I’m new to woodworking and am planning to buy a table saw soon. Looking to keep it near or below $1000. What brand/type would you buy if you had $1000 to spend? Would you spend less on a cheaper saw and invest in other equipment? Any recommendations are appreciated.
Curt M.
Replies
I recommend a left-tilt Delta for about $600 from Lowe's or a Sears cabinet-type which many others praise. You can spend more than $600 by improving the fences on these, but I don't see that you need to do so. The main reason for my choices is weight, not cost. I could have easily paid more. I got a bargain on a Delta which is a sturdy, accurate machine. The Sears may be a better saw for several reasons, however. If ever needed, these two brands generally give good customer service.
BTW, there is a hardwood source in Scottsboro on US 72. I like it because you can pick your own boards. They have shorts also. Their selection is great unless you want several 100 bd ft of one species. They have domestics and exotics. Prices are fair. Is that too far away? I live on the east side of Huntsville about 30 miles from there.
Cadiddlehopper
I'm up that way frequently. Please send me details about this place.
I own a Rockwell Delta unisaw that I got second hand for $350.00. Untill then I owned a sears contrctor's saw. My friends bought the grizzly knock-off 3h.p. 10" cab. saw. I say knock-off because underneath it looks like my unisaw. I love my saw. My friends are happy with their saws. I would never go the sears route again.
I have the griz cabinet saw and am happy with it. It's 220V though.
The table saw is not the place to save money. It will be your most frequently used tool and you want power, flexibility and accuracy. Spending $1800-2000 on a good one is a good investment but be sure to pick one with a good rip fence. Plan to spend another $100-200+ on a good cross cut fence...the ones that come with the big saw are terrible, don't know how they get away with it! I use an Accumiter but I'm disappointed in the locking mechanism for square. 3 HP is plenty but plan to wire for 220 volts. Above all, be sure you have a top-rated blade. I use the Forrest 40 tooth combination carbide tipped and love it...I have two, one on the saw and the other back to Forrest for resharpening.
Hi Curt - For a grand you can get into a full 3hp Grizzly 1023 cabinet saw...assuming you have 220v electric available. Full cabinet saws are very heavy duty, have a relatively small footprint, offer superior dust collection, have gobs of power, are accurate and easy to adjust, and will last for generations.
If you don't have 220v, a hybrid like the Craftsman 22124, Steel City 35601, Grizzly G0478, General International 50-220CLM-1, or Delta 36-715/716/717 would be an excellent choice with some of the advantages asa cab saw, but with less power and are more home duty than commercial.
http://steelcitytoolworks.com/products_tools.cfm?section=2&category=12&tool=35601
http://www.grizzly.com/products/category.aspx?key=530000
http://www.epinions.com/content_184778395268
http://www.amazon.com/Delta-36-715-Horsepower-Intermediate-Extension/dp/B0007ZJ6W6/sr=8-1/qid=1166560131/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0666017-4028638?ie=UTF8&s=hi
http://www.general.ca/pagemach/machines/50220220ca.html
There is no doubt that the cabinet saw is much better than the alternatives. However, you need to consider what area of interest within woodworking interests you. If you are doing case work, then go for the cabinet saw. However, if you are pursuing turning or some other areas, it is less necessary to invest heavily in the table saw. I have been pursuing this avocation for over thirty years and my Delta contractors saw has served me well. It has its limitations, but then so do all tools. The difference between the end product has more to do with the development of your skills, and your ability to perceive design. If you wait to save money to buy $20,000 worth of tools and to build a $75,000 shop you are going to waste a lot of years.
Bill
You don't mention what power you can supply. If you can go 240, then I would reccomend a Cabinet saw. I have the Grizzly 1023 and love it. You could look at a used unisaw, and a third alternative is the new Sears cabinet saw. It has received great reviews. Do a search here and you will find tons of opinions on TS's. Good luck on the choice.
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