Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Feb 10, 2006 03:37pm | #1

   Hi Bill - Most of the $500 saws are plenty capable.  The trick is finding the most for your dollar and determining which features are most important to you.  At $500 there are usually some compromises compared to an $800 saw.  Typically steel fences are preferred to aluminum, cast iron wings preferred to steel, enclosed bases preferred to open, local purchase is preferred to mail order, etc.  Check out what's available then decide what you like.

   The basic Jet is a good saw, and is available locally.  I'd also consider taking a look at the Grizzly G0444.  It's available through mail order, but offers an excellent Biesemeyer clone steel fence and a very good cast iron miter gauge....$557 delivered.

   I'd also look into the Craftsman 22104 or 22114 (cast iron wings).  Both feature enclosed bases with internally mounted motors that take up less space and have better dust collection.  They also both feature cabinet mounted trunnions which are easier to align and add more mass (as in more stable).  Sales and discounts can make these very attractive.

   Amazon has had some great deals on the Delta 36-675 and 36-680 (CI wings) with their updated T2 fence.  They're both worth a look too.

   HD has the Ridgid 3650 that has a built in mobile base and cast iron wings.  10% coupons or discounts aren't too hard to come by...sometimes just asking will get you 10%.  

    

    

2. 
   sailalex | Feb 10, 2006 04:56pm | #2

   While I don't have one, I recently became aware of a neat device that can take theplace of a table saw for almost everything, it is called an EZ Smart. They have a website and for general TS work, ripping and crosscutting, you can buy a setup for about $190 that uses a portable saw , which you probably already own. I have a TS but had I known about this EZ setup, I wouldn't have bought my TS.

1. 
   BigK | Feb 13, 2006 03:19pm | #14

   I have the same thing, cost me about $20 and a little bit of time. Made a 48" and 96" cutting guide for my wormdrive using 1/4 plywood. Made em a little fat and let the saw cut them to size the first time it rode over. Works as well as any $200 toy but for a whole lot less, cheap to replace when they get buggered up to. Sorry. Sounded like you where gloating and I couldn't resist.

1. 
   sailalex | Feb 13, 2006 04:32pm | #15

   Gloating? I don't own one, I was just making Bill aware of such an option.

1. 
   BigK | Feb 15, 2006 10:34am | #18

   Iwill admit that any cutoff guide will work, especially in a pinch. I was trying to let him know that he didn't have to spend 200 for something he could build himself. I still would rather have/use either of my table saws than any cutoff guide, period. Just not always practical. I have site built cabinets with a cutoff guide, would rather not if it can be helped. IMHO the table saw is a lot faster, cuts cleaner, is safer, etc. But that is just my humble opinion. Even in my shop I will occasionally reach for a cutoff guide and the trim saw to quick break down a sheet if that is safer. For me safety is the bottom line.

   Edited 2/15/2006 2:36 am ET by BigK

2. 
   Ricks503 | Feb 14, 2006 08:31pm | #16

   I made mine out of 1/4" melamine covered harboard, with a 3/4" x 3" strip of plywood fastened to it.  I then ran my skilsaw on each side of the "fence" . this rips the excess off and leaves a nice staight edge. depending on which side of the line I need to set my cut on, I just line it up, clamp in place and cut.  I have one 26" 50" and 96".  I seem to have to make a new one every 4-5 years and they are cheap to make.1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

1. 
   BigK | Feb 15, 2006 10:23am | #17

   Ilike these self-made cutoff guides a hell of a lot better than the 200 or more bought cutoff systems. They make a great substitute for no table saw. But truth be told, I probably would rather have either of my table saws than a cutoff guide 90% of the time. Not always possible or always practicle. What you gonna do?

3. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 10, 2006 05:10pm | #3

   Nothing against Jet.. I have a Ridgid? Ya know a BIG BOX one.. I use it all the time.. Every day and I have no gripes.. I have a early one with the drive shaft problem for usind a daddo.. Which I never use so not a problem for me..

   All I can saw is a 'nice' saw for the price.. Does what 'I' want it to do! With a good blade that is!

4. 
   wdrite | Feb 10, 2006 11:34pm | #4

   Billgiblin,

   Check out Rigid at Home Depot.  I have had one for about three years and am happy with it.  This is the same saw as sold by Sears for years but has incorpoated several improvements such as a much improved fence and new type drive belt.  A good saw for the money.

1. 
   Ricks503 | Feb 12, 2006 07:36pm | #13

   Check the new sears hybrid saws, they have gotten some good reviews here.  Also check with the local sears - they can tell you if/when they will go on sale. With sale and Craftsman Club discount, plus 10% off for applying for credit card ( if you do not have one) you can get a real sweet deal.

   That said, I have the Ridgid and have had it for 4 years and am happy with it. If I was in market today, I would go with the sears hybrid.1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

1. 
   Roger | Feb 16, 2006 01:56am | #19

   I've been interested in the all the posts here as I'm in a similar position and also have space issues.  Has anyone tried or seen demonstrated at a show the bosch 10" saw?

   Roger

1. 
   cwalvoord | Feb 17, 2006 12:30am | #20

   I got the Bosch 4000-07 10" saw about a year ago and have been very happy with it. From the reviews I could find at the time the Bosch sounded like the best compromise in that price range. I have made a bed and two night stands and rebuilt a Victorian front porch, including making all the trim, with the saw. It required only a few minor tweeks out of the box and has cut everything I have put through it so far, including some 8/4 white oak, without complaining. I did get a thin kerf ripping blade for that. Dust collection is acceptable but I do often wear ear plugs as it is loud. I find the safety guard/splitter clunky and annoying but I am not sure there is a better way to incorporate these safety features.
   Hope that helps.
   Chris

1. 
   Roger | Feb 17, 2006 02:30am | #21

   Thanks Chris.  Have you got the extension tables and if so, what do you think of them?  I like Bosch products but for this type of saw I couldn't see extension tables to fit front and back, only sideways which seemed an odd thing not to offer and means cutting sheet material is a lot harder.

    

   Roger

2. 
   cwalvoord | Feb 17, 2006 05:53pm | #22

   Roger,
   My saw came with a pretty good stand and the optional left and back extension "tables." I put it in quotes because they are really just U shaped pieces of metal attached to metal bars that slide out and lock to the left and back. If these are the tables you are refering to then they are only marginally useful. The top also splits and slides out to the right in a much more useful and stable manner.If you are going to cut a lot of sheet goods I would get a saw with a larger table and/or real extensions. I usually end up using my circular saw for large sheets of plywood.
   Chris

3. 
   Roger | Feb 18, 2006 10:33pm | #23

   Thanks chris, that is exactly what I was referring to - the side extension looked really useful and I suppose I just hoped for a little better from Bosch on the back table.  Looks like I will continue to have to use the Veritas tool guide for a while longer when cutting sheet material!

    

   Roger

4. 
   Thirsty_Beaver | Feb 19, 2006 06:43pm | #25

   I just bought the Ridgid from Home Depot. It has the heavy cast iron top. I paid $549 and am very pleased with it. It comes with a Life Time Warranty. It also got very goot Reviews on this and other web sites. Oh and it has a wheels to move around the shop. 

5. 
   Roger | Feb 20, 2006 12:50am | #27

   Thanks John, useful.

6. 
   normite | Feb 20, 2006 03:55am | #28

   Just picked up the Jet 708100 at Rockler for $500 minus $50 rebate plus a $50 gift card and I'm lovin' it!

2. 
   user-54143 | Feb 19, 2006 06:23am | #24

   Not sure about the Bosch, I know it has had some durability issues associated with some of its plastic componentry wearing out and the soft start motor burning up after about a year or two,  and the fence is mediocre at best.  The Dewalt portable seems to be more durable and the fence works!  Of course if you don't shunt tools from job to job why not get a heavy beast made of cast iron for around the same price or a few hundred more?

1. 
   Roger | Feb 20, 2006 12:50am | #26

   Thanks Jade, space is the issue right now, but I dream of lots of cast iron!

3. 
   user-112332 | Feb 23, 2006 09:42pm | #33

   count me as another thumbs up for the Ridgid TS3650. I've had mine for 2 years and I've found it to be a solid saw. The only real improvement it could use is a new fence. The OEM fence is fine but there are much better ones out there.

5. 
   Troy | Feb 11, 2006 07:11am | #5

   I have a Jet contractors saw that I have been using for about 7 years and it has held up well but if I was going to buy another saw in that price range I would take a look at the Ridged saw at the big orange box I think it is a bit more advanced designwise than the jet.

   Good luck

   Troy

1. 
   Billgiblin | Feb 12, 2006 12:21am | #6

   Latest update to my search for a new tablesaw:
   I was at Lowes and saw that the Jet saw I want is now 50% off. So its down to $300 from $600 originally. Sounds like a no brainer to me now.

1. 
   Troy | Feb 12, 2006 03:33am | #7

   Sounds like a great deal if its the jet contractor style saw not the direct drive saw.Troy

1. 
   Billgiblin | Feb 12, 2006 03:43am | #8

   the model # is JWTS 10JF. The info on Amazon.com says it is has a v_belt. Is that good?

1. 
   Knotscott | Feb 12, 2006 04:17am | #9

   Yep...belt drive is good. $300 for a real saw is better! You'll get a fine saw and have money left over for a great blade, and maybe some wood or a mobile base!

   Edited 2/11/2006 8:26 pm ET by scotty

2. 
   Billgiblin | Feb 12, 2006 04:33am | #10

   I'm thinking of getting a freud dado blade since I have had cheap saws where the arbor was too short to hold a dado.

6. 
   user-106481 | Feb 12, 2006 10:33am | #11

   Had the same decision to make a year ago, and picked the Hitachi CF10L hybrid for the $499 price over the Jet.

   (The HALF-PRICE for the Jet sounds really great--take it!---see comments about the EZ Guide System.)

   Now--after a year--and many mods designed and executed by me--I like the Hitachi a lot.

   After modifying it, I can say it works well for me:
   -Replaced belt w/ linked belt--cut vibration markedly
   -Designed remote guard release-no need to get inside the saw for this
   -Discarded included retractable casters-built mobile base instead
   -Designed "quick-release" rear panel so I can lift off the panel and replace in seconds
   -Last week--researched, and ordered from HF, pair of CI ext. wings ($40/w/shipping), replacing the stamped steel wings. Measuring/drilling/tapping involved--easy--sort of.

   Hitachi should do all these things and charge another 100 bucks or so.

   Good points:
   -Dust collection adequate--comparable to a low-end cabinet saw--WAY better than a contractors saw
   -15 amps off a TEFC motor - adequate for 3/4 ply
   -low runout on arbor/blade- +/- .010" or better
   -good location and design for OFF "slam-switch"
   -good riving knife (I sharpened mine), and anti-kickback pawls
   -Adequate heft--weighs about 340#
   -Good customer support from Hitachi America

   Poor:

   -Retractable casters (fixed)
   -flimsy base--2 gauges thicker is required--think $7 more retail
   -clumsy guard/riving knife remove-replace ( modifiation above fixed)

   Since I got the EZ GUide System, this saw and my radial arm saw will get even less use--especially on sheet goods.

   Good luck on your choices. I work in a  3-car garage--trying to have the ability to shrink my shop down to one bay of the garage.

   Living in AZ makes it possible to store some big tools Radial Arm Saw) outside with watertight covers.

   For those having a large and dedicated shop area changes things. Considering the time and effort I spent on making a "silk purse" out of a sow's ear--well--maybe I should have done something else.

   But--I don't think so--I'm happy with this saw.

   Hope this helps on a really tough and complex issue -- get the Jet and the EZ Guide System.  I make panels (=/- 1/32)  for cabinets with the EZ without ever turning on the Hitachi except for dadoes.

   BILL FIELDS

   View Image View Image View Image

7. 
   Thirsty_Beaver | Feb 12, 2006 11:06am | #12

   I am thinking of buying a Bosch 4212L 12'' Dual bevel sliding miter saw from Amazon. I will get $100.00 off, FREE Shipping, and a free Bosch top handle Jig saw a $127.00 value in it self. Does anyone own this saw? If so how do you like it?

1. 
   Toolwhore | Feb 25, 2006 05:40am | #35

     Bought mine about 4 mos. ago. I got the same deal, minus the

   jigsaw. Buy it, you'll love it. The upfront bevel control is sweet!

   I've tried alot of other saws and think the Bosch to be the best.

    

   Tom

8. 
   csacoe | Feb 21, 2006 05:15am | #29

   The Ridgid 3650 with a Freud 60 or 80 tooth blade has served me well

   for the last two years.  The deciding factor in my purchace was the

   quality of the fence movement. No play or slop in the slide, which seemed to me

   it would have an accurate alignment. The unit itself will need to be assebled. Take

   your time to make sure everything is lined up properly. The nice thing about

   assembling it yourself is that you'll get very framilure with it.

9. 
   Ricks503 | Feb 22, 2006 07:11pm | #30

   see this discussion above

   7740.1

    

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
10. 
    gdblake | Feb 23, 2006 01:10pm | #31

    Go to Sears and buy one of their new hybrid table saws.  A friend at work bought one several months ago.  Best saw for the money I have ever seen.  Most contractor grade saws are about the same.  Delta, Jet, Grizzly, Rigid, and Sears are going to give you similiar products.  Ridgid would be my choice over Sears and Grizzly.  You're on your own to pick between Delta and Jet.  I still say go get the Sears Craftsman 10 in Table Saw #00922104000.  I also posted a web link.  Normally I would have said stay away from Sears, but the these new saws are superior to the contractor grade saws for the same money.  Good Luck. 

    http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?vertical=TOOL&bidsite=&pid=00922104000&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&subcat=Table%20Saws

11. 
    user-76549 | Feb 23, 2006 03:03pm | #32

    That sounds pretty good . You can puy this at amazon for $499 after the $50 rebate. The saw ships free and there is no sales tax. I always buy all my tools from amazon as we have a 9.5% sales tax  I just received a Delta floor drill press with a free dewalt  sawzall for $299. This would have cost me $495.99 had I bought this locally.

    The $196.99 that I saved is well worth shoping on line , besides it will buy more toys.

    Check it out the link is below

     

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BHNAJK/ref=nosim/104-3959118-9375957?n=228013

1. 
   FJeff | Feb 25, 2006 01:42am | #34

   I don't see any of the Craftsman hybrids on Amazon.Is the 22114 really worth nearly $200 more for the cast iron instead of the steel on the 22104? The extra left rip capacity doesn't mean much to me - if I have 24" on the right why would I need more?