Replies

1. 
   bones | Jan 03, 2012 10:02pm | #3

   looked at it.

   looks interesting.  I had not seen one like that before.  however I'm curious what you envision for that.  If you are going to be sanding on it ok, but you could do that with another setup made yourself.  If you are looking to pull dust out with it.  I'd be dubious due to its location to the blade so I just don't see it performing in that function.  That saw ain't cheap for sure but does look nice I've seen the jets up close and they are not bad saws.  For that kind of money the sawstop would add safety but that may not be a concern so if thats what you want go for it.  If dust collection is it then just get a good DC and air filtration system and save your money.  I'll preach my old line get an old american piece of iron for a lot less and have a nice saw.  If the money is there I'd get the sawstop but thats me.    Either way what ever you get post pics we all love new toys even if its someone elses.  

1. 
   wericha | Jan 04, 2012 10:17am | #4

   Most efficient use of space

   It's as much a space issue as anything.  I'm currently running both a DC and ambient air filter.  In fact, the air filter is what prompted me to consider the downdraft table option.  Even though I connect all my sanders to either the DC or shop vac, I get considerable dust on the air filter.  The older I get the less I enjoy getting that stuff in my lungs.  After 31 years of firefighting, they're in bad enough shape.  Combining the downdraft with the TS will allow for better multi-tasking, but only if the performance is sufficient.  I'm not opposed to stepping up a level on the DC in this process, my current one is rated at 650cfm and I only open the gate to the machine currently in use.  A larger saw will necessitate a smaller workbench and thus will need to be able to serve multiple duties.

   SawStop is definitely a consideration, as is old arn.  These upgrades have been a long time coming and I certainly want the best bang for the buck.

1. 
   bones | Jan 04, 2012 12:29pm | #5

   I hear ya on the lungs.   As to your DC and cfm.  I'd look more at the rating of the filter on the DC.  The cfm picks it up, but depnding on the micron size of the bag or canister you could be just spitting particles back out.   I've had my 2hp dc for over 20 years now.  It started out with two cloth bags that were 5 micron.  When it would first fire up, you'd see the dust bounce off of it.  As it filled up it got worse both on what if picked up and what it spit out.    I upgraded the bags to a canister top and plastic bag bottom and (1 micron for the canister) and it made a huge difference.   Built in brush so at the end of the day I just spin the bar on top of the canister and it cleans the inside.   I supplement that with a Delta air filtration system.(suspended in the shop)   For the TS I use an overarm guard that has some dust pick up.  Works pretty good.   I also for my hand power tools (lots of dust) I switched to Festool & the CT33e vaccum.  I think that did the most to take the rest out.  Festool aint cheap but the build their tools around DC and it shows.    Finally I buy boxes of disposable masks and wear them.    Even with all that It does not get all of it but it helps.    I'm married to a resperatory therapist and she's been pretty good at telling me about people who's lungs have COPD   and impacts so I do the best I can.   If it were me, knowing what your going for now, I'd look to upgrad your dc and still get the cabinet saw.  I've been thinking of taking my motor from the dc and (using plans on the internet) building a cyclone and putting good filters on it and upgrading my CFM and dust capture.    I think you could do both for the budget you have for the Jet, but that's just my opinion.    Good luck. 

2. 
   CharlieL | Mar 07, 2012 04:09pm | #6

   Deleted

1. 
   wericha | Mar 15, 2012 12:56pm | #9

   Don't you love folks that screw up a thread?

   All these deleted posts make for a much more intelligent discussion, don't you think?

   After a lot of research and discussion, I've decided to dump the contractor saw for a PM2000 (yeah I know, I'm such a suck up!!).  The downdraft table on the Jet is an interesting concept, but the complete and total lack of user feedback has me somewhat concerned.  I talked to a couple of large scale distributors and neither of them had even seen the saw.  I'd rather go with a known entity. 

   PM has a good special running through Sunday, so I'm pulling the trigger on the 3hp with 50inch fence system.

   Thanks for the input, especially the deleted ones!!!!

1. 
   bones | Mar 15, 2012 01:11pm | #10

   enjoy

   Enjoy the new toy.  I remember when the new PM came out.  It had a lot of features I liked. It is made well.   I know the sale is awsome I took advantage of that sale as well.    Post some pics and do a review of the new toy when it arrives. 

2. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 16, 2012 12:30pm | #11

   More Power(matic) to you

   I'm sure you'll enjoy your new un-toy.

2. 
   CharlieL | Mar 07, 2012 04:10pm | #8

   Deleted

1. 
   wericha | Jan 03, 2012 04:36pm | #1

   Having seen some of the earlier "discussions" on cabinet vs contractor style saws, I'll simply say the cabinet saw better suits my needs.  Spending money to upgrade a contractor saw makes no sense in my situation, nor would it make sense to purchase an option on a cabinet saw if it doesn't work properly.  That's the reason I asked about the downdraft table extension for the Jet saw specifically.

1. 
   BruceS | Jan 03, 2012 05:22pm | #2

   Down draft addition

   A good down draft sanding table is a healthfull addition to any shop.   I have used one that wasn't "built in" and it worked,  but now I am much more satisfied  with my Festool sanders and Hepa Festool CT26.  Granted it is a much larger investment but it is portable and works extremely well.  Just another option with a reason.

   You said "Having seen some of the earlier "discussions" on cabinet vs contractor style saws, I'll simply say the cabinet saw better suits my needs.  Spending money to upgrade a contractor saw makes no sense in my situation, nor would it make sense to purchase an option on a cabinet saw if it doesn't work properly.  That's the reason I asked about the downdraft table extension for the Jet saw specifically."

   I like your logic.

2. 
   CharlieL | Mar 07, 2012 04:10pm | #7

   Deleted