Need new table saw, ideas?

[bhsdriller 10+ year member]

My table saw's getting kinda old and i'm wanting to get something new. Something that can rip wide pieces is a plus. Looking for something around $500...can you get anything decent for that price?

thanks

Click to read more...

 

[fasfocus00 5,000+ posts]

if you can find it, Ridgid makes a really nice one for that price. Craftsman has one too. I've been eyeing the Craftsman for a while but waiting to pull the trigger.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921833000P

 

[on1wheel01 10+ year member]

u could always get a nice longer rip fence that attaches to any table saw

 

[bhsdriller 10+ year member]

^thanks...the craftsman one looks pretty nice. I'll have to go check it out

anybody else?

 

[bassman3 10+ year member]

I'v been in woodworking for a while now and craftsman is usually in the lower end of quality compared to Dewalt, Rigid etc. I would suggest looking Rigid's contractor saw, very very good saw.

 

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

If you can find a Ridgid contractor saw, go for it. I think they are out of stock for now until they bring back the granite top saw or come out with a new model. The new Porter Cable at Lowe's is very nice for the price and won't disappoint. I went with the Hitachi C10-FL earlier this year because it was on clearance and honestly, it wasn't much different than the Porter Cable other than the PC has a 36" rip and the Hitachi has a 24" rip. Also the PC has a riving knife which is a very nice feature in a saw. Both have decent caster systems if you need it to be mobile in your shop. Other than that, they are identical.

I would stay away from mobile saws unless you need it to be mobile. A "contractor" saw or hybrid tends to be a bit beefier. Also I don't know if dust collection is an issue for you or not, but be sure to check that out too.

I have heard that the craftsman isn't on par with the others I have mentioned concerning build quality but for the price it may be worth a look.

Whichever saw you buy make sure you take the time to assemble it properly and go through the necessary tune-up procedure. Align the fence with the blade, make sure the blade is exactly 90 degrees to the table, etc. It won't come perfect out of the box.

Good luck.

-Psych0

 

[BassMechkanic 10+ year member]

if i were to buy a fixed saw, it would only be a Delta, with a unifence.

 

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

if i were to buy a fixed saw, it would only be a Delta, with a unifence.

Not for $500 you won't.

 

[ramos 5,000+ posts]

Not for $500 you won't.

F#$@ If I could find them for that price I would buy several lol //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

F#$@ If I could find them for that price I would buy several lol //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

You bet your ass! The fence system is almost $500 on its own.

 

[ramos 5,000+ posts]

You bet your ass! The fence system is almost $500 on its own.

I just got a bc50 for $399 on sale and thought that was a steal //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[bhsdriller 10+ year member]

If you can find a Ridgid contractor saw, go for it. I think they are out of stock for now until they bring back the granite top saw or come out with a new model. The new Porter Cable at Lowe's is very nice for the price and won't disappoint. I went with the Hitachi C10-FL earlier this year because it was on clearance and honestly, it wasn't much different than the Porter Cable other than the PC has a 36" rip and the Hitachi has a 24" rip. Also the PC has a riving knife which is a very nice feature in a saw. Both have decent caster systems if you need it to be mobile in your shop. Other than that, they are identical.
I would stay away from mobile saws unless you need it to be mobile. A "contractor" saw or hybrid tends to be a bit beefier. Also I don't know if dust collection is an issue for you or not, but be sure to check that out too.

I have heard that the craftsman isn't on par with the others I have mentioned concerning build quality but for the price it may be worth a look.

Whichever saw you buy make sure you take the time to assemble it properly and go through the necessary tune-up procedure. Align the fence with the blade, make sure the blade is exactly 90 degrees to the table, etc. It won't come perfect out of the box.

Good luck.

-Psych0

good info thanks....gonna see if I can find a ridgid