Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 26, 2007 08:40am | #1

   You don't indicate which Grizzly.  Is it the 1023S (or SL), which is a cabinet saw?  No contest there IMHO -- the cabinet saw.  Watch out for the Z version, though.  The fence is different, and in the showroom it didn't seem as nice as the one on the S version.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   user-237410 | Jan 26, 2007 08:54am | #2

   Thank you forest girl. After reviewing the website, I guess the SL. I just can't believe the price. It seems like buying a sports car for a standard car price!!!

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 26, 2007 10:04am | #3

   The 1023  is one of the best bargains around woodworking.  Do a search here and at other forums, you find lots of people who use them.  As long as you don't need 52" rails and such (which you could add later if you want), the price is quite sweet!

   Careful though, you might get tempted with their 8" jointer.  Too funny.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   Edited 1/26/2007 2:05 am by forestgirl

2. 
   BG | Jan 26, 2007 02:39pm | #4

   Jimmy,

   You really shouldn't be stuck, unless you don't have 220 power. First of all, there is probably nothing else you'll spend your money on in woodworking that delivers as much bang for the buck. ...regardless of what you buy. Second,cabinet saws cut better(smoother) because the trunnion (and therefore the vibrations are minimized) are not attached to the table top. Third, the resale value. Fourth, have you factored in shipping cost? I believe grizzly is set, it appears the General is not..

   I was hesitant because I did not feel worthy of a cabinet saw...hogwash! I just spent $1450 on a muffler and catalytic converter for my car...I'm worthy.

    

1. 
   wood_donkey | Jan 26, 2007 04:04pm | #5

   Worthy, I know...just put new tie rods and exhaust manifold into the XTerra...and I was this close "..." to convincing the wife I "needed" a new saw. But the $1300 to get the car legal came from that funding source.But to Jimmy...Get the Grizzly, nothing but great reviews, heavy duty, good power, you won't be disappointed.Donkey

3. 
   Knotscott | Jan 26, 2007 05:30pm | #6

   As long as you've got 220v, and the extra $100+ doesn't take food off the table, there's really no comparison.  It's like comparing a 6 cylinder Dakota to a 3500 Cummins diesel dualie. 

   In function, both should serve the needs of a hobbyist well, but it terms of construction, power, and longevity.... not much debate.

4. 
   bones | Jan 26, 2007 08:26pm | #7

   I've had the 1023slx for a couple years now. Excellent saw. I had a shopsmith prior to that.  Going to a cabinet saw will have you saying WOW! They make the cutting function so much easier.  If you have any specific questions about the 1023 let me know.  Good luck on the decision. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
1. 
   user-237410 | Jan 27, 2007 04:58am | #8

   Thanks all for the great feedback!

5. 
   steveky | Jan 27, 2007 08:33am | #9

   This is a great coincidence because in December I bought the exact General table saw that you are considering. I looked forever and like you I wanted a serious saw for the long run. Like you I kept thinking if I just add an extra $100 here and another $100 there, then it will be perfect. I finally decided as I have many times before, unless you have unlimited funds you have to draw the line somewhere. I got the saw on sale through Woodcraft for less than $1000, this includes shipping and the freight company put it in my garage. As for the H.P. issue, I think it comes down to the individual user. I’m a hobbyist and 2 h.p. is plenty for me. If you’re a pro who needs to do serious wood cutting every day (time is money), then you might want to go with the 3 h.p.. I don’t know much about Grizzly but I think the quality is similar. All in all and without being prejudice because I just bought the saw, I’m pleased. I had an old contractors saw which was noisy and dusty. This thing sounds like a quite jet engine and after hooking up my shop vac. to the dust chute, there is almost no mess. One word of warning! The General assembly instructions that came with this saw are pitiful. I wrote the company and expressed my opinion on this matter. Fortunately I have a reasonable amount of mechanical skill and got it all together through a little trial and error in about 2 hours. The fence system is great and glides like a skater on ice. After you get your new table saw be sure and put a coat of paste wax on the cast iron table. Also the cast iron table extensions are very heavy and without having an extra set of hands, I had to find a creative way of holding the extensions up while I got it all attached and leveled out. Good luck with your decision.