Portable Tablesaw Quality

[PALefty]

Are these incapable of cabinet quality? and if so... why???

- Bosch 4000
- Ridgid TS2400
- Dewalt DW7444S

[Knottscott]

Just about any saw that'll spin a blade without significant runout, has a decent fence, and is set up properly is capable with a good blade....after that, operator input is the determining factor. A portable saw's biggest strength is portability and small size, which is a key requirement for lots of people. There are certainly bigger saws that'd make the job easier and have other virtues, but if the jobsite saws suit your needs, they'll perform well enough. The disadvantages compared to a cast iron stationary saw are the universal motors, direct drive systems, table size, lighter weight construction, and noise levels, but they're tough enough and accurate enough to suit many finish carpenters in the field, and many home owners with small shops. They're a huge step up from most $120 benchtop saws. If you've got room for a stationary saw and don't need portability, I think they offer more advantages...they can be put on wheels and moved around the shop well, but they sure don't go from place to place easily.

The last I knew, Amazon has the Bosch for $307 delivered with a free Freud blade (killer deal IMO!)....it's normally $450 to $500, and the blade usually goes in the $30-$35 range. The PC 3812 is a decent jobsite saw too.

[drumpriest]

The Bosch keeps winning all of the review head to heads. If you don't like Universal motor table saws, then you don't like the BT. The run-out is the issue. Direct drive saws typically have more than belt drive systems, because of increased vibration. The belt drive helps to dampen vibration from the motor, so that it's not transferred into the arbor housing.

They are also less safe, the motor will fry when a cut fails, where-as the belt will go on the BT and others....
As Dustmight stated though, they are popular for finish carpentry and on site built-ins, so they can't be HORRIBLE.

[ted van halen]

When the cabinet guy came to build the cabs for my new house I figured he'd have all sorts of wiz-bang junk. WRONG!!! He had the Sears BT3XXX & a router in a table. He also had CMS & various other WW tools, but nothing high dollar or fancy by any means. That's what sealed it for me. When he got done, I knew my BT3100 was all the saw I'll ever need.

[Pappy]

Before a cabinet maker on my route pointed me toward the BT3000, I had decided on the Bosch 4000. It had better reviews than the other similar saws at the time.

[PALefty]

Just about any saw that'll spin a blade without significant runout, has a decent fence, and is set up properly is capable with a good blade....after that, operator input is the determining factor. A portable saw's biggest strength is portability and small size, which is a key requirement for lots of people. There are certainly bigger saws that'd make the job easier and have other virtues, but if the jobsite saws suit your needs, they'll perform well enough. The disadvantages compared to a cast iron stationary saw are the universal motors, direct drive systems, table size, lighter weight construction, and noise levels, but they're tough enough and accurate enough to suit many finish carpenters in the field, and many home owners with small shops. They're a huge step up from most $120 benchtop saws. If you've got room for a stationary saw and don't need portability, I think they offer more advantages...they can be put on wheels and moved around the shop well, but they sure don't go from place to place easily.

The last I knew, Amazon has the Bosch for $307 delivered with a free Freud blade (killer deal IMO!)....it's normally $450 to $500, and the blade usually goes in the $30-$35 range. The PC 3812 is a decent jobsite saw too.

Exactly what I was thinking. I really wanted the 3650 but after many trips to HD and considering my current space requirements (and needs), I decided it is not in the cards for now. I really liked the 2400 for a portable unit that is more appropriate to my needs right now. Then there is the Bosch. I have never been able to find one to play with in person, but it gets great reviews everywhere I read. At the time it was more expensive than the 2400, so I wasn't going to pay more for something I have never seen. Then the sale hit.. $150 less than the 2400. Add a free Freud blade to the mix and it was too hard to pass up. If only it had the gravity-rise base. I hope it is as good as the reviews indicate.

BTW- I am originally from your neck of the woods. I could really go for a garbage plate. Tahoes anyone?

Point taken on the direct drive vs belt. I can see how that could make a difference...

[PALefty]

I finally got to see the 4000 today. I have to say... I am a little disappointed and hope I didn't make a mistake. The fence.. which is a big pet peeve of mine.. does not appear to be half as good as the 2400. I knew it wasn't going to be quite as nice.. but I was hoping for something a little better (it had some play in it) Granted, I was looking at a used model which may not be set up properly.. and I hope this is the case. I will keep my fingers crossed.