After a long time away from wood working, I am starting to build up a workshop again. I guess my skill level is somewhere in the intermediate zone. In any event, I have been looking at table saws and like the General international 175/185. Then I noticed the 50-220. I was over at eopinions and someone over there hates the 50-220 … something about having to drill holes in the table to finish installation and a badly underpowered motor. I have not noticed any grousing over this saw on this board … so what gives? If I am planning on doing some moderately basic furniture making in my spare time, in my garage (no winter woodworking …) I could get the 175 with the 52″ fence or the 50-220 for about the same money. I guess dust control is better with a cabinet saw, but that is not a big issue for me … I like the saw dust in my hair. The real issues are accuracy, setup, repeatability and safety. Any advice on which way to go?
Thanks, Dave
Replies
Hi Dave - The 50-185 is a pretty well proven saw and very well respected as one of the best contractor saws you can get. I've had one for about 27 months and have been very pleased with it, but am selling it for a cabinet saw. Hard to go wrong with it IMO.
Most of what I've read from users of the 50-220 has been positive. It's a new machine to the market. There's been some grumblings about their claim of 2hp from an 11.4 amp motor. They use a dual drive system that they claim adds more power to the blade....hence the inflated 2hp claim from a motor that's actually smaller than that. Users don't complain of the lack of power, but I think they'd have done themselves a favor by putting the same motor in that's on the 50-185. It comes with three fence options....a Chiesemeyer, Biesemeyer (CM1), and Biesemeyer 52" (CLM1). If you're going to spend in this price range, skip the cheapest fence and get a Biese for another $100. It also deviates from the famous General cast iron miter gauge by offering a very average cheapo.
I'd say go for the contractor style if you're not concerned with dust collection. The hybrid is a contractor saw with a cabinet. A contractors saw can always be enclosed. I've had the right tilt GI contractor model with 52" rails for four years and couldn't be happier. To echo what's mentioned above, if you do go for the hybrid, get the better fence.
Edited 4/30/2005 6:02 pm ET by wooden splinter
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