New Craftsman hybrid saw w/ riving knife $362 plus tax

[BrazosJake]

You can always add a cast-iron router table extension. The Bench Dog version looks pretty nice.

[dewi1219]

dewi, looking forward to hearing how the saw works and seeing it assembled. When I got the Biesemeyer fence on clearance a few years ago, the instructions said that the wings had to be CI. I can sort of understand why, but since the extension table also has support legs, I wonder if that was just Delta's way of trying to get you to buy a more expensive saw.

You're right - CI wings would definitely add stability to the rail system. But I sure thought I had seen Craftsman and other brand cabinet saws with Bies fences and non-CI wings.

My plans are to eventually upgrade the fence to something like the shop fox with 7' rails (and legs), assuming I keep the saw long term. At that point I will probably replace the wings completely.

[Knottscott]

In order for the Biese fence to slide, it needs smooth surface...doesn't necessarily have to be cast iron...granite or melamine would work too, but steel will only work if it's flat and not ribbed.