Need table saw advice

Marc · 2003-11-13T17:26:40+00:00

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 morespecific and up-to-date input.I am building a wood working shop,. Over the course of a year or so I haveread books on woodworking, watched NYW on TV, and I have built chess boards,boxes, and a workbench, mostly simple stuff with relatively cheap tools. Ihave 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 Igo as cheap as possible until I decide if I like it or not, then I try to goquality 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 gowith a good contractor saw like deltaX 36-507x I'll have plenty of moneyfor other things but I don't want to do that if I am putting myself in asituation where I need to upgrade in the future. It boils down to thequestion: will I be able to tell the difference between a contractor orcabinet saw at a hobbyist level of use? Are cabinet saws mostly just forproduction type work in a cabinet shop or are they more precise and bettersuited for a hobbyist who wants to only make a few fine pieces? Is agrizzly cabinet saw better buy than a deltaX contractor saw (they cost thesame)? Right now I am leaning toward just putting about $2000 into a goodcabinet saw, dado set, portable base, and tenon jig. I have the room and a220 outlet. If you think there is a better way to go please give me youradvice before I make an expensive mistake. I plan to use the saw for alifetime and make everything from furniture to a doghouse with it, but itwill only be in my spare time and weekends. I don't know if it makes adifference but I am very big on precision, I like things to fit perfect.Any advice would be appreciated.

Nov 13, 2003 63 Replies

Rate this thread:

Mark Jerde 22 years ago

FULL 4x8' sheets? You must have a great outfeed / infeed / side support system. Or do you have one of those European monsters with the sliding table attached?

-- Mark

Vote

Dave 22 years ago

:-) Yep, a full 4X8 sheet of 3/4 MDF on a 2X6 frame for outfeed, and a workbench ahead of the saw at the same height. The 52" fence required a LONG table extension that does the rest! I have a 36-650 CS in the middle of all that! :-) Does a great job.

Dave.

Mark Jerde wrote:

Vote

Marc 22 years ago

Thanks for everyones advice and comments. I bought a right-tilt Delta x-unisaw with a 50 inch Beis at the Arlington TX woodworking show this last weekend. I'm satisfied with my decision and look forward to using the saw.

Marc

Vote

Steven Bliss 22 years ago

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required