Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Apr 25, 2006 05:34am | #1

   We've used the Makita's for years and have had great luck with them. I use my 10" in a Rousseau Tale with two out feed tables. Great portable setup. From what I've seen on job sites, I'd stay away from the DeWalt. Bosch seems to make a good saw in that type. For overall stability, repeatability of cut as well storage, the Makita with the Rousseau table is tough to beat.

   John

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=pd_sl_aw_tops-1_tools_10194013_2/104-8102472-5900765?search-alias=tools&keywords=rousseau%20saw%20stand

2. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 25, 2006 05:46am | #2

   There's a thread right now on the Bosch over at Breaktime.

   Also do a search (at Breaktime), and you'll find more info.

   My sense is that Bosch is picking up most of the marbles in this market right now. Dewalt is also a good saw, but most of the early buyers that I know (5-10 years ago), switched over to Bosch when the Dewalt wore out.

   I hear lots of good comments about the Ridgid as well.

   Personally, I have owned a Bosch for maybe 7-8 years. Equipped with a Forrest blade, it will give good cuts. I like the fence, and it is (I think) the only portable that can be equipped with an outfeed bar (which I highly recommend). It also has a good set-up for a vac attachment.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   bunyan3 | Apr 29, 2006 06:22am | #3

   I highly recomend the ridgid.  I have had the saw for about three years and it has been wonderful. It is heavy enough to be stable but i can lift it in and out of my truck by myself.  Just thought i would throw this out there. Thanks and happy sawing!

                                                                            -Paul

4. 
   jc21 | Apr 30, 2006 02:59am | #4

   The Bosch 4000 gets top marks from a lot of folks but I'll throw a plug in for the Porter Cable 3812S. I've had mine a couple of years and have been well pleased with it. The Bosch is no slouch- it's table is a bit bigger than the PC, it's quieter, and it's Gravity Rise wheeled stand is a thing of beauty; the PC has only a folding stand unless you go aftermarket (Rousseau makes one). The PC has some nice features- soft start, electric brake, and important to me and maybe to you if you do much crosscutting, it uses a t-slot for the miter gauge. These saws have about half the distance (about 6" or so) from the front of the table to the blade than do a full size contractor's or cabinet saw and it's not uncommon when crosscutting wider stock to pull the miter gauge back past the edge of table. On my old Makita (and the Bosch too) the miter gauge wants to fall to the floor. The PC uses a full size table insert, ones from a Unisaw will fit. You can certainly make your own but it certainly is convienent. I've added the optional outfeed support which has proven helpful. The PC is considerably less than the Bosch (Amazon currently has it for $375 w/ free shipping) which doesn't hurt either. All in all I'd buy the PC again.

5. 
   RW | Apr 30, 2006 06:48pm | #5

   Ditto on the Bosch. And check out Gary Katz's site http://www.garymkatz.com for the riving knife conversion. Probably be the first time you ever used any part of those disposable things that they call blade guards. And it really does take all of ten minutes.

   "Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think -- there are no little things" - Bruce Barton