Replies

1. 
   GRW | Jan 20, 2005 02:35am | #1

   Mike,
   I have a Powermatic 64A. I'm very pleased with it.

   GRW

1. 
   ChestnutWwking | Jan 20, 2005 07:23am | #2

   GRW,

   How long have you had your 64A?  Does it seem to have enough power to do everything that you would like it to do?  I want to purchase a saw that will do everything from ripping to crosscuts to dados.  I look forward to your feedback.

   Thanks,

   Mike

1. 
   GRW | Jan 20, 2005 02:28pm | #3

   Mike,

   I've had the 64A for about 1 year.  I have never been able to stall the saw,

   though I have tripped my house's breaker a few times.  It rips well, has a good

   fence, I have a cross cut saw, so I don't usuall use it for cross cutting. I would

   suggest a crosscut sled for that. Dattos have been no problem. I've seen this saw on

   sale this month at Tool Crib or somewhere for about $100 off.

   If you need more info, contact me at [email protected].

2. 
   Lightman | Jan 20, 2005 03:10pm | #4

   Hi Mike,

   I started with the same saw you now have about 10 yrs ago. Cut a bunch with it and thought I was doing good...lol...until I bought an old (1967) 10 Craftsman con saw.  Boy was it a step up!  But after about 7 or 8 years of adjusting it all the time I bought a new Craftsman 22124 hybrid. It was a little pricey for a Sears saw and it's the Craftsman tool I've bought since the old one but I am soooo happy with it. There are 3 diff models. Bare bones, mid range and mine. I went to look at the mid range and bought the top of the line one. That Bessie fence is a big selling point for sure. it's also left tilt if that matters to you.

     Also got the 5 yr deal with it.  There is one thing about buying it from Sears is if you don't like it a few days after you get it you can take it back and get your $$$ back.  The rest of them are yours once you walk out the door.(unless it's a warranty issue)

     I looked hard at the 1023lh Griz and was less $$$ than Sears.  It is a good saw as are all that are out there. 

   There are 2 reviews on the 22124 dec/jan WOOD mag and the most current issue of Workbench.  It compared 4 diff hybrids DeWalt, Sears, Jet and one other(not sure what brand) The Sears (22124) came out on top.

    There are several threads in knots about this saw.

   Sorry to be so long winded, guess I'm just so happy with this new saw I just gotta talk about it.

     I know whatever ts you pick your sure to be happy. Good luck.

   Jimmy

   as always I wish you enough.

1. 
   ChestnutWwking | Jan 20, 2005 04:51pm | #5

   Jimmy,

   Thanks for all the info.  I'll check out that tool review.  Any help given I greatly appreciate! 

   Thanks,

   Mike

2. 
   ChestnutWwking | Jan 21, 2005 05:08pm | #8

   Jimmy,

   Thanks for the info.  I'm currently looking into your suggestions.  We'll see where it leads.

   Thanks,

   Mike

3. 
   woodensplinter | Jan 21, 2005 02:07am | #6

   I've used a General International contractors saw for the last three years.  It does everything I ask it to.  If I had to do it all over, I think I would give serious consideration to the new hybrid saws, if nothing else, strictly for the improvement in dust collection.  You might have to be carful with saws that have 2 1/2 inch ports on dust shrouds.  I've read that these tend to clog, especially when ripping.

   Comments on this point anyone?

   
   

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   Edited 1/20/2005 6:10 pm ET by wooden splinter

1. 
   ChestnutWwking | Jan 21, 2005 05:10pm | #9

   WS,

   I'm looking into the general saws as well.  Trying to find more information on the product itself without having a store near by where I can put my hands on the product worries me a little.

   Thanks,

   Mike 

    

1. 
   woodensplinter | Jan 22, 2005 03:43am | #13

   The February/05 issue of Workbench magazine has a comparison of, I think, four hybrid saws.  The 2005 FWW Tool Guide has a blurb on contractor saws.  (FYI)

4. 
   Dustmight | Jan 21, 2005 06:38am | #7

   Hi Mike - I'll also throw in a vote for the GI contractor saw.  2hp motor that'll run on standard 110v or can switch to 220, cast iron wings, excellent Biesemeyer fence, very good cast iron miter gauge, dust tray, dado insert, and just plain a really nice CS.  Finewoodworking has ranked it #1 two years in a row ahead of all the other big name CS and hybrids <$900 in their 2004 and 2005 Tools and Shops issue.  It's a great value @ $699, and has optional 50" rails for not much more $.  It also comes in right tilt or left tilt.  http://www.epinions.com/content_91326418564

   The new Sears 22124 appears to be a nice saw and a good value when it drops below $800.  It wasn't around when FWW did their ratings. 

   I'm hearing good things about GI's new hybrid...the 50-220.  Be sure to get the one with the Biese fence.....the cheaper model offers some funky dual locking aluminum thing that's not worthy of the GI name IMO.  ~ $900.   http://www.woodworking.com/dcforum/DCForumID5/4491.html

   http://www.woodworking.com/dcforum/DCForumID5/4471.html

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   Edited 1/20/2005 10:45 pm ET by sliversRus

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   Edited 1/20/2005 10:45 pm ET by sliversRus

   
   

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   Edited 1/20/2005 10:46 pm ET by sliversRus

1. 
   ChestnutWwking | Jan 21, 2005 05:12pm | #10

   Slivers,

   Thanks for the info.  The only worry that I have is that I wish that I could put my hands on their products, General Saws.  They always seem to get excellent reviews, but I would like to see a saw working and run one myself before I invest in it.

   Thanks for your help,

   Mike

1. 
   Dustmight | Jan 21, 2005 11:34pm | #11

   Mike - Try http://www.General.ca and click on distributors to find a dealer.  Sometimes you need to seek them out.....my nearest dealer was 70 miles, although some Woodcrafts now carry some of the GI products.  Picture a green PM64a with a Biesemeyer fence instead of the Accufence, an more average blade guard than the PM's, and a better miter gauge.  I swear they come out of the same factory. 

   If you ever get to a wwing show, seek out the Jointech booth.  They use the GI contractor saw, but it's tricked out with all the Jointech stuff.  That's where I got my first glimpse.  It's not the same as pawing over one at a dealer, but it was enough to motivate me to drive to see one.

   Good luck.

    

1. 
   ChestnutWwking | Jan 22, 2005 12:36am | #12

   Slivers,

   Thank you for your input.  Because of your feedback, I'm going to make a trip to the nearest distributor even though it's a haul.  I've talked to my local tool dealer and I trust him, but he wants me to look at the Jet Supersaw and I think from the specs and pictures, the General is a lot better saw for the same or less money.

   Thanks again for all the info,

   Mike