Replies

1. 
   southalabama | Feb 05, 2003 12:01am | #1

   I bought the Ridgid 3612 the first part of November and have been very satisfied with it.  Setup was straight forward (read directions DAMHIKT).  Fence and blade set up square with minor adjustments.  Did replace the stock blade after trying it.  Like you I needed the mobility within my small shop.  Worth every penny I paid for it.

   
   

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   Edited 2/4/2003 4:03:26 PM ET by SOUTHALABAMA

1. 
   RustyAurand | Feb 05, 2003 12:45am | #2

   Thanks for the Info!

   Rusty

1. 
   ownersrep | Feb 05, 2003 12:58am | #3

   Just a contrary view - that's what these forums are for isn't it?  Had the Rigid, very glad to find someone to take it off my hands.  I went to a cabinet saw but would go with either the Delta or Jet over the Rigid.

   IMO

   Jim

1. 
   RustyAurand | Feb 05, 2003 04:02am | #5

   Why would you choose a Delta or Jet over the Ridgid? I haven't been able to find any reveiws on the rigid but there are some on the Delta etc. Wish I had room for a cabinet saw and the money too!

1. 
   ownersrep | Feb 06, 2003 01:58am | #8

   Rusty,

   I stepped right from Rigid to Unisaw so can't give you personal recommendation on Jet or Delta.  There are people on this web that own and like both and I think it's more of a Ford/Chevy situation.  They are both quality and I think you will be happy with either.  Actually the dolly part of the Rigid was probably the best part.  I replaced the fence because I couldn't trust or keep square, added a WW II blade and ended up with more invested than I would have with a real saw.  It was still terribly underpowered if you were sawing  any hardwood thicker than 3/4".  If you can squeeze one into your shop there are nothing but good reviews for the Grizzly cabinet which is about the same price as one of the name brand contractor saws.

   Good Luck and be safe,

   Jim

2. 
   ToolDoc | Feb 05, 2003 01:04am | #4

   the RIDGID is made by Emerson Electric the very same company who made the tablesaws for Sears/Craftsman for years,thats why they look like older model Craftsman saws.. good or bad you decide!! Delta is the oringinal mfg of contractor type saws and the saw which all other contractor saws are judged by enough said!!! Jet is copy of the Delta design...

   when buying tablsaws let the buyer beware!!!   ToolDoc

3. 
   RichL104 | Feb 05, 2003 08:58am | #6

   Rusty,

   American Woodworker #96, Oct 2002 rated 12 different table saws, check it out.

   The Ridgid is rated a "Best Buy", but they qualify that it doesn't have as much power as some of the other saws. Looking at the picture, the "built-in" mobile base looks a little "not so" Ridgid if you ask me.

   The Delta and Jet saws were rated highly (as usual), but because of their well earned reputations... are not "reasonably priced" nor do they throw in a bunch of extras.

   For a few years now, I've owned a Delta Contractor's saw with a 30" Biesemeyer Fence, on a mobile base.  I switched it over to 250v, and have the dust collector port sandwiched between the base and saw. But those are the only modifications.

   I like the way it performs. It's a comfortable, accurate, high quality machine.

   Growing up, my Dad had a craftsman table saw, and for a while I had a Makita portable before I bought the Delta. I won't beat up on them because the Delta is a different class of machine. But I will say that it is a pleasure to know that when I use the saw... I set the fence and make my cut. I don't have to "reassure" myself by making multiple test cuts or spend an hour "tuning it up" before I can use it.

   I've never used a Ridgid or a Jet, so I can't comment on either. But from reading the "Yearly Buyers Guides" of machines over the years, Jet's reputation seems solid.

   If given the choice to make, I would take the Delta or the Jet over the Ridgid.

   Good Luck

4. 
   quinbychris | Feb 05, 2003 09:07pm | #7

   Rusty--If your space is REALLY limited, you might consider the Delta 36-600.  It's a bit smaller than a contractor's saw, and it doesn't have the motor hanging off the back side.  It does, however, have a cast iron top and a standard size miter gauge.  At 145 lbs, it's easy to move even without wheels.  Mine runs smoothly (a nickle will stand on edge while the motor's running) and has plenty of power when I use a good sharp blade.    It's certainly not the best choice for everyday use, but I'm happy to have it in my small shop.--Chris

5. 
   BG | Feb 06, 2003 02:23am | #9

   Rusty,

   The last thing I'd like to do is make you unsatisfied with what ever you decide.  When money is tight then the issue becomes what is the 'best decision' not necessarily the 'optimal decision'.  However, if you decide that you might be able to afford a Delta or Jet then I would suggest you look more closely at the Grizz 1023s. 

   I too have a small shop (200 sq. ft.). and the Grizz has changed the way i do things.  

   • First, the cabinet saw has a smaller footprint than the Contractor saw.
   • Second, dust collection, the cabinet saw keeps it contained (kinda) and I hook up a wet/dry vac thourgh a connection reducer. 
   • Third, I bought a new CMS just before the cabinet saw. I wish now I hadn't because I hardly ever use it with the cainet saw.
   • Fourth, the cast iron table top allows me to do dados with the TS.  I like doing them with the router also, but sometimes I just don't have the space in my small shop. 

   The point of these comments is the cabinet saw has made my little space much more useful.  Good luck

6. 
   booch | Feb 06, 2003 07:20am | #10

   With a name like rusty I'd figure You'd hit the classifieds and pick up a TS like I did my last one.

   Going to a Cast Iron table top is a vast improvement. I picked up a used Delta Contractor 10 " for 150 bucks. Lots of rust but a sweet motor and carriage. With the replaced fence, it is quite the tool.

   I originally thought you were talking about moving the saw in the shop. That is a big pain for me. I've bought casters, locking casters, made outriggers (cause It is tippy on the casters), created blocks to captivate the casters, switched to cast rubber leveling feet, and more I can't remember. The problem I have is moving the saw into long rip position (sometimes you need 10 foot in front and 10 foot behind the saw) And other times you need it out of the way but available for crosscuts or jig work. Hell I feel like a furniture mover. If the wheels are too easy then the saw moves when you rip a heavy piece. If it is too tough to move (cast rubber feet) then you avoid moving it.

   My solution is getting rid of the fancy stuff and replacing the casters with round headed carriage bolts. I put the bolt head down with the threaded part thru the caster bolt hole. The bolt head has enough friction with the concrete floor that it doesn't slide when I cut but when I want to move the saw I can move it without too much effort. The essence of a cheap solution.

   Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?