Replies

1. 
   DonStephan | Feb 22, 2011 07:33pm | #1

   A new tablesaw may or may not offer accuracy, fence, splitter, dust collection, HP, rip width, et cetera beyond your old one.  Whether these would be of value depends on your intended use in the coming years.  As to a particular brand, personal preference plays a large role in selection.

2. 
   BruceS | Feb 22, 2011 08:34pm | #2

   Powermatic Sister

   Take a look at the Powermatics sister.   The Jet 10" 3 HP.   About $600 less and almost the same saw, I DID SAY ALMOST.

3. 
   JerryW | Feb 22, 2011 09:53pm | #3

   I replaced a 33 year old Craftsman10" tablesaw last summer with a 3 hp General International cabinet saw ($1499 close out - last without riving knifes).  I did a lot of really careful work with the old Craftsman, however with the new saw, it is so much easier and predictable.  The old Craftsman developed blade tilt issues related to corrosion and dirt.  The new saw literally spins to any angle adjustment.  Height adjustment is effortless.   The Biesmeyer style fence is very nice, rigid and easily set up.  Yes, I had to rewire my shop for 220v, but as a side benefit, I now have numerous 110v circuits.

   The main benefits vs the Craftsman are related to power, lack of blade vibration, and rigidity.  I get much smoother cuts and a much happier woodworking experience.   I used to view a table saw as simply a shaft turning a blade, and what would be the gain of a nicer saw?  I also have a $99 Skil tablesaw that I use for portable work at our church.  Yes, I could build fine furniture with it, but with huge amounts of care.  Remember that many period pieces were built with only hand power!!!

   I don't think that you need to spend $2500 to see a huge improvement.  However, what ever you do, go to a cabinet style saw, not a souped up contractor saw.    General, Grizzly, and many others make saws in the $1500 range.

   Jerry

1. 
   MarkBuilder | Feb 23, 2011 02:24pm | #6

   Thanks so much for your comments and insight.

4. 
   greghill | Feb 22, 2011 10:44pm | #4

   replacing your old saw

   I replaced my 54 year craftsman 10" saw a couple of years ago with a Jet left tilt 3HP cabinat saw. It was a $1800.00 outlay, but well worth it. The difference in the accuracy, the smoothness and the ease of use made it well worth the expense. If you use your tools alot like I do, you'll be glad you made the change. Like everything, you get what you pay for. Will it make you a better wood worker?  It just might.

5. 
   bones | Feb 23, 2011 02:20pm | #5

   close to a sawstop

   If you have in the range of the 2400 go check the sawstop.  Safety and quality.  Myself I have the grizzly 1023slx with 7' rails that I've had for over 6 years and not a moments issue.