Hi,
I was just checking out the Canadian Woodworking forum. Noticed that someone posted an e-mail regarding the Steel City 3HP table saw model # 35606. I had no idea Home Hardware sold Steel City equipment. I only thought that saw was available in the States. Apparently they have a special deal on . Factory rebate. $1200.. that seems almost too good for a 3hp TS.
Does anyone here have any experience with this particular saw? How does it compare to other 10″ 3HP saws in it’s category? Right now I have a 2hp King Industrial Saw (made in Canada) Would it make that much of a difference upgrading to the 3HP saw? That seems like too good a deal to pass on. One thing I like is the fact that the trunnions are connected to the sides of the table saw and not the table top like on my 10″ contractor saw. Plus I think the 3hp saw has 3 belts. Mine 1 v belt. So the 3hp should have less vibration hense less noise.
I paid $679.00 for my saw 6 yrs ago. and now there’s a 3hp saw out there for $1200 minus the rebate. OMG! Although I have no complaints with the saw I own. It’s performed well. But I haven’t really put it through any difficult tests. I’ve only cut 2X4 lumber and 3/4″ dimentional pine lumber through it. I have no idea how my 2Hp ts would perform if I passed a 1 1/2-2″ thick piece of maple through it.
Wanda
Replies
Hi Wanda - The 35606 is the 3hp version of their 1-3/4hp 35601 hybrid....very similar to the Craftsman 22124 but with beefed up trunnions and a 3hp motor, and is made by the same company. It doesn't have the same trunnion system as the more commercial grade General 350, PM66, or a Unisaw, but it should still be a pretty nice saw for hobby work. There would likely be a $300-$400 difference to take the step to an industrial grade saw, and could very easily be closer to $1K difference depending on the saw and the deal you swing.
I've got a 22124 that replaced a very nice GI 50-185 contractor saw. It was a worthwhile step IMO....I'm very happy with the saw. The 22124 weighs ~ 425#, which is 125# heavier than the GI....~ 41%! The sheer mass makes it alot more stable and gives it more of the feel of a full cabinet saw. The full enclosure has better DC and leaves more footroom below too. The CI surface is larger too. Power wise, my 22124 is pretty similar to my GI, with possibly a slight edge. The 3hp 35606 should be a pretty signicant improvement in power. A good blade and good alignment will still make a substantial difference, but it should be less sensitive to those aspects.
Good luck on your decision!
Here's the link to Steel City and my epinions review of the 22124 if you're interested in some reading:
http://www.epinions.com/content_184778395268
http://steelcitytoolworks.com/products_category.cfm?section=2&category=12
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