Ok, I am know various permutations of this question have been asked before (I've done google searchs and read reviews), but I still need some more specific and up-to-date input.
I am building a wood working shop,. Over the course of a year or so I have read books on woodworking, watched NYW on TV, and I have built chess boards, boxes, and a workbench, mostly simple stuff with relatively cheap tools. I have decided I like the hobby and want to invest in some quality tools. Currently I have a $200 portable craftsman table saw. Usually in a hobby I go as cheap as possible until I decide if I like it or not, then I try to go quality so I don't re-buy. So I am going to buy either a cabinet saw (unisaw, powermatic, grizzly, shop fox, etc.) or a contractor saw. If I go with a good contractor saw like deltaX 36-507x I'll have plenty of money for other things but I don't want to do that if I am putting myself in a situation where I need to upgrade in the future. It boils down to the question: will I be able to tell the difference between a contractor or cabinet saw at a hobbyist level of use? Are cabinet saws mostly just for production type work in a cabinet shop or are they more precise and better suited for a hobbyist who wants to only make a few fine pieces? Is a grizzly cabinet saw better buy than a deltaX contractor saw (they cost the same)? Right now I am leaning toward just putting about $2000 into a good cabinet saw, dado set, portable base, and tenon jig. I have the room and a
220 outlet. If you think there is a better way to go please give me your advice before I make an expensive mistake. I plan to use the saw for a lifetime and make everything from furniture to a doghouse with it, but it will only be in my spare time and weekends. I don't know if it makes a difference but I am very big on precision, I like things to fit perfect. Any advice would be appreciated.