I'm in the market for a new cabinet saw and was wondering if I should consider a left tilt or not. Seems like it would come in handy but I've never used one so I'm looking for input.
Bryan
I'm in the market for a new cabinet saw and was wondering if I should consider a left tilt or not. Seems like it would come in handy but I've never used one so I'm looking for input.
Bryan
Yes
...t> >>
For new purchase, it's mostly a religious question, not technical. One gets adjusted to what one has--being a PM66 owner of nearly 30 years I am, of course, of the LHT persuasion... :)
;~) The single most asked question in this group that I paste this rubber stamp answer to. Both saws will make all the same cuts. Some easier on the left tilt, some easier on the right tilt. Strictly personal preference. But if you need to be steered one way or the other, Advantages: Are you right handed? Get the left tilt.
This is like arguing which is best, Ford or Chevy
Either one will work fine, but personally I like my left tilt saw
However, realize that typically with a left tilt saw, using a dado blade thows the fence calibration off, as you will be adding the extra cutters/blades/etc on the right side of the blade (ie, the same side the fence is typically on) and that will make the fence scale zero actaully read something like 3/4in
However, since the blade tilts to the left, doing bevel cuts will be much safer as you cannot trap the cutoff between the blade and fence like you can with a right tilt machine
John
You know I think way too much is made of this decision. Both machines can make all the same cuts, both can do some things better than the other. It comes down to personal preference.
I pruchased a left tilt General 220. I like it. I'm right handed, and I rarely use the fence guage for mesurment. For me when I make the rare bevel cut I like that I can keep the fence on the 'normal' side and make the cut. It also has the advantage that the cabinet access is actually accessible in my shop, though this wasn't a selling feature.
I learned on a RHT machine, and now have a LHT. In normal day to day use I don't notice the difference. My suggestion is to get version that you are most comfortable with.
==== Good answers all. Now for the $64 question: Does any manufacturer make a saw that can tilt either way?
Leif
Sat, Oct 15, 2005, 7:20am (EDT-3) snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com (DamnYankee) did ask: I'm in the market for a new cabinet saw and was wondering if I should consider a left tilt or not. Seems like it would come in handy but I've never used one so I'm looking for input.
Get one of each, left tilt, right tilt. Try them both, sell the one you like least.
JOAT Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
Choices choices choices... I resolved the toilet paper issue. Roll it from the top towards you. The peanut butter issue is leaning towards crunchy.
...back to our regular programming:
At one point, I had both a LT and a RT. When cutting strips with bevels on them, I either flipped the fence on the UniSaur or walked over to the SCM. Trapping stuff between the fence and the blade must be avoided at all costs. When you focus on what you're doing, either saw will be fine. IMHO, there are WAY more important things to look at when choosing a saw.
Good luck!
rChoices choices choices... I resolved the toilet paper issue. Roll it from the top towards you.
Wrong, think of a cat.
No, but I once dated a girl that went both ways.
LOL..I get the visual. Okay, I sit corrected.
Actually, that's worse. Rolling from the front, my cat pulls down about 20' and plays with that. Rolling from the back, she keeps it rolling like a speed bag while shredding off little bits all over the place. What good is a roll of toilet paper when the centre of the roll has its centre torn out about an inch deep? She's an eight month old adult sized kitten. The solution is to close doors. Figured I'd won when I had her nails trimmed. Now she's learned that what she can't climb, she can jump onto. I'd say about every month she's added 6" of jumping confidence to her repertoire. Only effective deterrent is the water gun or the spray bottle and she's usually long gone as soon as I reach to grab it.
I'm doomed!
This answer is one of the reasons I asked the question. I never thought about the jigs. Thanks Dave!
Bryan
Great answer Leon. I appreciate the repost.
I know I could have done a search to find the answer but with all the "garbage" on the group lately, I thought it might be nice to get another woodworking related thread going. Thanks again.
Bryan
I've never used a LHT so I'm definately most comfortable with the RHT. I was considering the LHT because of the bevel cuts. I always avoide them on my current saw but it sure would be nice to be able to use the table saw for those cuts. I guess I'll just have to go to the Grizzly show room in Muncy PA (about an hour away) and compare them side by side. :-)
Thanks!
Bryan
But if you don't yet have a TS, I'd assume you don't have a supply of jigs ready made? :)
The only commercial one I'm aware of that really makes a difference is the old, (not the $100 one, the nearly $300 one) Delta tenoning jig that won't clear a left tilt blade.
Thanks Don. It sounds like the only real drawbacks so far are using dado blades and jigs for the RH may not work on the LH. I don't have that many jigs and measuring for the dado won't be that big of a problem. Actually, the dado blade gives me a different problem now on my current saw anyways. I have a contractor saw and the blade depth/height doesn't lock. When using a dado blade, the weight of the blade causes it to drop so I'm always "working" to keep the height consistent. I'll be upgrading to a cabinet saw so this won't be an issue.
Bryan
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.