Hey, all,
I kinda hate to do this because I know it sometimes causes more trouble than discussion and it’s probably been hashed out before but I’m in the market for a new table saw. I don’t have a lot of money to spend so I’m looking for a good contractor type. I want one with a cast iron table. I’ve been looking at the Delta TS350. It looks like it has all the features I need, won’t take up too much room in my small shop and it’s got a reputable name on it (although I know that doesn’t always mean that much). The only thing that makes me hesitate is the fact that it is listed at one HP. Is that gonna be big enough? Anyone have any experience with this saw?
I spent a fortune on deodorant until I finally realized that people didn’t like me anyway.
Replies
How much are you willing to spend?
HD has the saw on their web site for $400.00 + S&H. That's pretty much at my limit.
I spent a fortune on deodorant until I finally realized that people didn't like me anyway.
Chuck
The Ridgid TS3650 is sold by Home Depot and is around that price range. Great fence, great mobile base and a good saw. Tom"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"
If you are looking at contractors saws I would suggest looking at the Bridgewood TSC-10CL. I bought mine about 5 years ago and still think it is great. You can find it on the wilke machinery web site. they are in York,Pa. It is a left tilt saw that runs as smooth as anything for twice the money. Have fun and good luck
I know you may be surprised to hear the name "Craftsman" in the same sentence as recomendation" but I have heard only good things about this saw. Certainly a step up from almost all contractor's saws.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Bench+Power+Tools&pid=00922124000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Table+Saws&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
Otherwise, many will recommend this Grizzly.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/G1023SL
TWG
PS I did not check the price of the Delta before I suggested these. These are more. I recently read a post re contractor's saws over in FHB's Breaktime. They use more of the contractors saws over there.
Edited 1/9/2007 4:45 pm ET by TWG
Chuck, nothing less than 1 1/2 hp. cast wings then look at the fence and the shiney things. Take your time, look for floor models, deals, sales etc. The fence , pulleys, belt can be upgraded and ya have a saw that will do most of what you need till you can afford a 3 hp. shop saw. Paddy
That's not the best example from Delta's line, and it's fairly expensive for what you get. If space is a concern, I'd look to an entry level full size hybrid. It's possible to find them for not much more than the Delta, but it'll be money well spent IMO.
Amazon has the Jet 708100 on sale for $400 shipped. 27" deep table x 40" wide, which makes it a standard full size table that will accept most accessories available from miter gauges, cast iron wings, fences, jigs, etc. It also has a bigger motor, belt drive, and alot more mass for stability....good saw to grow with for the same price as the Delta midsize.
Edited 1/10/2007 9:05 am ET by Knotscott
I agree with KnotScott about the Delta model you mention. I would look at those saws that normally cost about $600. The 27x40 cast iron tabletop is definitely a feature you should covet. Maybe finding a sale could lower the price for you. I got my larger Delta at Home Depot after Christmas a few years back like that for $400. I did not have to remove the cosmoline nor assemble it either -- A real bonus! KnotScott may be right about the saw he recommends also. I am not familiar with it. A hybrid does have an advantage you might appreciate -- the motor does not hang out the back of the saw which saves shop space at times. Good luck!!
Cadiddlehopper
I strongly recommend the Rigid TS3650.
I have a fairly well equipped shop up north but spend my winters in Florida where I have a scaled down shop. I have a 12-year-old Unisaw (right hand blade tilt) in my main shop and had been using an ancient Craftsman saw down here until last year when I purchased the Rigid. I got a lot more than I expected. Of course I put a Forrest blade on it right off. No saw is going to give good results with a bad blade. Vibration is not significant, the fence is not up to my Biesemeier but it is certainly adequate. I also enjoy the left-hand tilt and though I have not yet had to saw any 8/4 oak I find the power adequate. Another plus with the Rigid is the roll-around feature. Just press a pedal and its ready to roll. Move it where you want it and press the pedal again and it is rock solid. I absolutely hate dealing with Home Depot but I have to admit that their Rigid TS3650 is probably the best deal around in contractors' saws. If you are willing to sign up for one of their credit cards you can get an additional 10% off. I signed up to get the discount but have never used the card because I had rather see the profit go to Visa than to HD. I'm not into doing any favors for that outfit. They treat their customers with contempt. I've heard that they are viscious with their vendors and we have all heard about how they treat their employees. Of course I don't think Lowe's is much better, either. A plague on both their houses. Good luck.
Joe
Well. I pulled the trigger on the Ridgid TS3650. Thanks Joe.
I had looked at this saw many times but had told myself it was too big for my shop. But ya' know what? I was just letting the cheap me talk me out of it. And I can certainly learn to live with having to walk around it better than learning to work around anothe cheap a$$ saw.
Gonna pick it up tomorrow and start making many, many piles of beautiful saw dust.
I spent a fortune on deodorant until I finally realized that people didn't like me anyway.
im really glad you picked the 3650 i've had mine for a little more than 3 years an have built thousands of Sq. ft. of cabinets with not one moment of regret. I hope your saw is as good as mine an happy sawdusting :-)-
If you got a shop then get a cab saw or at least one of those new hybids, sears or grizzily. There a little more than a good contractors saw, but well worth the penny from what I"ve heard. For someone starting out I wish they had these when I was young and still had my looks.
dito on the ridgid, lots of features for the price and can be wired for 240
added a router tabletop to mine and a decent bade and stabilizers
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