Re: Need help choosing a table saw

[Jdebrito]

Thanks everybody for the help regarding information on buying a table saw. Went to Sears and looked at a few there. They all have 1 1/2 hp but they range from $250 to $800. I'm missing something here. Why such a price difference? If the motor is the same does the table and the guide make that much difference in the quality of the saw and the way it cuts? It doesn't make sense if the motor is the same way would it be so much better? With a better table and guide on it. Somebody said to get a Grizzly .They look good but I never heard of them before and looks like nobody in Denver Colorado carries them. How long of the been around and are parts easy to get. Again if anybody has any suggestions I'm trying to buy a table saw for around five to six hundred dollars please give me your comments or criticisms. Thanks John

[Digger]

The important thing to take from the earlier discussion of Craftsman TS is to start with an OLDER one. If you are set on a new saw (and that's OK) then walk out of Sears and Check out the Grizzly saws. After thinking about your needs, it probably is going to be tough to get a good used craftsman and then put a good fence on it for your budget, but it would be close. They are at, or close to your budget and good equipment. Try this:

G1022PROZ will get you a good fence and cast table extensions. If you can sport for a little more, you should look at 1023 series of saws with th Classic Shop Fox fence (Bies. clone). You will find those in this group who will suggest PM66's and Unisaurs and General's. They are all really good saws, but they average triple your budget and more. There are a pile of guys here and on the other groups who have bought the Grizz G1023SL, so ask them what they think of their saws.

Digger

[tnfkajs]

I *don't* think the motor will be the same at all! But, if they indeed are the same - then the answer is still "yes! the table and fence makes a big difference!". I went the $200 Craftsman route - and regretted it. $200 I should'a put towards a better saw.

Hi neighbor! Visit the Rockler and Woodcraft stores here to see Jet and Delta table saws. Talk to the staff. Learn before you leap. Denver's an fine place for buying power tools.

Grizzly is *mail order* only. Your table saw will be Truck Shipped (or if you've got a pickup and some friends you can grab it off the shipper's dock.) I bought a dust collector from Griz, make sure you understand the ramifications of having things shipped via large trucks! That said - Griz has been in this business for a while and makes fine stuff! Their table saws are usually in the running in best-value/bang-for-buck!

Better said "$600 is my upper limit." If you're 110V wired, then you need a "contractor" saw. Hit the Grizzly web site and see what you can get for $400 or so. Then read well about their shipping. Then hit Woodcraft and Rockler and have a chat with those guys. Then pop into the Delta/Porter-Cable Service Center on Sheridan and see what they have lying around.

If you're in this for the long haul - my *advice* would be to ***invest*** in your table saw! It's one of the few tools in the shop where quality really pays off!

Like I said - I wasted $200 on the Craftsman before investing in the Jet.

[Leon]

Not quite correct. Grizzly has at least 3 retail outlets that you can go to, shop, and buy from.

[Digger]

I'm not going to argue with your ideas that a Delta or Jet is a good saw, but in his original post, he said he had about $500 to spend. If you got a newer $200 Craftsman, you got a piece of crap. If, you purchased a used, older cast iron, 3hp saw in good shape, you could do as some of us suggested, and spend $209 for a decent fence (Mule Accusquare), $100 on a Forrest WWII, and $30 on a length of link belt, and have about $550 in a sturdy, well outfitted TS. If he was wanting to pay twic to four times that, I'd be standing right beside you on that. I just checked Woodcraft's website and the least expensive Jet contractor saw is $699.95. Still over his budget, and several have complained about the Jet fence, and to have the same WWII blade he would have to add another $100.00 putting his tab at $800. For $900 he could have a Grizz. cabinet saw delivered.

Digger

[Jdebrito]

Ok this is john how about if I go from $700 to $850 what do you guys think i should

buy now!!!!!

criticisms.

***invest***

Woodcraft's

[JackD]

I got a grizzly 1023s, $795 Only trouble is you need a blade, shipping, an electrical plug, 220v circuit, perhaps a mobile base... and next thing you know you are at $1000. It is nice though.

-Jack

[Lawrence A. Ramsey]

[Leon]

Him being in Denver is a very good point. Unless he wanted to drive to a Grizzly location he would need to have it shipped direct to him. But for those that live in the same city or close to a Grizzly location, going there would be the better option..

[Ramsey]

[Chris Merrill]

My BIL got a Grizzly CS for xmas last year. I don't remember what model#, but I think he paid ~$550. I would say it is close to my Delta CS (about 10yrs old) in quality and capability, although his has a shorter fence than my 28" Unifence. He has been able to produce very nice stuff with it. My Delta CS has done everything I have asked from it and can cut >2" of oak with a std carbide blade without missing a beat.

Many here will insist on the best saw, the best blade, etc...I take a more moderate view. I didn't see any mention of what you want to build - so I'll relate what I build. I work mostly with native hardwoods. I build funiture; mostly chests, so far. I hope to do some larger pieces, cabinets and lots of little stuff. To build this stuff the saw needs to have a sturdy, accurate fence, a flat table (that stays flat) and decent power. 1 1/2 HP is plenty for this kind of work. Personally, I think a $1k cabinet saw and $120 blade are overkill for this kind of work...but each to their own.

Have fun in your search! C

************************************ Chris Merrill [e-mail] (remove the ZZZ to contact me) ************************************

[Ramsey]