Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | May 30, 2003 08:41am | #1

   Your instincts are "right" about the right tilt.  The end result is the user having to move the fence over to the left side for many operations.  That's why many prefer the left tilt versions.

   Have you done any searches on Powermatic and General?  There have been a couple of pretty extensive discussions late, one of the more recent involving General.  If you do a search, set the time limit at 6 months.  You should get some pretty relevant results.

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

1. 
   SgianDubh | May 30, 2003 09:22am | #2

   I guess it all depends on how you use a saw, fg, and what type of saw you use. I've never used a saw where you could switch the fence from one side of the blade to the other because I've always used a saw with the European style fence along with the right tilting blade. I can't think of any time off hand where I've found this set up to be a particular inconvenience. I just use another tool or find a different method to achieve the result I'm after.

   One option that seems perfectly doable to me for right tilt saw blade owners that wish to use the fence on the right side is to make up an L profiled subfence out of ply, etc., that attaches to the standard US style long fence so that right tilting saws can be used when the blade is set for bevel cuts, and there is concern that it will  cut into the fence. This is similar to what I do with the European style fence-- I simply flip it down to present the narrow edge to the blade rather than the tall face so that the tilted blade passes over the top of the fence. I also usually set it short, as per ripping operations, so that the dimensioned part, if it happens to be between the fence and the blade,  is not trapped once the cut is completed.

   None of the above offers either an opinion or a solution to the right tilt or left debate, but it might help someone with a right tilting saw to find an alternative work method. Slainte.Website                                            The poster formerly known as Sgian Dubh

2. 
   BG | May 30, 2003 12:15pm | #3

   Kelly,

   Welcome to knots.  I just want to mention a couple of thing in response to your question.  First, in addition to the Powermatic and General you'll want to look at the  Delta Unisaw. Beyond those three you either need to jump up in price significantly to much more substantial machines or, like many here, find the Jet or Grizzly quite satisfactory. Regardless, the good news is there have been very few complaints from any of the people on here about any of these machines.

   Second, on the left /right issue, I think the functional pros and cons are more pertinent to consider. The 'tilt' dictates which  side of the machine the motor cover and tilt handle is on the cabinet.  Also, as you change the thickness of the blade the distance gets changed between the blade and fense with a left tilt verses a right tilt....none of this is particularly worrisome just the pros and cons. Lastly, if your interested in adding a sliding table, currently, that may be an issue with your selection.

   Personally, from a safety issue, there are a number of things that could/need to be considered to reduce risk....I don't think the tilt direction of the blade contributes a whole lot to the equation.  Happy hunting

     

2. 
   terryb | May 30, 2003 05:41pm | #4

   Kelly, I've used saws that tilted both ways and currently have a Powermatic 66. The left tilt is, in my opinion, much safer because the blade is pulling the wood into the fence. Moving the fence to the other side of the blade on a right tilt saw is, I think, a bit dicey just because it'll be unfamiliar to you having the fence over there and you won't be as comfortable with it. When I chose the PM saw, I went to a store where they had all three (delta, general, powermatic) side by side. The Powermatic impressed me because its trunion is much beefier than the others. Since, though, I've found out my table is seriously out of flat - a problem I've heard a lot from other PM owners. I'm happy with the saw but I think I'd take a serious look at General. I think their quality is higher than the others. Delta particularly seems to have dropped quality in the past few years - a real shame. Doesn't General make a left tilt? Hope this helps

1. 
   SCFrankland | May 30, 2003 07:43pm | #5

   General makes the 350 right tilt and the 650 left tilt.Scott C. Frankland

3. 
   vacabby | Jun 01, 2003 05:50am | #6

   Again the LT/RT dilema.    One question with a thousand different answers.    I will boil down to personal preference in the end.   We have both in my shop.   A Delta RT-40 and a Grizzly 1023SL.    Both perform quite well at their tasks.    After owning a $12,000 saw my guys were shocked that I bought a Grizzly as a second saw.    I've heard every horror story imaginable.   Fit, finish, motor trouble.   I have experienced none of those problems.   I found the Grizz to set up quite easy.   The finish was as good as others and I have had no trouble with the motor.   By the way, we still use the Bies clone fence that came with it as well. The Grizz works five days a week and doesn't skip a beat.    The RT works five days a week and I swear you could cut a house in half with it.   Determine your specific needs.    Buy based on where you are as a woodworker and think down the road a bit where you want to go and what saw will get you there without leaving a lot of extra cash on the table.    I have alot of grey shop tools and hand tools in my shop.    But I need tools that work hard and will make me money.    There are alot of other colored tools out there that are very good and will suit your needs depending on your use and demands of performance.

   Personally, I like the blade tilting away from the fence on the RH side of the table.   Doesn't mean I'll be giving my RT up anytime soon though.   Good luck in your search.