Table Saw Shootout - Help me pick!

If the last one gives you heartburn, I’d say the Jet is in first place. Second place is Rigid TS3650. The others are far behind.

If you can afford the Unisaw, more investigation is needed – does it have fence, used commercially (looks like it’s in a cabinet shop) and if so how are the bearings, motor, etc.

-- Joe

unisaw first (the fence is there on the right)- generally speaking , BUT consider this – it may run only on 220v… doesnt sound like that’ll fit your needs… but I could be mistaken.

after the unisaw – the Jet is a solid machine, and the Ridgid has proven itself in the market as one of the best in that range. both should serve you VERY well.

I’d stay away from the craftsman though… the delta would be ok.

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

A lot of LJ’s have praised their RIGID TS3650 on the site. I can highly recommend it after two years of ownership and use.

Ditto with PurpLev. Shy away from Craftsman.

-- Randy, Tupelo, MS ~ May I become more like the Master Carpenter every day.

That Uni would make quite a saw. If it needs a fence, you’re looking at a minimum of about $150 for a Delta T2 fence.

The Jet’s fence is the best of the bunch IMHO. The Ridgid is a nice saw, but considering they were being clearanced for $399 recently makes me think $375 is on the steep side for a used one. That particular Delta has no advantage over the others IMO…poor fence, not great condition. I’d shy away from that Craftsman too compared to the others, but are you guys aware of the similarities and the connection between the Emerson made Craftsman saws and the Ridgid? ...They’re kissing cousins with some interchangeable parts.

Uni, Jet, 3650, in that order for me….but it’s more important for you to get the one you like…all 3 of these are viable machines, with the Uni being a few leagues above the contractor saws.

Alrighty, so I got the guy to come down on the JET to $250, including the extension table he built…good deal??

I would go with the Jet….

-- Hrolfr

def. good deal. go for it. the fence alone would be worth that much..

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

yes. snap it up! good saw, great fence!

nd23rin…you and I may be related somehow…craigslist? recycling? salvaging? Smart man!

-- Sponsored by craigslist brand power tools!

The Jet sounds like a great deal IF everything is in A-1 condition.

The Ridgid is a great saw as well (I own one and love it). But I agree that $375 is a bit high for a used one considering recent clearance sales. I would offer $300 for it.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

i like the jet. looks like a good solid saw for the price

-- a truly wise man never plays leap frog with a unicorn

Jet#1 Ridgid#2 The Unisaw really interest me, that’s what i have! To replace the Unisaw would be the better part of $2000. You would then have a lifetime saw!

-- spanky46 -- Never enough clamps...Never enough tools...Never enough time.

I have had a Ridgid for about ten years (older all gray model)....has been a great trouble free saw…..just recently upgraded to a Unisaw, but only because the Unisaw was a great deal.

-- Don S.E. OK

The Unisaw is tops IF you have 220 and you can move the thing to your shop.
Jet is a bargain with that fence and the fact that he’s already made the outfeed table.
The Rigid is a nice enough saw by all accounts but you can buy it new for not much more than that.

You can always replace an old motor, but cast wings and a good fence are worth alot. At $250 you could get burned on the saw and still have a fence system worth more than what you paid.

Different price bracket but I think my Sawstop was worth the money.

-- "We are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act but a habit." ---Aristotle

I agree with what some others have said about the Ridgid, as I said, I loved mine and only upgraded because the Unisaw I bought belonged to a friend of mine who hardly used it and sold it to me dirt cheap. But before I bought the used Ridgid, I would put a extra $50 or so with it and buy a new one.

-- Don S.E. OK

This is an easy one – #1 pick is the Jet #2 pick is the Ridgid

I used to own the Jet and I have used the Ridgid. The others are not even close to comparison with these units.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

I have an old craftsman contractor saw. I don’t have much to compare it to but I love it. Here are some before and after pictures of my saw.

http://www.owwm.com/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=8778

I cleaned it up a little and added a T2 fence and rails. No complaints. When I get ready to upgrade I will keep the fence and rails and probably part the rest out on ebay. Not saying it is better than any of the others but it suits me well.

I would not buy the jet….the fence is way too nice, the blue paint color is a definate sign that this saw was made when jet actually produced high quality machinery and the price is way to low. Your better off paying alot more for an inferior saw produced in a third world country.

-- http://www.efcabineture.com/ You can be tired, or you can be broke, but you should never be tired and broke.

Nick, by your post, you’re in my area. Always check the St Pete Times classifieds under Machinery/Equipment. I’ve seen what I think are good deals there.

Dave

-- http://www.federalsaw.com

Please purchase the Sawstop contractors saw ($1600) I know it is very expensive but if you are new to the table saw then it is the best choice. The guard actually works and you will use the machine with the guard in place. The riving knife is also a bonus. I have seen this saw save a finger.

Vic