This saw has a cast-iron throat plate, as is found on larger industrial machines, and the fence was the best of those in its price range. But overall, its fit and finish were mediocre. The miter gauge had a flimsy, thin scale that was crudely trimmed. Lobo was unable to replace a part damaged during shipping.
For a full review on this saw, read the June 1999 article from Fine Woodworking magazine, available on the Fine Woodworking Network.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Forrest Woodworker II Blade
A high quality, staple blade for your table saw. With 48 teeth, it is suitable for both ripping and crosscutting.
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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