Replies

1. 
   mowog77 | Dec 30, 2005 05:21pm | #1

   i was in your shoes about a year ago. I had an old craftsman 10" that had a lot of "needs" and I just wanted something new and not a hand-me-down.

   I asked friends who had recently bought tablesaws and went and looked at several different ones...I opted for the highly recommended Jet.

   I really like the Jet and it works very well, however their are other saws that are as good in the same price range...I think I paid around $500 for mine.

   Grizzly seems pretty good, the Delta was impressive, and I almost bought the Hitachi direct-drive saw, but was talked out of it at the store and by friends.

   I would recommend you buy based on need, don't buy based on country-of-origin, or based on other tools by the same brand. I have bought other tools by the same maker because I had another tool that performed well, and suffice it to say the other tools didn't measure up.

   My vote for the tablesaw is Jet.

   good luck,

   erik.

2. 
   scott345 | Dec 31, 2005 01:58am | #2

   I have a delta contractors saw and it works great for me. If I had to do it again I would consider one of the new hybrid saws, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another delta contractor saw.

   Obviously I would prefer a cabinet saw but That option is not realistic for me.

   All that being said, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the major brands of contractor saws. Even the new Craftsman hybrid saws have gotten good reviews.

   so, since your currently using an old Craftsman...Delta, Powermatic, Jet, General, Grizzly, Ridgid, Craftsman - they all should suit your needs. Check em out, see whats available for you, and maybe you can find a good deal.

3. 
   Knotscott | Dec 31, 2005 06:07am | #3

   There are alot of good choices in your price range. I'd start by looking at every model available within budget, and consider what different features are available, their advantages and disadvantages, and what the different circumstances are of each. By the time you've seen most of them you'll have a better feel for what appeals to you....as in, cast iron wings vs steel, steel Beisemeyer style fence vs aluminum, contractor saw or hybrid, etc.

   It's hard to go wrong with any of the major brands. Some offer more for the money than others, and that's where the executive decision comes in. I'd stick with General International, Craftsman, Grizzly, Delta, Jet, Powermatic, Bridgewood, or Ridgid.

   Good luck and please report back on your progress!

1. 
   user-82465 | Jan 03, 2006 03:28am | #4

   Thanks for your input, Since I have not looked at table saws in the past. What are some of the feature to look at. Keeping in mind I will be building some cabinets and in the future some furniture.

   Thanks

1. 
   Knotscott | Jan 03, 2006 01:34pm | #5

   The fence is certainly critical. The steel Biesemeyer types are rated very highly and people are typically very happy with them...that'd be something I'd try to get on a new saw.

   The saw type is another consideration. Contractor saws have motors hanging out the back and is an older design. A more space saving design that has better dust collection and a shorter drive belt is a hybrid. That doesn't mean all hybrids are better than all contractor saws but is another consideration. The Sears hybrids have cabinet mounted trunnions which make the blade very easy to align.  Their 22124 is excellent but is more than you wanted to spend even on sale, but the 22114 is affordable.  Grizzly has a brand new hybrid that looks interesting.  $695 plus ~ $90 shipping and will run best on 220v if you have it.

   Electrical requirements are a consideration.  Most are convertable between 110v and 220v, and most draw 13-18 amps and will run on a standard 110v outlet.  Grizzly makes two nice 2hp contractor saws in your price range that draw 24 amps at 110v and need a non-standard 30 amp 110v circuit, or need to be run on 220v so they'll draw only 12-13 amps.  They also have two 1-1/2hp models that will run on a standard 110v circuit.

   Solid cast iron wings are another feature that I'm fond of, but settling for steel is a reasonable compromise if you've gained some of the more critical features like a better fence. You can always add a solid CI wing later on.....adding a better fence is more expensive later.

   Most other features are more minor. Some saws offer a blade but most are terrible, but the Sears 22124 has a nice blade. Some offer better miter gauges than others, but may still benefit from an aftermarket upgrade later. Some have better blade guards, fences on the miter gauge, wheels for mobility, although a mobile base can be added to any saw. Handwheel location and material, left tilt vs right tilt, dealer vs mail order, warranty period, price, value, etc...are all things to consider.

   Any of the names mentioned make a saw that should serve you well.  Get one that you're happy and comfortable with.   (General International, Craftsman, Grizzly, Delta, Jet, Powermatic, Bridgewood, or Ridgid. )

    

   Edited 1/3/2006 11:47 am ET by scotty

1. 
   user-82465 | Jan 04, 2006 04:11am | #6

   Thanks for your help, it was good info.