteem, buy the most expensive one you can afford. If it’s to make stuff, a Ridgid portable or contractors saw will do 98.7% of what needs doing.
-- Clint Searl.............We deserve what we tolerate
Youre probably going to want that extra rip capacity. I’ve got 52” on my saw and while I only use the extra 2’ about 20% of the time, having that ability is priceless… Especially since my mitresaw sucks so bad. If you work with sheetgoods… then it’s a no-brainer. And if you have the room and the budget to work with… enough said.
Happy Hunting and show us some pics of the Laguna once you it wired up!
-- JC Garcia, Concord, CA : "It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission..."
”If it’s for your self esteem, buy the most expensive one you can afford. If it’s to make stuff, a Ridgid portable or contractors saw will do 98.7% of what needs doing.”
So I presume you’re of the opinion anyone buying a higher quality or caliber saw other than a low end basic POS is simply “compensating”?
-- Friends don't let friends use right tilt contractor saws......
SamuariSaw.... Lol.. agree to your response to this ” If it’s for your self esteem, buy the most expensive one you can afford. If it’s to make stuff, a Ridgid portable or contractors saw will do 98.7% of what needs doing.”
That can be interpreted as a bit insulting. Almost like that one LJ member who rips everyone a new one for not buying a Delta. Won’t mention names of course. Definitely NOT refering to you danr ....lol
Nwbusa – buy the best you can afford and one that accomodates your shop and your needs… I think that would be a better less offensive answer
We all “compensate” to some degree in that we buy what works best for our specific situation. I just love the guys that ridicule folks for buying a cabinet saw, but then laugh at people buying a low end hand plane rather than a Lie-Nielson.
Most cabinet saws will out-perform most contractor saws. It is a fact of life, get over it. However, a skilled craftsman will take whatever tools are at his disposal are create something of value. They are tools, simply that.
-- Friends don't let friends use right tilt contractor saws......
Oh, I’m not offended by ol’ Clint. He just has a certain way about him lol…
I’m starting to come over to the 52” school of thought. I just need to make sure I don’t limit my floor space for future machine additions.
knotscott, thanks for the link and that’s a good point. Yes, I think I could live with 36”. Even 30” would probably be okay, but I’m giving some heavy thought to the larger rip capacity saws.
Go with Grizzly. When Laguna pulls the chain of the guy you talked to, it’s not much different than pulling your chain directly. And everyone says Grizzly CS is very good. It’s a short drive for you down to Bellingham and you can save the freight . . .
Yeah, but what sucks is that if I pick up a Grizzly saw down there, I have to pay sales tax twice—9% in WA and 12% in BC. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Clint is absolutely correct. The problem with some of you Cabinet saw owners and or salesmen is the ridiculous nit picking of Contractor’s saws. I gets really old.
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