Replies

1. 
   tomytinker | Mar 24, 2004 02:52pm | #1

   My buddy bought one about a year ago that we both use. I'd buy the same one if I had the room. Easy to move, adjust, and makes good sawdust.

   I give it a thumbs up.

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2. 
   Dustmight | Mar 24, 2004 04:58pm | #2

   The 3650 is a decent saw IMO, but the new Griz 0444Z at the same price delivered ($600) looks to be the better value with the Biesemeyer style fence and 2HP motor.  Also, for $50 more, the General Intl 50-185M1 was ranked #1 by Fine Woodworking....great saw that also has an excellent Biesemeyer fence, 2hp motor, great cast iron miter gauge, dado insert, and accessory racks.  So while there's nothing wrong with the 3650, there are a couple of choices that IMHO will give you a bit more saw for the $ that's more on par with a PM64a or top Delta or Jet. 

   It'll boil down to what features are the most important to you.  The 3650 has a nice built in mobile base, but considering that I can buy or build a base for $20-$80, I'd rather have the better fence and rugged cast iron trunnions on the GI or Griz.  

3. 
   MatthewSchenker | Mar 24, 2004 05:03pm | #3

   Carver,

   I considered the Ridgid 3650, but then Ridgid did a funny thing. They completely overhauled their design, and they stopped doing their lifetime warrantee. This was about a year ago, I believe. The new design doesn't seem as good to me as the old design, but I haven't seen any reviews of the new design.

   I'm pointing this out just so you know that people who comment on the saw may be talking about the older model.

4. 
   CharlieP | Mar 24, 2004 09:51pm | #4

   I have the Ridgid 3612, the predecessor to the 3650.  Great saw, easy to align, holds alignemnent well, repeatable rips to finer than 1/64 (I even shoot for 1/128 or .01).  I have not been able to stall the blade with 2 inch walnut or cherry and a combo blade; still cuts fast enough for practically no burn on cherry and bubinga. 

   I have not used the 3650, but on the Ridgid forum learned that there is some question about the stability of the base (I didn't see a problem when I poked at it in Home Depot), there were a few early cases where the wrong screw was used in the motor pulley (vibration was easily fixed).  They use the same great fence as the 3612 (it has a different part number because of new colors, but Ridgid confirmed that it was the same).  The trunions that provide the adjustability and stability are the same. 

   The miter gauge is unimpressive, so I use a simple homemade sled for any precise crosscuts.  Dust collection is typical contractor saw (poor). 

   The 3650 has a TEFC motor, which should be better given the dust I have blown out of the 3612 motor.  I also heard that it didn't stick out the back as far as the 3612 motor (good change). 

   ________________________
   Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texas
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