Replies

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 18, 2007 08:47pm | #1

   That depends on your budget. For the $1500-2500 range, Powermatic and General get my vote for solidness, good polished table, nice quality fence, etc.

   As to left or right tilt, it's personal preference. Actually many of the newer saws have double sided fences, so the tilt direction becomes less of a factor, IMO.

1. 
   drater | Apr 19, 2007 06:19pm | #3

   Thanks blewcrowe.Any thoughts on horsepower or 110vs.220?

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 19, 2007 06:23pm | #4

   Most of your stationary cabinet saws are 220. Good luck with it.

2. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Apr 18, 2007 11:42pm | #2

   Since this is the Fine WoodWorking forum, I'd suggest that you look at the reviews that they have done recently. I bought one that they, and many others, highly recommended. It's a fantastic saw.

1. 
   drater | Apr 19, 2007 06:24pm | #5

   Thanks basset-hound.I know even less about computers than I do about woodworking machinery.So how do I get to where these reviews are and by the way what brand and of saw did you end up with?

1. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Apr 19, 2007 10:46pm | #6

   "Thanks basset-hound.I know even less about computers than I do about woodworking machinery.So how do I get to where these reviews are and by the way what brand and of saw did you end up with?"

   Click on "TOOLS" at the top of this screen. Look on the left side of the page that comes up for "Tablesaws." Click on that word. Information on tablesaws will show up on your screen. The test I'm talking about, Tool Test: 10-In. Cabinetsaws, is the third entry on the list in the top, left quarter of the screen. The one I chose is the lower pictured one chosen Best Overall. There is also much more information on this site about the saw I chose as well as others that you can view through the page on tablesaws. Then,you can decide for yourself which is best for you. BYW -- If you are mot a paying member of this website you may not be able to view the review or other information. I'm never sure which pages are available to those of us who pay and the pages that are available to everyone. It was in the May/June edition of Fine WoodWorking, starting on page 46.

3. 
   Sean2112 | Apr 20, 2007 06:31am | #7

   right tilt. no question. I am a nut about setting my fence to perfection, and a left tilt saw means re- setting the fence  every time you change a blade. IMHO.

   Regards,

   Sean

4. 
   astro | May 09, 2007 04:59am | #8

   If I might make a suggestion... Whichever saw you ultimately purchase, I would recommend that you invest in a dial caliper.  This was one of my wisest purchases. It really helps to align everything and get the maximum performance out of your saw. Perhaps this is just common sense but its a worthwhile investment. I can't believe how long I worked without doing these basic tuneup maneuvers.

   R

1. 
   drater | May 15, 2007 07:16pm | #9

   Thanks Astro,A dial caliper eh?Would you please explain the procedure for using it to align the saw or tell me where to go to garner that information.Peace,drater

2. 
   [email protected] | May 15, 2007 10:28pm | #10

   Are you sure you don't mean a dial indicator? 

   I could tune a table saw with a dial caliper, but it wouldn't be as easy or accurate as with a dial indicator. 

1. 
   astro | May 16, 2007 04:22pm | #12

   Yes. I mean a dial indicator. Thanks for clarifying.

    

   R

5. 
   dtraversi | May 16, 2007 04:27am | #11

   Hey Drater- Buying a quality saw should be a pretty fun experience. Like buying a car- I can't afford the ultimate luxury model but I kick the tires and test drive em just for fun.

   I'm right handed- and for me a left tilt allows me to raise the blade/change angle and change the blade using my right hand.

   It may not be priority ONE but I'll assume you are going to buy a good saw that has all the big priorities checked off.

   A good combo square will tune any saw to NASA tolerances.
   If I could pass advice that took me too long to learn- Buy a good after market miter gauge- and throw away the one that comes with the saw (or at least donate it to your band saw)

   cheers,
   Dave

6. 
   frenchy | May 17, 2007 01:45am | #13

   drafter, 

     I've owned a series of saws, each more expensive than the last.  It's kinda like the boat syndrome..start out with a little fishing boat and wind up owning a yacht!

     I and several others feel that the first saw you need to buy is a good band saw.  With one of those and a jointer you can build any woodworking project.

     Whereas a Cabinet saw really only works well for ripping material.. everything else requires jiogs and adapting a saw to things it's not really well suited for..

     You didn't mention budget.. I'm always on one and would rather spend my money on equipment other than a ripping machine..

    I bought Grizzly because I've had great luck with Grizzly and they always get good reviews.

     You might want to stretch a little and not buy just a 10 inch table saw but go up to a 12 inch.. several reasons to do that, for me the ability to work with 4 inch thick wood was the factor..

    The price I paid for my 12 inch Grizzly was less than the price most pay for 10 inch brands like General..

     The table on my Grizzly is large enough that I can put the fence on either side of the blade and still cut a decent sized chunk of wood..