Replies

1. 
   DeskJockey | Apr 17, 2003 06:40pm | #1

   Casey,

   Whatever you do do NOT get the Jet Supersaw.  After weeks of research and anticipation, I decided the jet had the best features and the least amount of drawbacks so I got one fresh off the assembly line.  Big Mistake.  The saw was in working order for about 3 weeks of the four months that I owned it due to a broken timing belt, TWO (yes TWO) fences that stopped clamping after three weeks (even when working the fence is one of the worst ones I have ever seen), and a motor that vibrated my coffee right off the table (no, I didn't really run the saw with coffee on it).  Fortunately Rockler was very good about it and let me return the saw for an upgrade to the Jet left-tilt cabinet saw.  So while I cannot tell you what contractor to go with, I will tell you do not go with the supersaw. 

   Jon

1. 
   MajorWool | Apr 17, 2003 07:08pm | #2

   I agree with the supersaw. The fence on it appears useless, in fact, it came off in my hands on the demo model at the woodworking show. As the fence on the dewalt is terrible too (it really shouldn't flex by an inch), perhaps jet thought they could cut corners here. The idea is there, it will just need a couple of significant changes to go all the way. I predict within a few months they will offer an Xacta fence upgrade. I powered one up at the dealer and it didn't vibrate so perhaps yours was a lemon in that regard.

1. 
   DeskJockey | Apr 17, 2003 07:30pm | #3

   Your right about the Xacta upgrade.  They already have that in the works.  I just didn't feel up to waiting the two-nine months (those were the varying estimates I got by Jet) to have a saw that works.  The saw didn't start out with vibration, it was after an afternoon of half-lapping 2 by 4's that things got ugly.

   I have to agree with you on the Dewalt fence.  I really tried to make that saw work especially when a local store had the floor model for $700, but that fence was so bad, I just couldn't convince myself to get it.  The reviews on Amazon seem to confirm this suspicion.  I just don't understand why anyone who pays $800 - $900 for a saw cannot get a REALLY good piece of equipment that doesn't need a $300 fence upgrade. 

   Check out the American Woodworker review of contractor saws that appeared in December (I think).  I don't know if I agree with their conclusions, but it gives you a good overview of what each saw offers.

   Edited 4/17/2003 12:37:54 PM ET by Jon

2. 
   nigelUsa | Apr 19, 2003 05:14am | #14

   What are you doing to the fence to "flex" it by an inch? I have the dewalt 746k and not had a problem with it and I use it for days at a time. When you are sliding a plank of wood along the fence how much pressure are you placing on the fence?

1. 
   MajorWool | Apr 19, 2003 10:31am | #15

   The flex was up and down. The saw I looked at in Lowes had a round fence held on by 3/16" thick "U" shaped brackets akin to heavy conduit clamps. It didn't take much force to move that fence around. Compared to my X-acta fence, the DeWalt was a joke. I still don't understand why Jet chose to put such a lousy fence on the supersaw in the first place when they manage to put decent fences on their contractor level saws.

1. 
   nigelUsa | Apr 19, 2003 04:42pm | #17

   That explains it, that saw was most lightly assembled by a saturday part time worker. The Dewalt fence is solid when installed to the instructions. It could be improved (like all) but for almost all jobs its very good.

2. 
   CheekyMonkey | Apr 17, 2003 09:58pm | #4

   Hi Casey

   I have a Grizzly 1022Z that I'm very happy with. One caveat: The fence it comes with sucks - I replaced it with a Mule Accusquare and never looked back.

   -Mark

3. 
   jvs | Apr 18, 2003 01:52am | #5

   A contractor's saw with a GOOD fence is the Powermatic 64A.  I looked at a few friends' saws before buying (a couple of Deltas, a Jet, and a 66), and liked the fence (and actually, the entire package) on a 66.  It was a little too much saw for me at the time (still is), but the 64A has the same fence, iron wings, ~30" rip, and easy conversion to 220v (next project).  Mild vibration out of box; an aftermarket link belt fixed that.  Someone may want to comment on belt life or other factors given that the belt is 3/8" rather than 1/2" on a lot of others, but I have had no problems with slipping in ripping 8/4 cherry or hard maple after 1 1/2 years.

   /jvs

4. 
   fdampier5 | Apr 18, 2003 02:19am | #6

   Do NOT!!!!!!!!! 

    repeat, do not  buy the Delta contractors saw!  $1200. new and I gave it away in frustration about three years later!        Certified P.O.S.

1. 
   scx297 | Apr 18, 2003 03:01pm | #8

   What kind of frustration?

   Witch make do you have new?

1. 
   fdampier5 | Apr 18, 2003 08:45pm | #10

   My frustration with Delta has been the subject of many a post.  Briefly there was an inability to stay aligned..  repeated by the book adjustments would last less than a week and often only a day. 

    I contacted others with this saw and they claim a similar problem, (less so since they used theirs so lightly while I was regularly cutting hundreds/thousands of bd.ft. of hard wood.. )

      I evan had a machinist buddy spend an afternoon attempting to correct the fundamental flaw without success..

     Calls to Delta were so frustrating that at one point in a fit of anger I used a curse word  (Not profanity , a curse)  only to be lectured by the female on the phone about propriety. The best solution Delta had to offer was for me to pack and ship the table saw to them and they would see...

     I attempted to sell it on the second hand market only to find out that nearly every time I demo'd it it would again need aligning..

     Currently I own a Grizzley G5959 12 inch saw..  However since I was forced to improvize so often with the Delta I've mastered the use of a Skil mag 77 and straight edge for all of my cutting and find it faster easier and less effort.  I haven't connected it yet and wonder when (and if )  I ever will.

5. 
   scx297 | Apr 18, 2003 02:56pm | #7

   According to what I've been earing and according to the latest issue (April 2003, volume27, number 2) of the Woodworker's Journal, your best bet would be with General (the one made in Canada...not the Taiwan model) . With the value of Canadian money, it's a bargin.

6. 
   JeffKurtz | Apr 18, 2003 07:28pm | #9

   Casey,

   Is there any particular reason you want/need a contractor's saw?  Right now most of the models available at Amazon cost between $600 and $1200.  For $900 you can get the Grizzly 1023S delivered.  3hp, Biesmeier clone fence and nearly 400 lbs.  Seems like a heck of a deal and I've only heard good things about it.

   BTW, the Powermatic 64A, unlike other PMs, is not a US made saw.  It's Taiwanese made with a Powermatic fence added.  The Jet with an Xacta Fence II is the same machine but costs less.

   Jeff

1. 
   max41254 | Apr 18, 2003 11:45pm | #11

   jeffk,

   my main reason for a con. saw was the cost; but on your suggestion i looked at the Grizzly saw. they now have a shop fox fence included w/ the saw, and asyou said, the price is nice!

   how long have you had your saw? was set-up difficult? i have some grizzly hand tools and am happy with them, so i have experience with the company.

   thanx ever so for your input!

                                              casey

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Apr 19, 2003 01:10am | #12

   Casey,

   The 1023Z and the 1023ZX3 come with the "Incredible Shop Fox Fence".  Check the archives and the review at the Fine Woodworking site.  Lots of complaints about alignment problems with that particular fence.

   The 1023S as well as the 1023SL and 1023SLX all come with the Shop Fox Classic Fence, which is the Bies. clone and a perfectly adequate fence.

   Sorry, I don't own a Grizz table saw.  As I said, there has been a lot of feed back on this forum as well as among my friends who own them, and it's been quite good.

   Jeff

7. 
   vacabby | Apr 19, 2003 03:08am | #13

   As many times as I have seen this question come up I find that everyone who responds has a different opinion.   That's why I love this forum.

   I have a Grizz 1023SL that I picked up at the Muncy PA store.  The 3hp motor and Bies clone fence have done all I need them to do.   I also have a Delta RT-40 in my shop but both saws work every day all day and the Grizzly has held it's own.  

   I know you asked about contractors saws but for the price of a contractors saw this beast at 450lbs is much quieter, more powerful and much smoother running.   It is available with a smaller 110v motor if the 220v power is a problem for you.   

   Good luck with your purchase.

   JB

8. 
   will1 | Apr 19, 2003 04:29pm | #16

   Last Saturday after much research, I took advantage of the Jet 10% off sale at Woodcraft stores, and I purchased the Supersaw. I am a week end woodworker, that has been cutting on a 1953 Shopsmith, so I guess anything would look better to me. However, so far I am impressed with the Supersaw's quality, accuracy, and lack of vibration.  I hope it lasts.... 

9. 
   user-191468 | Apr 19, 2003 05:09pm | #18

   I have had the Dewalt for over 2 years and like it a lot. Due to space reasons and the fact that my saw has to be able to be moved around, neither a normal contractors saw (with its motor hanging out the back) or a cabinet saw work for me; the Dewalt does. Having said all of the above, when you put a Beis. fence on it (because the Dewalt fence is only fair) and add a cast iron wing, you have got a lot of money in the thing, about $1200. I also use a WW II thin kerf blade most of the time. With the changes, the tool is a expensive but excellent machine. Good luck. Jeff