Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | May 19, 2006 04:01pm | #1

   Hi Chuck - Hybrids in general have several design advantages over traditional contractor saws....better DC, smaller footprint, better stability, etc.  I'd definitely pick the Griz "G0478" from these 3, though all should serve you well.  The Griz also has the best fence and miter gauge IMO.

   
   

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   Edited 5/19/2006 11:04 am ET by scottwood

2. 
   forestgirl | May 19, 2006 06:34pm | #2

   Charles, during your research, did you see this post from JWW re: the Rigid?  I found it very interesting:

   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=29974.5

   My only concern about the Grizzly is that it hasn't been out for very long.  Much as I like Grizzly as a good-value option for some machines, I'm always nervous about the idea of being one of the first.

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

1. 
   Charles_Wilson | May 19, 2006 08:29pm | #3

   Thanks, that was a great link. 

   I am probably going to get the Ridgid saw from the reviews that I have read and others who have the saw (with the corrected arbor problems).  Aside from that, it is in the price range that I am looking at and am thinking that this is a lot of saw for the money.

   The only thing that I am concerned about is the ability to switch out parts for higher end parts (ie- fence, miter gauges, etc).  Is there a tenoning jig that will fit on it?  If not (or maybe if so), can anyone personally recommend a jig/fixture book that has lots of useful jigs for the TS (and other power tools).

   Thanks,

   Chuck

1. 
   Knotscott | May 19, 2006 09:23pm | #4

   Chuck, the miter slots in the 3650 are standard and should accept any accessory that fits a standard slot, inluding a tenoning jig. Most aftermarket fences can be made to fit on a standard 27" saw...some will require drilling, but CI drills pretty easily.

1. 
   Charles_Wilson | May 19, 2006 09:42pm | #5

   Can you clarify 'CI"?

   Thanks,

   Chuck

1. 
   dgreen | May 19, 2006 09:45pm | #6

   Cast iron

2. 
   Charles_Wilson | May 19, 2006 09:57pm | #7

   Thanks.

2. 
   andym | May 24, 2006 11:56pm | #13

   There is a book out by Yeung Chan titled "Classic Joints with Power Tools."  He covers making jigs and fixtures for table saws, routers, bandsaws and drill presses.  The ISBN number of the book is 1-57990-279-0. The table saw tenon jig rides on your fence and is very easy to construct.

3. 
   user-122113 | May 21, 2006 07:52am | #8

   I'm glade you decided on the 3650 i bought mine about 3 years ago an never regreted it. i design an build kitchens for a living an i am useing this saw more an more for my cabinetry i have also built a router table on the right side which really improved the use of the table. if you are ever interested in installing a router table let me know an i would be more than happy to talk you through it.

   The Remodeling Specialist

   
4. 
   WillGeorge | May 21, 2006 05:34pm | #9

   I have a BIG-BOX Ridgid..
   Sure there are better but not at the cost. I have NO complaints. I use it almost every day. I have used MUCH better saws but I see little difference for what I do. If a production shop.. Then you should get BETTER!

   Sure wish that motor did not stick out the back though. I could easily fix that but gettin' old and lazy.

5. 
   cadiddlehopper | May 22, 2006 01:58am | #10

   I wish I could have waited a year to buy my Delta TS & some other stuff. I would have bought Lowe's left-tilt Delta contractor saw. Mine tilts right. I'm sure the Ridgid is good, but I don't like the wobbly base & smaller motor with funny drive belt. My well-equipped shop is now mostly Delta & PC equipment. I am very satisfied with the performance & accuracy of every piece of it. It is as good as I have used in my 45 years of sawdust manufacture.

   Cadiddlehopper

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 23, 2006 05:43pm | #11

   but I don't like the & smaller motor with funny drive belt. Geeeee I got one! I like it!wobbly base ?... Ya HAVE to tighten the leveling feet NUTS!

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | May 24, 2006 01:13am | #12

   I examined 3 Ridgids. There are 3 Depots where I live. The legs twisted on all 3 with casters retracted. Maybe they weren't properly assembled. But I thought that wouldn't be the case 3 times. The funny drive belt may be OK. It may even be superior in some way. I choose to be a little old fashioned about it. And the motor is just a bit wimpy for my purposes. I cut thick stuff a lot. I have a molding cutter also. I believe the dust shroud is in its way. I am certain that your Ridgid serves you very well. Heck! I used a Ryobi for ten years. It did great work & has some very clever features. I'm flexible. And your Ridgid has the world's only decent blade guard for its class of saw.Actually, I went to the Depot to buy the previous model Ridgid saw. It had been discontinued! They said they couldn't get one from another store. I liked it better than the new one. A couple of Xmases ago, the local Depots tried selling low-priced Deltas. They sold them off for $400 after the season. Having just sold my Ryobi, I bought one out of desperation & am quite pleased. In fact, I am well impressed with the Delta/PC products that I have used. They are available at better prices than in the past also. They just aren't the only good ones.Cadiddlehopper