Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Oct 17, 2006 04:57am | #1

   Yes, the Craftsman "ZIP Code" saw, also a hybrid, but designed more like a cabinet saw than the Grizzly is, I'm pretty sure.  This Craftsman saw has been very much a surprise to many of us who normal won't utter the work "Craftsman" in the same sentence with the phrase "power tool."  Look into it, ask around, search the forums for people who own one.

   Their web site sucks as far as linking you to a particular model, but look for Mfr. model OR35505 or OR35504.

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

2. 
   jptenberg | Oct 17, 2006 06:41am | #2

   I have had the DeWalt for many years now--I bought one of the first ones  when they came out.  I have built many a project with this saw, and I must saw that it was hands down better than the craftsman that I was using before.

   I have since upgraded to a 5hp powematic w/ a 60" slider on it, and although this is a lot more saw, I find that I still use the DeWalt  for many smaller more delicate tasks.  The PM definately excels at ripping 10/4 maple, or plowing deep dados, but the Dewalt is capable of most everything that the PM does.  But I think the PM was almost 3 times wat the DW cost.

   I think the base saw is right around 1k, but sometimes you can find deals on a package w/ accessories.

   What you might consider is finding a good used saw--like a unisaw or something like that.  Even an older one that might need a little TLC can be tuned to run like a champ.  Remember not to skimp on the blades no matter what saw you end up with.

   Peter

   www.jpswoodworking.com

3. 
   Knotscott | Oct 17, 2006 12:10pm | #3

   The Griz looks promising but is very new out. The 22124 is well proven and very well received by owners and reviewers. Workbench ranked it first over the GI, DW746, and Jet Supersaw (in that order)....the Grizzly and Delta were not compared, but I think the 22124 has the edge in advantages, and goes on sale frequently.

   http://www0.epinions.com/content_184778395268

   If you have 220v available, the Griz 1023 3hp cabinet saw is more substantial than any of the hybrids.

4. 
   BG | Oct 17, 2006 02:05pm | #4

   Strattjd,
   As your aware, wood is expensive. I make pieces from donnage and re-cycled wood. Having adequate power in the TS and BS makes this all possible..and saves a lot of money.

5. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Oct 17, 2006 10:06pm | #5

   As stated by Forest Girl. the Sears "zipper" is an excellent saw in the hybrid range at $999 retail. The saw is made by Orion (note the man. # starts with OR). Nice, precise fence also.

   You might also check out the Steel City 35601 Hybrid. Mark Strahler, co-owner at Steel City knows a bit about that particular saw as he founded Orion and mainly was responsible for the design of the Orion saw.

   The Steel City is same basic saw as the "zipper" with a little closer tolerances on the flatness of the table tops. Retail on the Steel City 1 3/4 HP (same as the zipper) is $899. For $999 (Sears retail on the 1 3/4 HP) you can get the SC saw with a 3 HP motor. The Sears has a 1 year warranty and the Steel City a 5 year warranty. Both are Left tilt blade...

   If you are patient, Sears will run a super-duper inter-net.. news-paper.. in store special for 10% or maybe even more discount. Not likely with the Steel City as they will hold firm on their price as it's already lower and carries a 5 year warranty backed by the person that designed both saws respectively.

   Again, both saws are excellent. If interested in the SC, there is probably a distributor near you. Check out the distributor link for your state at http://www.steelcitytoolworks.com.

   Regards...

   SARGE..

6. 
   DJK | Oct 18, 2006 04:23am | #6

   I will sell you a nice '85 Unisaw for $800. Will run on 115/230 volts. Pick it up in Warren,MI.

   DJK