I've just about decided to make a big leap and spring for a Grizzly cabinet saw. I haven't done any serious woodworking before but everything I read here says to go for the best table saw you can afford and this is at (probably over, really) the most I can spend. Grizzly's current sale catalog expires 1-September, so I want to make a decision before then as to which of 3 models and would appreciate advice. The 3 I'm considering are:
G1023S -- their base cabinet saw. $795 G1023SL -- left-tilting, and I think I understand the advantages of that. However, other than that, the specs seem to read the same as the G1023S except that the table is about 4" wider, it includes the dust port, and is
100 pounds heavier. $875 G1023Z -- tilting arbor, "deluxe" model (whatever that means). Has 'Shop Fox' fence, whereas the above 1023S and the 1023SL have the 'Shop Fox Classic' (Biesemeyer knockoff). Table size also 4" wider and 100 pounds heavier. $895All cost another $75 for shipping.
Questions:
- One of the differences in the catalog description is that the G1023SL says it has triple V-belt drive. However, the photo of the G1023 also shows three belts. Is there any difference? If so, how much difference would it make to me?
- The extra 4" of cast-iron table can't totally explain why the SL and Z are 100 pounds heavier than the S. (If it were 100# per 4" of table, the table alone would weight 1000#, whereas the entire unit is 460#.) What else would account for the weight difference?
- The Z says it has "tilting arbor". Does this really mean that the S and SL don't? If so, it is important? Why?
- Any sound reasons to prefer the Shop Fox fence (on the Z) rather than the Biesemeyer clone on the S and SL?
- Given the things I've read about the benefits of left-tilting, it seems to me the best options are the S and the SL. I would choose the SL because of the left-tilt. If I were to choose the S over the SL it would be because it's 0 cheaper. (I'm assuming the difference in fence on the Z is not compelling.) Does that thinking sound reasonable?
- Any other advice and wisdom?
- Would anyone try to argue me down to a contractor's saw since I'm a newbie? I.e., am I being foolish spending this much on a first purchase?
Many thanks.