Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Feb 17, 2007 08:40am | #1

   The almost-new Craftsman Hybrid (so-called ZIP-code saw) has cabinet mounted trunnions.  Reading lots of good reports a year down the road from people who bought them in 2006.  Look here and you'll see that the Steel City 1.75 HP saw is also cabinet-mounted.  They also have 2 3HP models.  5-year warrantee.  They'd get my money, LOL!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

2. 
   Knotscott | Feb 17, 2007 04:12pm | #2

   The Steel City and Craftsman are the only hybrids I'm aware of currently offering cabinet mounted trunnions in the US. Both are made by Orion, who is also associated the Steel City line. Orion was formed 6-7 years ago when Pentair bought Delta. An experienced group that did not want to relocate went there own way and started Orion. FYI, Pentair has since been bought up by Black and Decker.

   The SC hybrid reportedly has beefed up trunnions compared to the CMan 22124. Their 35601 is a 1-3/4hp version that's very similar to the 22124, but their 35606 model offers a 3hp motor, which is the reason the trunnions are beefier. They reportedly use the same setup on both models. SC has the advantage of a 5 year warranty and retailers other than Sears.

   There's been some rumor that Orion had some involvement with the Delta hybrids, but no confirmation. They definitely do not have the cab mounted trunnions, but they do share the same motor, motor mount, drive system, switch, similar cabinet, and several other minor parts. They have 3 models with different fence options. There are a few negative reports on Amazon, but the owners on these boards seem really pleased, so I'm curious about the Amazon reviews.

   I've had a good look at the GI hybrid. It looks really nice to me. The trunnions look a bit hard to reach, but most table mounted trunnions are. The trunnions are connected by a one piece cast blade shroud which is a nice alternative to the beefed up connecting rods on the Craftmsan, Delta, and Steel City. It has a two stage belt drive system that supposedly increases torque. Most owners comment favorably on the power. The motor is not a standard NEMA 56 frame, so in the event of needing replacement, your choices are GI, a rebuild, or finding a motor with the same frame. They offer 3 fence options.

   Griz offers a hybrid with a similar trunnion system as the GI, though I don't believe it has the two stage belt system. ~ $800 delivered seems fair to me.

   I've had my 22124 since April of 2005 and have been really pleased with it. Not only are the cab mounted trunnions easy to reach and align, but they add alot of mass. The saw weighs 425# and is extremely stable. It's an excellent hobbyist saw IMO. It doesn't compete head to head with a full 3hp industrial cab saw like the Griz 1023 or Delta Unisaw, but where 220v isn't available or the total delivered cost of the 1023 is prohibitive, the $800 sale prices of the 22124 or 35601 are very attractive IMO. Craftsman also has less expensive models in the 22104 and 22114 with lesser fences. The 22104 has reportedly been discontinued close to a year ago, but I still see them available.

   http://www0.epinions.com/content_184778395268

   
   

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   Edited 2/17/2007 6:48 pm ET by Knotscott

3. 
   forestgirl | Feb 17, 2007 07:31pm | #3

   I just ran across this review of several hybrid saws at Tools of the Trade.  Best to read thoroughly to get the nuances of why one saw got a better "grade" than another.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)