Replies

1. 
   Jimurock | Apr 06, 2008 05:03pm | #1

   "I realize that these saws are probably more then i will need but for around 500 i would like to buy the best i could "

   Famous last words.  A couple of years down the road you'll be wishing you'd sprung for a hybrid saw, if only for the better dust collection.   More and more hobbyists are doing so, especially if mobility is not an issue.

   I'm not a big fan of HD, but I had an earlier version of the Ridgid, and it performed very well, though trunnion adjustment was a pain.  It also had a very good lift and wheel system though it sounds as though that's not an issue for you.  Leaving HD out of it, Ridgid seems to take service seriously, though I never had to use it.  Delta, on the other hand is developing a dubious reputation for service.  I don't know Grizzly and Jet, which I believe are much the same product.

   Jim

1. 
   wyowolf | Apr 07, 2008 03:28am | #2

   well I am sure your right. I posted the same question over in breaktime and they made some suggestions about buying a used Delta or Powermatic Cab saw. I will defiantly look into doing that as well. If you have any more ideas or suggestions please feel free to share. thanksFrankWe were the winners, cause we didnt know we could fail....

   Waylon...

   "I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him."

   Aciores autem morsus sunt intermissae quam retentae.

   (Freedom suppressed and then regained bites with keener fangs than freedom never endangered.)

   Cicero, De Officiis

   " once i had woman with high hand, and i let her treat me mighty low man, she made a lover of my best freind, and now he treats me like a hasbeen..."

1. 
   TampaTom | Apr 07, 2008 04:09am | #3

   Well, for me, I bought the Ridgid 3612 about 7 years ago and I don't really think about upgrading. The saw does everything I need it to do... I'm a big fan.Tom Iovino

   Tom's Workbench

   http://tomsworkbench.com

2. 
   BruceS | Apr 07, 2008 04:35pm | #6

   As another has said,  A used cabinet saw (older Delta,Jet or powermatic) would be a good deal IF you know how to check it out for some fatal flaws and able to fix those flaws.  The Jet ProShop is a type of hybrid series.   It is probably Jets top seller at the moment and for good reason.   Google Jet ProShop.  Besides they are on sale till the end of the month.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   philip_r | Apr 07, 2008 08:55pm | #7

   IMHO -

   It would be crazy to go out and spend 1k, or more, on a TS - unless you are really serious about woodworking.  I'd bet you that 99.99% of the "hobbyists" that have cabinet saws started out with a small to medium saw. The remaining .01% had too much money.

   I am surprised that nobody has mentioned checking craigslist.org..?  If your budget is $500.00 - you should be able to get a pretty nice saw from the used market.  You just have to check regularly and be patient.  In the Denver area, I 've seen PM 66's and older Unisaws go for 1k to 1.5k and the hybrids for $500 to $700.  The Rigid/HD contractor saws appear to be going for $120 to $400.

   A TS is a big purchase, for anyone.  Mid-level saws will do just fine for most of your woodworking needs - but I would suggest buying one that has enough "mass" to keep it firmly planted on the ground - something in the 300 lb range (and up) should do.  My first TS was a Jet contractor (almost hybrid size) model, at my dad's shop.  It is a good machine and still serves him well today. 

   My second was a Dewalt hybrid saw.  I used it for 4 or 5 years and I just sold on Craigslist for $700.00.  I hated to part with it... but I needed the space.  My current saw, the SawStop (ICS version), is my all time dream saw.  My only problem is that my wife will divorce me if I want to upgrade again...

    

1. 
   BruceS | Apr 07, 2008 09:08pm | #8

   I agree to a point.  But the Jet ProShop is a midlevel sized and priced saw.  It is also true that I mentioned about knowing what to look for when buying a used saw.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   BruceS | Apr 07, 2008 06:11am | #4

   Don't get me wrong,  I love Jet tools and have many of them but that is a saw I would pass on, IMHO the fence leaves something to be desired.  Suggest you look at the Jet ProShop series.  I has many nice features,  Spindle lock for one wrench blade changes, nice dust collection enclosed cabinet w/4" port in the rear, above table calibration for the 45/90 degree stops, 1 3/4 HP 120 or 240 volt capacity.  Smaller footprint since the motor is inside the cabinet,  but still belt driven.  The fence is a biesmeyer style and glides along very nicely with the help of a rear rail glide.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   wyowolf | Apr 07, 2008 02:45pm | #5

   thanks i apprciate the advice, any particular model? and if its an older powermatic an particular one? the 66? thanks again

    

   Frank

    

    We were the winners, cause we didnt know we could fail....

   Waylon...

   "I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him."

   Aciores autem morsus sunt intermissae quam retentae.

   (Freedom suppressed and then regained bites with keener fangs than freedom never endangered.)

   Cicero, De Officiis

   " once i had woman with high hand, and i let her treat me mighty low man, she made a lover of my best freind, and now he treats me like a hasbeen..."

3. 
   WillGeorge | Apr 08, 2008 03:47am | #9

   I have the BigBox Ridgid table saw and all I can say is it "WORKS" for everything I do.

   Yes I want a better saw (I was going to get one this year but the IRS took away the money I saved up for it!).

   The only issue I have with the saw is that the motor hangs out the back. But then again, all saws like it have that 'feature'.

   Anything over two inches thick I rip on my bandsaw. Most else, I rip on the Gidgid. I use mostly Ash, Jatoba, Hickory, Oak (usually red) and Purpleheart. I will NOT say that all of those woods 'cut like butter' on my TS but with a good blade I get better than just 'get by'. I have used a Grizzly (good saw) but not a Jet.

   A friend has a PM 2000 3 Hp. and... YES... it cuts a 'bit' easier, but it did not make me 'drool' for it! Nice saw though.

   I also have a sliding table on it (JessEm 7500) and a Cast Iron ProMax Router Table.

   With all the additional weight the 'Lift' still works OK AND I move the saw all the time.

   I check the bolts for the steel frame but nothing has ever loosened up or moved. I put scribe marks on the base panels/legs when I assembled it.

   All in all, a great saw for the money.