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

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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:

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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

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