Hey all-
I have a tablesaw question for y’all. I’ve searched the archives for advice on what to buy and it’s been an invaluable resource for me. Thank you all for that.
Anyway here’s my question. I am going to be purchasing a new contractors saw (Space and wiring concerns make a cabinet saw out of the question) and am really trying to make my final decision. I am choosing between the Bridgewood TSC, General 50-185, and the top of the line Delta. Can anyone provide feedback on these choices?
More importantly though, my biggest concern with the Bridgewood, and General is the lack of availability if something were to go wrong. There isn’t a dealer for either in Seattle where I live. Has anyone had any experience with this? I’d love to save the $150 if they are as good as Delta.
Replies
Derek,
I assume there are no GI dealers in the Seattle area because you can drive up to BC and save more money.
Don
Derek
Unless it happens in shipment, not a lot usually goes wrong with a TS. You have two General dealers in Portland. Bridgewood is in Pa. And the good news is UPS is worldwide and the little brown truck comes right to the door. Check the price of truck freight as opposed to buying local with Delta. Also figure in state sales tax if you buy local. All purchases out of state exempts sales tax.
Bridgewood has excellent service and I have heard the same about General. Other than belts, not a lot goes wrong if you maintain your TS properly. This is just my opinion. ha..ha..
Good Luck...
sarge..jt
Ahhhh, another Puget Sounder -- hi, Derek, I'm over on Bainbridge Island.
Most manufacturers have 800- numbers for tech support, you call them, describe the problem and work it out over the phone, they ship any necessary parts. You might want to post a thread asking about "Bridgw./Gen. Cust. Service??" (hard to fit that one in a small space) and see what kinds of comments people have.
One Suggestion: You're not too far away from the Jet warehouse in Auburn, and there's a "scratch 'n dent" store up the street from them. That's where I bought my Jet jointer. If you have any interest in that particular brand (or Powermatic), you might take a trip down and check them out.
They used to be called RAM Tools, but have a new name now. Can't find their address, but the phone number is (should be) 253-804-3211 Stay away from the Jet SuperSaw though.
Another Northwest source is in Spokane, Northwest Power Tools. Good online prices and extensive inventory at http://www.northwestpowertools.com
Have fun!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Thanks for the advice on the Jet outlet...I think I'm gonna head down there this weekend.
They have a Jet contractor saw with cast iron wings, 52" rails and an exacta fence for $550...
Not a bad deal methinks...
It's a pretty fun place, Derek! They had to peel me off the Powermatic saw before I left with my jointer. When I went, they had 3 or 4 jointers, one of which had been used as a demo in one of the WWing shows (the others were used-used). Got it for $380 and talked them into including 3 extra sets of knives. There were two parts missing when I got the boxes home, and they ordered them right away, Jet sent them to me directly.
Have fun! BTW, could you post a "reply" with their name and address? I can't find my "little stickie" that has that info. Thanks!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jet Equipment Sales1801 West Valley HighwayAuburn, WA(253) 804-3211
I don't know about that address but the phone number is right. I think I'm gonna drag my wife there...afterall I did go clothes shopping with her a couple of weeks ago.
I went looking for 'puter parts yesterday, and the puter store was right next to the PC/Delta service center/outlet store. Had some great buys in there on misc parts and DC gear, incl 3" blast gates for $1.25 ea. Seems like a place I need to visit every month or so to see if other decent stuff comes up.
Thanks Derek, I'll print that out on a big piece of paper so it's not so easily lost.
By all means, take the wife -- she owes you one if you've done the clothes-shopping thing! Hopefully, she's not prone to panic at 4-figure price tags. Yikes!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
That's quite a deal. I thought I had done really well when I bought mine last year for a little over $650. Comparatively, I'd say I didn't find such a great deal as I thought I did. The only thing better than a new tool is getting a great deal on a new tool. Does this outlet store have weekend hours? The DW has been asking to take an afternoon drive up to visit the IKEA in Renton (???) but I've never felt like spending a day to make the round trip from PDX. This presents an entirely new motivation which demands that I reconsider my previous position.
Plus, I think it might allow added leverage for tool purchases: "Aw, gee hon. If I just bought that <insert tool> that we just saw at the Jet outlet, I could make a much better version of that <insert whatever piece of furniture you're looking at> and could build it much less expensively." What do you think? I may be on to something here. I wouldn't mind spending a day on I-5 if I come home with a new tool for the effort.
If they do have weekend hours, maybe the weekend when they hold the Seattle show would be a good time to make the trip. That might be a tough sell, though. She went to the Portland show with me one year and didn't find it nearly as interesting as I did, but if a side trip to IKEA is in the mix, I just might be able to pull it off.
Let us know how you do with your search.
Miles
Derek:
Forestgirl will probably smile at this... As discussed in a previous post, I have found the customer and technical service at Delta to be beyond my expectations.
I have owned a Delta contractor saw for a seven years and with the Biesemeyer, it does everything I need it to do. In fact, I really love that saw (although I will admit to coveting a PM66). In the instances that I have had problems, even when they are my fault, Delta has been great. Case in point:
1) I made the mistake (haha) of buying a dial indicator device to align everything on my tools. Being anal, I discovered that the arbor flange had .004" runout (a situation corrected in later models) and I was really bummed. Called Delta and they sent me a new arbor within a day or so - few questions.
2) Had an electrical problem with my Delta DC. It tripped the circuit breaker on every other start. Delta replaced the entire motor immediately.
3) Any time I have had even a question, a knowledgeable Delta Technician calls me back within an hour. No attitude -- just all about helping.
4) I was overhauling a very old Delta Homecraft Table Saw my dad had given me. Delta not only retained perfect records of that specific saw - telling me the model number and its manufacture date of March, 1954, they also tracked down and e-mailed to me immediately an original drawing and parts list, the majority of which ARE STILL MAINTAINED AND AVAILABLE .
So, this kind of service is uncommon, particularly in manufacturing businesses. It has made me rather biased towards this company. At the end of the day, I will buy Delta DJ-20. Even though that PM66 is staring me down everytime I see one, I just may buy a Unisaw if I ever upgrade. But for now, I see no reason to upgade. A good blade and my cuts are just fine.
Good luck in your decision. Thought you might like a Delta Contractor Saw perspective.
Robbie
"You can take the Delta away from Robbie, but you better give him a PM66".
Sorry FG, I couldn't resist.
Edited 4/24/2003 6:06:42 PM ET by Robbie
Edited 4/24/2003 6:07:20 PM ET by Robbie
I always find it interesting when someone says they are buying a contractor’s saw because a cabinet saw is too big. I bought a contractor’s saw and sold it a few month’s later when I realized just how much space it required. Cabinet saws and contractor’s saws all have about the same size table, usually 27 inches deep and 20 inches wide plus an 8 inch wing on the left side. So there’s no size saving in the basic table size. Contractor’s saws have a motor sticking out more than a foot at the back – nothing there on a cabinet saw. Contractor’s saws often have a back rail for the fence – nothing there on a unifence and some other cabinet saw type fences. The rails on many contractors’s saws both front and back often stick out past the table on the left side. Contractors saws have wide legs compared to a cabinet saw’s cabinet. The amount of saw on the right side is just the decision about the length of fence rails you prefer. I bought a Delta Unisaw because it’s small.
Robbie
I have found my experience with Delta to be the same as yours. I have 9 pieces of Delta equipment in my shop and the couple of times I have had a problem with any of them they have stood behind their product like no one else I have ever seen. My bandsaw is not a Delta and that is the next tool I replace will be it, with a Delta.
Gods Peace
les
Robbie & Les : Glad to hear your Loyal Delta Fans,Welcome to the Delta Club,Enjoy your Fine delta Products..
A Fellow Delta owner.. ToolDoc
"Sorry FG, I couldn't resist." Not sure I'm understanding! Reports over the past year or so seem to indicate that whatever problems Delta had with customer service, they were temporary. There was a rash of complaints a year or two ago (fuzzy memory, sorry). Lately, though, and probably prior to the bump in the road, Delta owners seem to be quite happy with the CS of the company.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I was referring to my weak attempt at humor in closing the post with a "knockoff" of your normal closing quote.
Sorry, Robbie, the forefront of my mind (such as it is) was occupied with the indication that I might "smile" at your comments about Delta.
I get it, I get it! Funny!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Miles-
Ended up getting a Jet contractors saw with 30' rails and an exacta fence for $535. I'll have to build my own table insert but that's the fun part anyway right?
Yes they have weekend hours, and the folks are great!
Saw last week that a 10year old Unisaw (lightly used) with a 30" Unifence (old style legs) went off for $1100. Had to pick it up in Cleveland.
Was shocked. You can get that saw brand new for $1350 from Woodcraft. You can get a factory reconditioned with a new Biesemeyer for $1100 through Redmonds. I just can't figure out this e-bay thing. The prices things go at seem so high on e-bay. Although, I bought a Biesemeyer Blade guard for $200.
Ebay is like any auction. Some things go for ridiculously low prices. Some go for nutty prices.
I've saved money buying hand tools there. If you know what they cost. Buy brand name tools. Add the shipping into the cost you bid. And, are patient, you can get some great deals.
On the other side. I found a Ryobi 18 volt charger, drill case, and 2 batteries in the thrift store for $5. Took a gamble, bought it, tested it, and listed on ebay. Figured maybe I can double my money. It sold for over $70. With shipping the guy could almost have went to HD and bought what I sold him brand new, and gotten a drill thrown in for free. Kind of felt bad, but........
One thing I like about ebay is you can find old tools there. Love the monkey wrench I bought off ebay. And the hand brace.
Economists have found that E-Bay is their ready made equivalent to the rat mazes used in animal behavior studies. Several of their studies have already noted what you observed, people are over paying, often times by a lot.
I've seen this happen at ordinary country auctions for years, all you need are a few people with more money than common sense and there's no stopping them, especially once they get "bidding fever". E-Bay reaches such a huge audience that you are almost sure to get a few fools ready to part with their money on almost any item at any price.
I've done much better at tag sales, used equipment dealers, and watching the local bargain news. Buying locally also lets you see the equipment, play with it, and maybe go and get a cup of coffee to think it over before you buy. For all the same reasons I would definitely try to sell a tool on E-Bay before selling it locally.
John
Edited 5/6/2003 6:40:43 PM ET by JohnW
Edited 5/6/2003 6:48:39 PM ET by JohnW
It really is funny how high the bids go on some items on ebay, and at other auctions. The pressure of having to decide what something is worth right now, or before this specific time, leads people to pay more then they would if they stopped and thought about it more.
I stop in at a local thrift store on my way home quite often. Sometimes get some great deals, but often see things priced higher then if you bought it in the store. Quite often, these items sell. It's really amazing to see someone donate a mish-mash of misc. chinese sockets and watch them sell them for $.50-$1 ea. Or pipe & crescent wrenches missing the screw drive, they always sell to somebody.
Still, if you're careful, you can sometimes get good deals on certain tools on ebay. Hole saw sets, knock-out punches, step-drills, come to mind. But, I usually win 1 auction for every 15-20 bids. I've been able to pick up nice new Klein, Greenlee, and other major brand name tools for good deals this way.
Be careful on E-bay, I've never bought any tools but I have bought several antique pocket watches there. I went through a learning cycle, I consider it school. Read very carefully what they post about the item, don't assume anything. But I also got some bargains and some of the items were exactly as described. If I develop an interest in something new I go there and look around but I am a little wiser now I been to school. :>]
Most of my good buys were made in the last 30 seconds of the auction. That's when the pros come out.
Gods Peace
les
Glad to hear you were successful. I think I may see a trip north on I-5 in my future...
Enjoy your new saw!
I have taken e-bay in a different direction. If I see something I like, I e-mail the person about a "buy-it now" price. Then starts the negotiation process.
I have been seldom successful on e-bay. Probably because I am a cheapskate. But, I bought a Biesemeyer overhead blade guard in great shape for $200. Bought a new stereo for my explorer for $20. All by the process described above.
Have also been rejected 2 or 3 times in this regard and this is fine. But $1100 for a ten year old Unisaw and 30 inch Unifence. I came within an inch of e-mailing the guy and telling him he was an idiot. But then thought, "hey, it's none of my damn business what he wants to spend his money on." Still, just blows me away.
Ok I am wondering if there is anything I can do about this??
The fence that I got is kinda curved on the face near the front of the saw, so that a board won't lay flat against the whole fence. Is this a normal deal that I should have to fix, or is it a bad fence that I should try to get replaced?
The fence should be flat, and based on my experience with Jet, I'd expect nothing less than pleasant service to replace it. Call them. If you don't have a number with your paperwork, try this one: 1-800-274-6846forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Derek:
You might want to also consider the Powermatic and Dewalt contractor saws. Most of the previous ratings have placed these two saws at the top. I personally have the Dewalt 746 and I am very happy with it. It costs a little more than some of the others, but a table saw is a long term purchase for most of us. My saw is vibration free, compact, accurate, and easy to use dust collection with.
Stan
Hi
I have a general contracter saw.
It's ok but it has major problems, Basic Problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For instance: I have two blades, One is a woodworker two (40t) the other is a woodworker one (60t) for cross cuts. The woodworker one was hitting the arbor, the clearence was so small it bearly lowered below the table to hit the arbor???? That was scary because the blade got stuck, turns out the teeth hit the arbor before it got going. Lowered below the table less than a 1/16 of an inch before it hit???
My miter gauge is sub-standard too, the little tab stripped out??? MY Crappy cheap craftsmen never did, and I've never seen one that was stripped, but mine is.
The arbor is sloppy Too .009 play, it took me making a gauge to figure out that the thing drifted as I raise and lowerd the blade.
The people at general really sounded baffeled and sent me a rear arbor (no help), after that they questioned my ability to align my saw, turns out I was pretty good at aligning the saw, I discovered after making a jig. HOWEVER, I'd have to unalige the saw so when I cut 3/4 to1 1/4 inch thick wood. I didn't burn the hell out of it. Turns out, YOU RAISE THE BLADE TO ALIGN THE SAW . Well as the blade on my saw lowered it went toward the fence.
Anyway, I wish I'd of gotten a powermatic contractor saw. my buddy has got one and well, no problems. Delta's great too , I just like left tilts and the general copied the powermatic64 and it was cheaper, but I got what I paid for.
looks better than I performs
john
Edited 4/23/2003 2:50:52 AM ET by john
Powermatic, no question. Good Luck!
John
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