Looking to buy my first cabinet saw, I was puzzled to discover that domestically-manufactured machines don’t offer sliding crosscut tables. Well, let me correct that: the hybrid saws marketed by De Walt and Jet do have such tables, but you have to accept compromises in other areas.
Adding to my confusion is a recent review of eight top-line cabinet saws by Kelly Mehler. Writing in ‘another publication’, Mehler expresses a strong endorsement for the sliding tables offered by European sawmakers. You are definitely left with the impression that Mehler wants one of these babies for himself.
It seems so obvious that I wonder why Delta, Jet, etc., don’t offer this as an accessory. Does anyone know the answer to this and another question that’s actually mor important: Do any of these manufacturers have plans to offer cabinet saws with sliding tables in the near future? Thanks, and cheers.
Replies
Boot,
The key reason our American saws don't have sliding tables is because we won't buy them. You can buy aftermarket sliding tables..but they are not as good as many of the eup models. If the market demands change I'm sure the American designs will change too...
American manufacturers build for price and clearly the saws are available if you are willing to spend the extra money and go with European. I don't think a domestic made one would be of the same high caliber. I find Eoropean wood machines to be far above what's available domestically. There are no domestic edge banders, sliding saws, construction boring machines or slot mortisers. I can't think of anything really innovative in woodworking that's American made off hand.
Rick,
I think this puppy would hold its own against any import.
http://www.northfieldwoodworking.com/tablesaws/sawroller.htm
I have to agree with above post that most manufacturers selling in this country don't provide sliding tables, etc. simply because the American market won't support the product, that is, American woodworkers don't want sliding tables or aren't willing to shell out the extra money.
Jeff
In a way but it's not really geared toward sheet goods which is what a slider is designed for. While the Northfield is over built in some respects it lacks scoring and things like a long stroke and such. Besides I was basing it on saws like the Unisaw and the next level up such as the Rojek, Felders etc. I don't think bringing up the Martin slider is appropriate to the question the original poster asked. The Northfield hasn't evolved in probably 50 years unlike the European saws which have better guards, riving knives and such. I've been in the business for 30 years and I see very little new stuff coming in domestically compared to overseas.
Edited 4/1/2003 12:55:33 PM ET by Rick at Arch. Timber and Millwork
Can't argue with any of your points. Still, you've got to love a saw that weighs in just 40 lbs. short of a ton.
Can't help but think that many or most of those sold today will still be in service 100 years from now.
Jeff
A sliding table is available for Delta's Unisaw, I believe it will also fit the contractor's saw. I've been thinking about getting one for my Unisaw. I know that Grizzily also sells them for their saw. I believe Powermatic has one for the Model 66. Excalibur makes one to fit most American saws. The tables are out there, but not pushed by most retailers, you have to look a little harder.
That is why a lot of us have bought the DeWalt TS with the cast iron sliding table. It is sweet. Many of our friends think it is too expensive but by the time you buy a cabinet saw and equip it with a sliding table, you have a substantial investment. With my Dewalt sliding table, I can precisely and easily cut a table top any time I want to. I also believe it is safer for crosscutting because you are not sliding the wood across the table top but are holding it firmly to the sliding sled.
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