Rigid TS3650 plus Bench Dog Cast Iron Router Table

[MattMcC]

As I ponder whether I go out and buy a 3100 tomorrow, I saw the following on craigs list in my area:

Ridgid’s highly rated TS3650 table saw (cost $550), like new, used to make only two cuts. The saw, which was selected as best value in Taunton's 2006 Tool Guide and favorably reviewed elsewhere, includes excellent large 36 inch rip fence, two cast iron wings, a mobile base, stout trunion design, and a poly-vee belt. Also includes three zero clearance inserts ($45).

I added a Bench Dog cast iron router table ($300), one of the best. This table is rock solid, and has an excellent easily removable fence with dust collection port. Also added a convenient Bench Dog power switch ($50). Also included is the original cast iron wing of the table, which is not pictured.

But wait, there is more.

What is a router table without a router? Porter Cable 895PK 2-1/4 HP Fixed Base, Plunge Base Kit with Height Adjuster (paid $275). Motor is completely new/unused, just received from Porter Cable after a recall. Rest of router equipment is either unused or barely used. Also includes D handle ($20), straight edge guide ($35) and free form base ($25).

If I just went with the table saw and router table, what would be a fair price for this? He currently wants $950 for the whole thing.

[scottjbs]

Well, in my opinion, I think that is a fair price for everything. I have owned a BT3100, and currently own a TS3650. To be honest with you, and no offense to many of the loyal owners here on this site, I think the Ridgid is far superior to the BT. Now, bang for the buck, the BT is the hands down winner. However, for the long haul, I once again, believe that you will be happier with the Ridgid. Every power tool that I own is either Ridgid or Ryobi. The best bang for the buck as far as brand names are concerned. I picked my Ridgid TS up with a 20% coupon and also received 1 yr no interest, no payments. So, I think I can deal with less than $40 a month to pay off the TS. Thanks for the post, I will take a look at that router table extension, since I have been contemplating router table location/design/function.

[Ken Massingale]

Matt,
IMHO, RUN as fast as you can and grab that deal. Me, being me, would offer $875 cash and work from there. But, if everything is as he advertises, it's a good deal. That setup is about all you'll ever need.
I'll assume he mounted the Benchdog on the left as it is intended to be,
that will leave the factory left table available to mount between the rails on the right end of the saw. (support would be needed) Or you could sell the cast iron factory table and mount something else on the right side.
Good luck with your decision, whatever it is.
ken

[sweensdv]

What Ken said! That is one excellent price and I'll bet it won't take long to sell it at his asking price. If you aren't interested in the whole package as advertised, someone else will be.

[Knottscott]

I guess I'll offer an opposing view here. While the price may be good for all of those individual goodies, $950 for a used contractor saw is big bucks IMO...it also puts you painfully close to a basic entry level cabinet saw.

If everyone of those items is something you were planning to get anyway, maybe it's a good deal. I'd be more apt to buy the saw new with a warranty and full HD support and priveleges, add or build by own router table, and pick my own new router.

There are pros and cons to each choice, but I'd balk before I laid down that much for a tricked out $560 saw. The saw, the router table, and the router, etc. are all good choices, but the bottom line would make me flinch.

Good luck whichever way you choose, and please let us know the outcome.

[MattMcC]

Thanks for the input. He has mounted the bench dog on the right hand side, so the cast iron wing that came with the table is not even on the saw anymore.

I e-mailed about just the saw and table. His response:

I would be willing to sell the table saw, zero clearance inserts, bench dog router table and bench dog power switch (all which are the same as new) for $775.

I attach a picture of the saw. What would be a good counter asking price for just this?

Oh. One other thing. If he has really only done two cuts, probably has not even messed with a dado. How will I know if the arbor is bad and how big a fix is this?

[Ken Massingale]

I just did some checking and the cheapest I can find the cast iron RT is $299, and $50 for the switch. I would offer $725 and hope to settle for $750. That's getting the 3650 for $400. You can probably get around $50 for the original cast iron table, it's the standard 27" contractor saw depth.
The saw looks like it has never been used.
ken

[agent511]

I used to own a Ryobi, and upgraded to the TS3650. It is the superior saw. I bough mine used (a little more used then yours) for $275 (also frm Craig's list). He was asking much more, but apparently I was the only one buying. The benchdog router top is as good as you can get. I just bought a mulecab router top, to save some $$. I will be mounting it on the right, BTW. ZCI run about $15 each. Don'ta get too caught up about the arbor issue. Mine is the old arbor, and if I use my dado more, I will eventually call Ridgid to send a new one. It is supposed to be free, but then you have to install it and re-set up everything.

All the equipment is top notch, and you won't go wrong and will be very pleased with this set-up for a long long time. I would try to negotiate better on the price, but if someone else is interested you might lose it - that is for you to determine.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I guess I'll offer an opposing view here. While the price may be good for all of those individual goodies, $950 for a used contractor saw is big bucks IMO...it also puts you painfully close to a basic entry level cabinet saw.

If everyone of those items is something you were planning to get anyway, maybe it's a good deal. I'd be more apt to buy the saw new with a warranty and full HD support and priveleges, add or build by own router table, and pick my own new router.

There are pros and cons to each choice, but I'd balk before I laid down that much for a tricked out $560 saw. The saw, the router table, and the router, etc. are all good choices, but the bottom line would make me flinch.

Good luck whichever way you choose, and please let us know the outcome.

Agreed. Consider a superior General contractor saw and stand alone router table. If you are cramped on space and the router in the table saw appeals to you then build a table for the saw.

I dont like the Bench Dog router table on the right. Why would one do this? The Bench Dog table has pretty narrow depth because it is made to fit on the left side of the saw. You will be forever removing the router fence. I built my RT into the wing and will be converting to free standing soon.