Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Jan 08, 2006 08:51pm | #1

   Hi Rick - I'm the happy owner of the Sears 22124 and highly recommend it if it suits your needs. It replaced a very good GI contractor saw and I find it has several advantages. Sale prices make it attractive. It's extremely stable, surprisingly powerful, has cabinet mounted trunnions and is just a nice saw with a large working surface, great fence, and even a very good stock blade. I think the 22124 has advantages over most of the other hybrids that have traditionally mounted contractor style trunnions too.

   I'm sure the DW746 is a nice saw too, but that 52" package @ $1200 puts you in the company of some 3hp industrial grade saws. The GI 50-220LM1 is a newer version of a hybrid than the DeWalt with the same wide rip capacity and has several advantages like a full enclosure, better DC, and a better fence. It should also keep you on budget at < $1k.

   If you've got 220v available, and are considering spending a bit over $1k, I think my first choice would be the Grizzly 1023SL...or SLX if you're willing to spend the extra. It may not quite be a Uni or General 650, but it is designed similarly. It's a more substantial machine than any of the hybrids including the 22124. It's much more of an industrial machine. The downside is the 220v requirement, mail order, and some extra cost. Shop Fox is a sister to the Grizzly but is available through dealers...you might find one of those too.

   <http://www.epinions.com/content_184778395268>
   <http://www.grizzly.com/products/g1023sl>

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/8/2006 12:54 pm ET by scotty

1. 
   user-87705 | Jan 09, 2006 03:31am | #2

   Scotty - Thanks

   I'm glad to hear from soneone who actually has the saw I'm looking at.  Followed your links and am looking at the Grizzly.  I do have 220V available.  Also found the Delta 36-717 for about the same proce (949.00).  I think I've narrowed it down to these three (Craftsman 22124, Grizzly 1023, or Delta 36-717).  I'm planning on keeping this saw for a long time, so want to pick something I'll love to use.  I like the idea of the Delta and easy access to accessories.  I have a Woodcraft store nearby which makes a Delta easy to get locally.  I like the idea of the Craftsman for the same reason.

   Lots of customer feedback on the Delta at Amazon.  Folks seem to love it, or hav had a nightmare setting it up.  I think I get some insurance with the Delta because I could go to the local Woodcraft if I'm having problems.  Still shopping online for the Grizzly - it sure looks a step above the Sears and Delta in sturdiness.  All ar about the same price.

1. 
   Knotscott | Jan 09, 2006 03:52am | #3

   Hi Rick - The 22124 and the 36-717 are fairly similar and appear to have several parts in common. The fact that the Sears offers the cabinet mounted trunnions for easy blade alignment, a very good Leitz blade, and wider wings are advantages IMO, although I'd guess WC is likely to provide better service than your local Sears. Decisions, decisions....;-)

   
2. 
   highfigh | Jan 09, 2006 04:18am | #4

   I have a 1023, right tilt. It's as much of a tank as any of the others. The table is very flat, smooth, stable, and stays in adjustment with no input from me. The fence hasn't moved or changed. I added 7' rails because I cut quite a bit of plywood, etc. I have had no issues with it and got it about 5 years ago. It was shipped in a crate, attached to a pallet. The crate was top heavy, but as long as it is kept straight, it won't tip. Easy to assemble, adjust if necessary and with a great blade, does everything I could want.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   Quickstep | Jan 09, 2006 05:12am | #5

   I realize I'm being a little free with your money, but I was in your position a couple of years ago. I agonized over spending the extra on the Unisaw; it was more than I really wanted to spend. Ultimately, I bit the bullet and I'm glad I did. For me the table saw is the one tool that gets used in virtually every project. Having a good one makes a lot of difference.

1. 
   user-87705 | Jan 09, 2006 06:41am | #6

   Thanks Everyone - appreciate all the suggestions.  Would love to get the X5, but not sure I can afford it and other toys I would like (Joiner, planer...).  Spent awhile this evening looking at the 1023 and I like the looks of it.  Warehouse in PA is only 4 hours from me, so if I go withthe 1023 I could go pick it up myself (although going to the Grizzly warehouse with a credit card in my wallet might not be wise :)

   Scotty - Thanks for the comparison on the 22124 and 36-717. 

   Right now I'm thinking about the Sears and the 1023.  Dreaming about the X5.  Anyone seen it for less then $1995 with the $100 rebate.  If I went that direction, I would probably get it from Woodcraft to get the local support, so would be stuck paying ~$2000 unless they go on sale.  Just difficult for me to justify that expense.  When I started looking, I started at the $600 Craftsman :)

1. 
   John_D | Jan 09, 2006 09:59am | #7

   I still think we should call the 22124 the Oakton (22124 is the Zip Code for Oakton VA).

   Heh.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

2. 
   highfigh | Jan 10, 2006 02:59am | #8

   WoodCraft is having a winter clearance sale this weekend, I would think it's a national event. You could call them and ask what kind of deal they're willing to make on this saw. If you cut large sheets of anything on a regular basis, I strongly recommend the long rails. I know it would add a bit to the already pricey Unisaw, but if you go with the 1023, it can be packaged with the 7' rails and extension table and usually for less $ than buying the parts separately. If you buy the rails separately like I did, it gives you the option of going back if needed. The New catalog shows the 1023SLX with 7 footers and extension table for $1250. Mine is on the Shop Fox mobile base and it's very easy to move around. I HATE getting new catalogs. I just saw the outfeed roller table and sliding table and neither is terribly expensive.By any chance, did you look at the big sliding table saws?
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   user-87705 | Jan 10, 2006 04:34am | #10

   Highfigh,

   I didn't look at the big sliding saws, but I did look at the $269 sliding table you can add to the 1023.  I also like the outfeed rollers.  I think all the additional wants (needs) will keep me away from the Unisaw.  I didn't see any dado inserts for the 1023, just the zero tolerance.  Do you use those?

    

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 10, 2006 05:05am | #11

   Mine came with a regular and dado insert like everyone else's saws, but I got a plastic zero clearance for general cutting. The problem with the white plastic (HDPE) is that it grows when it gets hot. I'll be making some for dados, one for miters and a new one for general cutting. Personally, I think the manufacturers should just include zero clearance inserts instead of the cast white metal POS. I don't know if you noticed but the sliding table isn't for the left tilt saws. I have the right tilt but I don't cut a lot of 45 degree miters. When I do, I always have support behind the saw so I haven't felt that it was unsafe. I would never cut a miter without support behind it.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

3. 
   jlckmj | Jan 10, 2006 03:15am | #9

   I can't comment on the other saws listed, but I can tell you that I have the 22124 and I havn't found anything it won't do, and do well.
   In my mind, for the money,it is the best tool purchase I have made.
   Jim

4. 
   Jimmbo | Jan 10, 2006 07:28am | #12

   Rick-k

   I purchased the DeWalt DW 756 about two years ago, and I have no complaints.  Was perfectly aligned out of the box and has not gone out to this point.  Adequate power and the fence does not easilly deflect.   Solid.  I've been happy with that choice.

5. 
   cromulentone | Jan 14, 2006 06:23am | #13

   Hi Rick,

   Don't know if you've made your final choice or not yet, but a lot of people (myself included!) have gotten some great deals on the Craftsman 22124 recently. Here's a thread:

   http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=2108762&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=

   The deal I got was $699 - 10% Craftsman Club discount = $630

   Scott

1. 
   user-87705 | Jan 14, 2006 06:24pm | #14

   Scott,

   Well, I was settling on the Grizzly, but the deals folks are getting on the 124 are making me chek into it again.  I found a Sears Essentials near me and called them.  The say with my CC the saw is $854.  Guess I'll call the CA store in a couple hours when they open and see if they really have the saw for $649.  Thanks for the post to the other thread!

1. 
   Knotscott | Jan 14, 2006 07:42pm | #15

   The current Craftsman Club flyers have all C-Man stationary tools on sale for 10% off to C-Man Club members through today (1/14). Good luck swinging a deal....I saw one earlier in the week for around $530! I thought I nearly stoled mine at $594 with free delivery, but $530 with a $350 fence! Buy a fence and motor and get the saw free!Not sure what Griz you're looking at. The 1023SL is a pretty substantial machine in the $1050 range. They have a new hybrid that looks similar to the GI 50-220M1. I think it's a G0478 for $695 plus $85 s/h.

   Edited 1/14/2006 11:45 am ET by scotty

2. 
   bd | Jan 15, 2006 08:27pm | #18

   It's probably a bit late for you, but in case anyone else is looking, Woodworker's Supply has Unisaws (not X5), with mobile base & free shipping, Biesemeyer or Unifence, right or left tilt for $1499. I just bought one. The only difference I can see between it & the X5 is that with the cheaper one, you don't get the 5 yr guarantee (2 yrs instead), you don't get a carbide blade or the dado insert, and you get the laminated tableboard for the entire right hand side instead of the cast iron table extension and a shorter tableboard.

1. 
   John_D | Jan 16, 2006 10:16pm | #19

   I bought a 5 HP X5, and did not get a dado anything (stack or insert).  Everything else was as you described.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

6. 
   myhomereno | Jan 14, 2006 10:05pm | #16

   How about buying a used cabinet saw. I bought a 1960's Rockwell 1 1/2HP cabinet saw, spend a weekend cleaning it, bought a excalibur fence for it and this was all for under $500 USD. Seems like a good deal to me. If the motor is ever going to die I will put a 3HP motor on it and this saw will be as powerfull as any new $2000 USD saw out there.
   Good luck shopping.

   PS: These days I wouldnt buy the excalibur fence anymore, I'd buy a Biesemeier!!!

1. 
   John_D | Jan 15, 2006 08:10am | #17

   I will put a 3HP motor on it and this saw will be as powerfull as any new $2000 USD saw out there.

   My 5 hp Unisaw was $1699, delivered to local freight office.  Still, you got an awesome deal.  I'm trying to make a deal on an old 20" bandsaw, same analysis as yours.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.