Replies

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Sep 01, 2005 03:42pm | #1

   Grahame,
   I'm sure you will get many opinions on this, from both sides.

   Earlier this year, I was looking for a portable table saw. Like most people in the market for one of these saws, I compared three models:
   -- DeWalt 744S ($500)
   -- Bosch 4000 ($550)
   -- Ridgid TS2400 ($550)

   For me, the DeWalt was eliminated quickly. It felt like the lightest of the three and had my least-favorite mobility system. Also, its table surface was thinner than the others. I then did a close comparison of the Bosch and the Ridgid, and the Bosch was eliminated. In the end, it was a clear choice for me -- the Ridgid came out far, far ahead.

   The thing that catches people's attention on the DeWalt is its fence. This looks nice at first, because of the rack-and-pinion design. But in reality I don't think it is anywhere near as good as the Ridgid, or even the Bosch. The Ridgid is heavier duty, has T-slots, slides very smoothly, and does not need to be aligned every time you jostle it.

   In my opinion, spend the extra $50 and get the Ridgid. But like I said, you will probably hear things from both sides!

   Here's a link to my detailed comparison of the Bosch and the Ridgid. I try to cover things that, for some reason, the magazines never mention:
   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=22638.1

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/1/2005 8:44 am ET by MatthewSchenker

1. 
   JasonWhite | Sep 03, 2005 10:00pm | #10

   Wood magazine just did a review of both contractor's-style and portable table saws.  The RIDGID got a great review.  Check out http://www.woodmagazine.com and go to the "reviews" section.  You can download the review (PDF) for a couple of bucks.

    

    Toolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")

2. 
   CherryDust | Sep 01, 2005 06:08pm | #2

   I have the Dewalt that I bought to do some remodelling a few years ago. If given a second chance, I wouldn't but it again. There are several minor problems (such as the miter slots have too much play, the blade is hard to lower / raise etc...) However, there are two major problems I've run into:

   1) The aluminum hanger the blade guard screws to is easily stripped. This causes the guard to fall into the blade pretty easily once it happens and that ruins a perfectly good blade and throws hot carbide at you.

   2) You can't tilt the blade to 45* without hitting the blade insert. This can be fixed by replacing the insert but who wants to do that?

   If you are planning on getting this saw for its portability it is probably ok. Contrary to what the other poster said, the fence is extremely accurate and is the best thing about this saw (I personally think it beats the other saws hands down). That said, if you are buying it for general wookworking, don't do it. Get a contractor's saw instead. I'm lucky in that I already had a stationary saw and just needed something I could take with me.

3. 
   Walker1 | Sep 01, 2005 06:10pm | #3

       Are you using it on the jobsite, or in the shop?

                                                      Walker1

4. 
   Robinlynn | Sep 01, 2005 06:14pm | #4

   I have this saw.  Bought it because I didn't know better.  However, having said that, it works for me.  I haven't encountered any problems that the others have.  I did, however, replace the fence with the Incra setup.  I had a small shop at the time and the one I'm in now isn't much bigger.  I make small stuff, so it's ok.  However, I am in the process of building a table around it, to enlarge the top of it.  It's a cheap little saw and if I had to do it again, I'd buy a cabinet saw.  If you have the space and money, buy the cabinet saw. 

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Sep 01, 2005 06:19pm | #5

   Robin,
   How did you attach an Incra fence to this saw?

1. 
   Robinlynn | Sep 03, 2005 09:06pm | #9

   Matthew,

   I bought the TS III from Incra.  It involved taking off the rack and pinon system from the DeWalt and just drilling some holes for the TS III.  It works for me. 

5. 
   CAGIV | Sep 02, 2005 05:10am | #6

   I do mostly remodeling I've used both the Bosch and the Dewalt quite a bit.  I think the bosch is a better saw, it's the one I own, both saws have enough power for their size IMO  I like the slide out extenstions better on the Bosch then the dewalt as well.

   That said the Dewalt does have a much better fence, slight adjustments are a breeze, I can move the fence just a hair with out any trouble.

   With either saw I would look for a factory reconditioned model, they usually come with the exact same warranty as new and you can save 100-150 dollars.

    

   

6. 
   micr03 | Sep 02, 2005 07:29am | #7

   I have the Bosch and if I were going to buy another I would buy the same one.Have used all three.I personally don't like the rack and pinion on the Dewalt,it gets jacked out of shape to easy.The Bosch also has more power.Good luck on choosing.Rick

7. 
   grahame | Sep 03, 2005 01:31pm | #8

   I would like to thank those of you that took the time to answer my message regarding the De WALT Portable Table Saw model DW744.

   Your comments are extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

   The saw I ultimately buy will be used in the workshop and as such does not need to be portable.

   I have purchased a copy of Table Saw Magic by Jim Toplin and have been able to get some good pointers on the type of saw to buy.

   Thank you all again.

    

   Grahame 

1. 
   Piffin | Sep 03, 2005 10:39pm | #11

   If U plan t6o use this in the shop, look at the Grizzly an Jet models. I have a grz that I am happy with - 1022I also have the DW for on the job for five years now. DW replaed the motor for me on warantee becuse of bad armature andmore recently replaced the arbor nut which split because of admitedly bad metalurgy. the motor is extremely sensitve to low volage.I have gotten my money's worth out of the saw, but having seen the Bosch, it will likely be my next saw. 

    

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