Replies

1. 
   ctsjr | May 25, 2006 04:11pm | #1

   I bought my TS3650 in March and it's solid.  Plus Ridgid backs it with a lifetime warranty.  You can't beat that.  The saw came with the miter slots square to the blade arbor and the fence was adjusted square in a few minutes.  If you don't have the money or need for a cabinet saw, this is the way to go.  The fence is great and there is the built in mobile base, a plus.  The only downside is the splitter/blade guard is not great and gets in the way, and the dust collection shroud around the blade gets in the way when you are changing blades.  I am planning on installing a drill bit splitter I saw in FWW when my zero clearance inserts get here.  Good luck.

2. 
   murphreejz | May 25, 2006 05:23pm | #2

   Bought my TS3650 three years ago, and like I wrote in a previous thread the only thing I have complaints about is the adhesive residue that the clear sticker left on the graduated scale of the front rail. It's a non-issue really, but it just bugs me. Sawdust sticks to it and gums up the rail. (I tried scrubbing it off with mineral spirits, but rags aren't abrasive enough, and steel wool started to remove the numbers...).

   Saw is solid, square, powerful enough to cut 8/4 maple table legs, and has enough room on the end of the table (right side) that I rig'd up a router table.

   Overall I'm very happy, and would recommend it to just about anyone. Bought a LeeCraft zero-clearance insert, a Freud 24T thin kerf rip blade, and a DeWalt 80T crosscut blade and it is a nice little system for the cabinet/furniture making that I do as extra income.

   Hope this helps...

1. 
   Charles_Wilson | May 25, 2006 05:27pm | #3

   You bet it helps. 

   Thanks,

   Chuck

2. 
   demondriven | May 28, 2006 04:21am | #16

   Oil will remove any label adhesive out there just a little and it will be good as new.

3. 
   JasonWhite | May 25, 2006 11:31pm | #4

   I've had one for about 2 years now. It's a solid saw. I had to replace the defective arbor. But I now have to replace it again. I used metal shims with my dado stack and they got sucked into the stack and trashed the arbor's threads to where I can't get the arbor nut on and off without a great deal of effort. I'm also not crazy about the built-in mobile base because I'm tall (6'4") and the saw isn't up high enough for me. But, for the money, I think it's a great starter saw.

   TF

   Toolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
1. 
   murphreejz | May 26, 2006 12:02am | #5

   Could be worse; cabinet saws usually sit in the 34-35" range. Contractor saws are about 36-37" (Mine is about 36 3/4" due to crappy uneven concrete floor). It would be interesting to know if anyone makes a contractor saw taller than that???

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 26, 2006 03:35pm | #12

   (Mine is about 36 3/4" due to crappy uneven concrete floor). LOL LOLAND I PLANTED a Tree! Well, trees need water too!

1. 
   Charles_Wilson | May 26, 2006 04:21pm | #13

   I don't see an issue with the HD going out of business (although that has crossed my mind as an option).  As far as I have heard, the arbor problem has been resolved in the newer addition. 

   As far as pricing goes, I would be willing to spend a little more if I know that I will get a quality product.  Aside of the Griz hybrid, I have also considered the Delta Contractor TS combos at Lowe's.  You can costumize it and buy additional stock parts at will.  Also, if put on a Lowe's card, I believe you have either 6 or 12 months to pay for it.  It makes it a little easier to stomach and manage the cost.

   Any thoughts?

   Chuck

   Edited 5/26/2006 12:07 pm ET by Charles Wilson

1. 
   ctsjr | May 26, 2006 07:20pm | #14

   When I bought my TS3650 and planer at HD in March, they were offering 12 months no interest.  That made my decision much easier.  I'm not sure if the lifetime warranty is from HD or Ridgid.  I did buy a jointer from Grizzly a few weeks ago, and paid for it by using the 90 days no interest financing they offer.  I try to stay away from paying too much interest these days. 

4. 
   Joe | May 26, 2006 12:55am | #6

   Charles,

   I bought the saw, planer and joiner about a year and a 1/2 and I have not complaints with the saw at all. The joiner is excellent as well.

5. 
   Knotscott | May 26, 2006 03:06am | #7

   Chuck, there aren't many of the Griz hybrids out there yet, but you should expect better DC, smaller footprint, a nice Biese clone steel fence, shorter drive belt, and more mass. The part about spinning a blade should be similar... ;-)

6. 
   forestgirl | May 26, 2006 03:27am | #8

   As much as I lean toward Grizzly saws when the topic comes up (especially when $$ is an obstancle) I think I'd go for the Rigid.  The Grizz hybrid is very new.  The Rigid is a proven saw. 

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

7. 
   ShopHound | May 26, 2006 03:55am | #9

   Hey ,

   I see we are in the same boat. I was down at home "d" looking at the saw. I wasnt too impressed. I know the "floor" model gets a lil beat up but this thing was trashed. i was not impressed with either of the cranks for the blade. 33 revs to get the blade to full height and their location was hard to get to.  I too am in love with the life time service agreement. but if its a lifetime service agreement why is someone buying a new saw beacuse he cant get the arbor fixed? It sounds kinda too good to be true

1. 
   JohnWW | May 26, 2006 04:07am | #10

   I read through the other posts, don't see anything about buying another saw because the arbor can't be fixed. 

   One poster is replacing an arbor after he accidentally damaged it, but the fault wasn't with the saw and the damage isn't the kind typically covered under warranty.

   John W.

1. 
   ShopHound | May 26, 2006 04:20am | #11

   Hey John,

   I discussed at great length about the warranty to the head mgr at Home Depot. It's not a warranty its a "Life Time Srvice Agreement". If you break it your going to pay for it. They will fix it for as long as you own it (or the are still in business) You def have to read the fine print. there is even a tear off form to "FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IT" right on top of the saw. I'm not saying it's a bad deal but it just can't be that ez.

   Anyone out there who ever had a problem or good luck dealing with Ridgid tools and service plans?

   Mac

8. 
   UnclePablo | May 26, 2006 11:05pm | #15

   Charles,

   Congrats in the new saw!! I think you will be pleased with the tool. Mine has provided me good service for over 2 years now. 

   Take your time setting it up. I know it is exciting having the new tool but paying close attention to it's initial assembly will pay off. I remember it took me a few nights to put it together. I put away my pride and really followed the assembly instructions on this one. Oh! And make sure to have help lifting the table-it is heavy.

   Best of Luck!!

   -Paul

9. 
   CraigSwiz | May 28, 2006 08:02pm | #17

   If you haven't gotten the saw yet, FYI you always get 6 months no interest at HD with a purchase of $299 or more. No questions asked, ALWAYS. If you don't have a card yet, you get another 10% off your purchase in addition to any other coupons/discounts. That is exactly how I bought my TS, joiner, and bandsaw last year (it was the best birthday ever!!)