Replies

1. 
   WoodBeaver | Dec 29, 2002 06:19pm | #1

   Hi,

   I have the Dewalt 744s. This saw is GREAT and I have put it to the test time and time again. I have built 2 complete homes and done a few small reno's and did all the trim work ina 9600sq' home using that saw for all of the table saw work.  It just keeps on humming away. The fence system works really well. It does require adjusting from time to time but is quite easy to adjust. The table is a touch small but still very functional. That stand that comes with it is a very good height for me to work. I'm 5'10". The one big trim job that I did required a ton of resawing and I did all of it on site with that saw. 

   My good buddy bought the Bosch. Yes there is a little tool war going on between use but all in good fun. (He who dies with the most tools wins!!!!!)    I used that saw for a week just to see if it was good and I have to say that it was pretty good too. The few differences that I noticed were probably more preference than anything. The table was a little bigger on the Bosch. The stand was a good height but it did stick open a lot. Even after being oiled it still stuck. The Dewalt was more back of the truck freindly. The fence on the Bosch seemed to get out of align quite easy. Not sure why or how. The Bosch has a nicer soft start. The power of these two saws is great and they both work very well. The only draw back that I can warn against is the fence. It is also quite a pain in the back side to adjust. All in all they are both good saws. I just liked the Dewalt more.

   Hope that this helps

   WoodBeaver

2. 
   NormInFujino | Dec 30, 2002 05:00am | #2

   In the price range you mention, you should also consider the Ryobi BT3100. Best bang for the buck for many of us. Check out the Ryobi Tools Forum for more information, as well as Sam Conder's BT3xxx Jig and Fixture Site. Sam includes a detailed review of the new BT3100.

   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township

3. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 30, 2002 05:30am | #3

   I have the Bosch, and as you mnay have guessed, each saw has it's dedicated adherents. I havew a contractor friend who has owned both the Bosch and the Dewalt, and he prefers the former, which is why I bought it,

   What I like about the Bosch: the collapsible stand works great for me. I was going to buy a Rousseau stand on wheels, but found I can move this around much more easily; Once the saw is lifted from the stand, the two pieces are easy to lift (into the truck). The soft start motor is great, and when the saw starts to bog down in heavy material, the motor revs up to keep pace. The fence has worked fine, but if it gets knocked around, adjustments are quick to make. As an accessory, for about $25, you can buy an outfeed slide. It works slick, and stays attached to the saw. I can cut an 8 foot 2X 4 without any other support.

   What I don't like: the gears on the trunion are plastic (!), and tend to get clogged. I carry around a brass tooth-type brush so I can clean them off about once a week. Otherwise you won't be able to move the blade up and down.

   Bench Vs. Contractor saw: the former are pretty much all plastic and aluminum, and I would not imagine they will hold up over the long haul as well as the contractor model, which is also more expensive. The contractor saws are tempting only if you don't have to move them around too much. If portability is a key issue, you will probably want the Bench top saw.

   Good luck.

4. 
   mfg_king | Dec 30, 2002 07:19am | #4

   I got a Delta 36-650 at Lowes about 3 months ago for $498 (plus tax). Amazon/Tool crib sells it for $600.  The saw has been terrific so far. It is a true contractors saw that is powerful, sturdy, quiet, has a great fence and can be upgraded. If you can have a heavy and more accurate contractors saw for the cost of one of those over priced plastic saws, I think you should get the Delta.

5. 
   pdeyoung | Dec 30, 2002 10:45pm | #5

   I had the DeWalt 744 benchtop table saw and could not do 1/4 of what you need to do fine woodworking.  For what it is intended, it works well.  It is not intended for fine woodworking, in my opinion.  So if you want to be able to make relatively accurate rips on short stock or relatively innaccurate rips on long stock then it is fine.  I also found it difficult to make dado cuts as the the saw was under-powered and it created too much vibration to get smooth cuts.  Also, the arbor shank was too short to be able to add many dado blades.  There is so much you can't do with a small saw. 

   I eventually gave the tablesaw away to a good friend, who is a contractor, and he loves it.  So it depends on what one intends to use it for.

   My advise to you is to buy the most expensive cabinet saw you can afford.  Since I've never seen one for $500 dollars, then look for a used one.  If you can't find a used one, go buy a contractor's saw (which is what I did).  I am sure Grizzly or other discount vendors have something in your price range.  Good Luck.  Let us know what you ultimately buy.

   Paul

1. 
   Joby | Jan 05, 2003 07:15pm | #6

   Thanks for all of your responses

   I finally went with the Bosch because I was able to get it for a little over $300 reconditioned.  I am happy with it so far, but haven't done much with it yet.  The fence seems to be very smooth and locks right where it should, a problem that I thought was too great on some of the contractors saws I tried.  I hope I made the right decision and thanks for your help

6. 
   user-247493 | Jan 05, 2003 09:15pm | #7

   I would agree with mfg king.  I would definitely go for the Delta 36-650.  I bought one a year and a half ago and I love it.  Mine is called the 36-650c.  I think the c refers to the fact that the wings are all cast iron.  It makes for a very heavy, smooth saw.  I paid $670 cdn. for it.