I have been a hobby woodworker all my life. I have done many kits and have designed some curios and made ornate mirrors. I like to work in Cherry, Walnut and Maple. About six years ago I bought a Shopsmith Model 500 Saw with bandsaw, joiner and drillpress. I found the saw did not give me the accuracy, capacity or confidence I want. I sold the Shopsmith and am now trying to decide what to buy. I plan to make tall case clocks for family and for sale so I need a saw I can depend on for the above mentioned features.
The saws I have looked at include a 20 year old General used until retirement by a local woodworker. It has all the extra outfeed tables and slinding panel cutter and a 50″ fence. He is asking $1,000.00 for it. I am told I would have a problem putting this saw up next to a table to increase the capacity because this unit has two pipes for the fence to slide on.
I also looked at a new Shop Fox with a 52′ fence that sells for $1,250.00. It is represented as having the most features and a fence equal to the Beasmeyer.
There is the Jet model for $1,600.00, also withthe 52″ fence.
The one I liked the best was the Delta Unisaw with the Beasmeyer fence for $1,800.
I don’t think I want to go into the $2,000.00 range so I have these to choose from. Which will be most reliable? Can I save money for other tools by buying a cheaper saw that will do the same thing?
What ideas would you have?
Replies
Why do you think you need such a big saw for such small projects?
I switched to a smaller saw and and glad I did. Try the Bosch table saw (4000?) with the outfeed tables. I find it to be a real usable, affordable, safe saw to use. Bosch has good ideas and high quality tools. Got mine from Amazon.com for a lot less then one of those giant cabinet saws with free shipping, free folding stand... the whole nine yards for $499.00. The saw has performed very well, accurate and easy to use. Powerful to boot. I don't miss my great big saw at all.
I don't have any of the saws you mention. I have read all the reviews I can get my hands on though. From the porjects you mention, I'm not sure why you would need extra capacity beyond a 50 inch fence, unless you're talking about an outfeed table for the long rips you'll be doing for the clocks. You could always get another fence for the general, but then you're looking at costs nearer to a new saw. Most reviews of shop fox stuff I've read mention the fence as deficient, so at that price, it's no deal. The jet and delta are both positively reviewed everywhere I've seen, with most giving the nod to the delta/biesmeyer setup if you can afford it. If you decide to get something other than the general, I'd be interested in it :)
Jackld,
I don;t know where you are, but even here in the land-of-few-woodworkers I see used Unisaws come up at or below $800 pretty often. (One of the fellas I share space with bought 5 of them for $2000!) If you can spend some time hunting, you ought to be able to save quite a lot of money. And, once you have a good TS, you have the capacity to change or broaden your current goals in years to come without changing equipment. I wouldn't go to the bare minimum to accomplish current ends.
MHO - YMMV
Clay
Get that 20 yr old General right now. If not, tell me where its at and I will get it.
Brian
Ditto!
Jackld,
The price on the General appears a bit high....but I'd be hard pressed to walk away from that puppy. You mention a sliding set up and assorted tables, that may more than justify the price. As far as an outfeed table...lots of workarounds. General is a great saw...no tax, probably no shipping, maybe some freebies....you'll be very happy
Check the Grizzly 1023s, about $900.00 with shipping. Has a biesmier clone fence. This is the classic fence. I've had mine about 4 years , no problems. I would offer $800.00 for the General, $1000.00 is high for a 20 year old General unless their are accesories that come with it that are worth the extra money.The fellow that owns this saw is he a hobbiest or did he use the saw professionally? If the saw is well used it might need bearings, etc.Do you need a 52" fence? My saw came with the standard rails, I moved the rails to the right of the blade. I can rip 38" to the right but not at all to the left. I can't recall ever ripping to the left anyhow.Grizzly supplies the correct bit and tap with he rails.
mike
I bought a Unisaw last fall and could not be happier. Paid 1600 for the left tilt with 50" Biesemeyer, got a free mobile base, a PC router and another throw-in. It will do everything I'll ever need. I think the Powermatic is at least as good, if not better, but I did not like the fence as well.
Good luck on your choice.
Jackld,
I'll put in my 2cw and vote for the General! I don't think you can go wrong with a saw of that caliber! You can do small work with a large saw but you can't go the other way. If you have room for it--jump!
Regards,
Mack
"WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"
Hi Jack. If you think you'd put the panel cutter to good use, and the fence is high-quality, go for the General. Those sliding panel cutters aren't a cheap accessory. As far as adding extra support goes, can't imagine it'd be that difficult to design a support table for it.
Next on my list, given the $$ were available, would be the Unisaw. As far as the Shop Fox goes, I'd want to cruise the forums and find a few satisfied users before I sunk money into it.
The Grizzly 1023SL is a great saw, by accounts reported here at Knots and also in other forums. However, if you want extra capacity (longer rails, and the support needed for them), the investment required might bring the price pretty close to the Unisaw's.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Have had the Griz 1023 with the 54" rails for a month now. Loving it so far. Every cut is accurate and smooth. $1300 with shipping, the mobile base(which I would not buy again), long rails , extention table and support legs. Great value. It even came with an extra set of support legs which I adapted for use on an outfeed table. I looked at the delta and jet extensively before buying the griz. Glad I made the decision I did. Money saved will go toward a jointer. Good luck with your decision! This forum was a great help to me. Hope it helps you.
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