Hi,
I have just been given an opportunity to build and furnish my woodworking shop. I am trying to decide which table saw to purchase. I have done the researsh on Jet and Delta. I do have a friend who swears by Grizzly, and of course the price is quite good right now. I guess my questions are, assuming money does not come into consideration, can I get some sage advice on the cabinet saws offered by these three vendors. I am looking for ease of use, power, control, etc. I would like this to be the last saw I purchase, if there is such a thing. I just can’t decide and appreciate your help. Of course, if there is another vendor, I wouold sure like to hear about them.
Thanks,
– lee –
Replies
You might try to find an Oliver if price is no object. They are still around, and a competent used machinery dealer will be able to supply one with some advice about its condition, etc. I have an old 12" jointer (circa 1922) and it is great. Heavy, accurate, no vibration, bearings are open and run in an oil bath, fence is dead on, etc. I will go from my Unisaw to an Oliver as soon as I install an outside entrance to my basement.
Check out General. The Canadian made Gerneral. They also offer a import line called General International. Stay away from that stuff if this is to be your last saw. General just redesigned their saw a couple of years ago and it's a beautiful saw. I own many General pieces so I can say their product is top shelf. Also Powermatic for you Americans. We don't see many of them in Canada.
LTANNEN, I would look at the EXFACTORY website under the machinery and gear link on this page. A lot of good used tools show up here. I saw 2 older Powermatic 66 tablesaws for around $1000.00. I don't have a problem with used machinery, I have an older Delta Unisaw from the early 1940's that I will never part with.
If I were going to buy new, I wouldn't be afraid to purchase any of the major brands, (Delta, Powermatic, Jet, General or even a Grizzly). A guy could have a 12" Grizzly for the price of any of the others 10" saw. I recently purchased a 8" jointer from Grizzly, fortunately I got to try it out before I bought it, its a very good tool and I plan on owning several other Grizzly tools. Check them all out thoroughly before you decide. Good luck!
I am not affiliated with any of the above tool manufactures.
Steve
My brother-in-law bought the Grizzly and for the money he thinks it is great. He has an aerospace engineering degree and is one of the smarter people I know. The next step up, money and quality, is the Jet and Delta. Powermatic is above that. If money is not a concern you may want to try a European saw. Rojek(roy-yek) or a Felder. The last two will definately be the last saw you will ever buy. Most of these manufacturers will send videos of their equipment. Good luck.
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