Replies

1. 
   tbonetim | Mar 06, 2020 01:56pm | #1

   I've been very happy with my Grizzly 1023RLX. 3HP,240V, extension table that allows for 52" rip. With tax and shipping, it comes in right around $2k. Similar version with 30" rip is about $100 cheaper. That being said, I'd also consider investing an additional $1k for a Sawstop.

2. 
   Eideann | Mar 06, 2020 02:52pm | #2

   At 2k you can buy a lot of good saws... that said.. you're awfully close to SawStop money and why come that close to the bell without ringing it. I've gone through a fair number of saws and have just settled with the notion that I want a sawstop eventually so why waste money on other saws that I know i'm going to part with eventually. Save the extra cash, get the sawstop. You may not feel like you have the need or want for it at the moment, but I guarantee you'll never regret spending that nominally small extra amount at this point to get one.

3. 
   sprucecarver | Mar 06, 2020 03:37pm | #3

   If it had been available when I bought my Jet CTAS-10, I would have gotten the SawStop instead. I've used the SawStop cabinet saw in a shop our Woodworker's Association was sharing a few years ago, and it's an outstanding machine. And it has that outstanding feature of not letting you cut the end of your thumb off like one of my best friends did one day on a "regular" tablesaw. There's a lot of value in having a great saw that won't cut your thumb off...

4. 
   user-7617456 | Mar 06, 2020 05:51pm | #4

   Buy a Grizzly. building great machines, great value and superior customer service. Sawstop is nice but a riving knife solves 90% of the issue and safe operation will keep you out of trouble. Use push sticks and don't get complacent pushing smaller and smaller pieces with your hands. I purchased the G0690. Couldnt be happier. Spend the difference on a ClearVue Cyclone and you'll be much further ahead when it comes to your safety and health.

5. 
   bburgboy | Mar 06, 2020 07:33pm | #5

   I've been happily retired for five years and working every day in my shop. I've purchased several brand name pieces of equipment from Laguna, Rikon, Jet, and Dewalt. I agree with the other posters - Go with SawStop if you can afford it. However, your $2K budget will not buy a cabinet saw. You're looking at something at least $500 more...at least $2.5K.

   If you don't go with SawStop, you will find Grizzly, Laguna, or Jet great quality machines for the amateur. I've worked my Laguna Fusion almost every workday for the last four years. I'm very happy.

6. 
   richeytgr | Mar 08, 2020 05:34pm | #6

   I use gigs that ride on the fence. Can you cut tenons and splines?

7. 
   muskokalayne | Mar 09, 2020 08:33am | #7

   I have a vintage Delta that I’ve upgraded with a shark guard riving knife and a good aftermarket fence from Grizzly’s Canadian equivalent in Canada and I love it. Price was under 1000.

8. 
   [email protected] | Mar 09, 2020 09:57am | #8

   I've got a Jet cabinet saw....very happy with it. Like others have said...plan on spending at least 2500 for a lifetime tool. If Sawstop was around when I purchased mine....I would have paused, saved a few more months, and financed a Sawstop.

9. 
   geedubbee | Mar 10, 2020 03:15pm | #9

   richeytgr | Mar 08, 2020 05:34pm | #6

   I use gigs that ride on the fence. Can you cut tenons and splines?
   -----------------------------------------------------

   If you mean on the Saw Stop fence, the Saw Stop T-Glide is one of the better 'better than Bies' choices out there. It is a very typical format t-square fence.

   It is difficult when responses only urge you to spend more money. However, this is not an unusual response when you are so close to a Saw Stop 3HP PCS or a Powermatic 2000 price tier. That being said, there are a lot of very happy Grizzly 1023 and 690 series owners. This would keep you in your budget.

   I have a 60% factor when making these decisions. If what I am looking to settle for is 60% or more of what I really want, I save up a bit and get what I want. This avoids buyer's remorse. Why buy a Woodriver No. 4 for $199 when a Veritas is $227 or a Lie Nielsen is $300. I'm too close to not save a bit more and die happy ;-)

10. 
    jfsksa | Mar 10, 2020 04:00pm | #10

    I have the Grizzly 1023. Regular size table top. No modifications, other than a mobile base. Love it

11. 
    cdesautels | Mar 15, 2020 11:06am | #11

    I've been using a SawStop for over a decade. My 3rd table saw. I recommend you find a way to get a SawStop, you'll not regret it. No other saw can match their quality and the piece of mind from the brake is beyond price.