Upgrading my table saw - Help!

[pmf2000]

I have had my Ryobi BT3100 for over year and a half and I have done some great projects (most of which can be seen at www.responsetolight.com or http://responsetolight.com/gallery2/main.php). However the time has come to upgrade.

So I think I have it down to two saws. Rona has a General 50-225 (which I believe is the same as the 50-220 except cheaper) for $848 Canadian. Home Depot has the Delta 36-655 for $899 Cnd. They are generall pretty equal except the Delta is only 1 3/4 hp while the General is 2 Hp.

Anyone have any thoughts? MONEY is a factor! Anyone use any of these? Is 2 Hp going to be enough? I doubt my wife will let me upgrade again for awhile so I want to make the best choice possible.

Thanks!

Tim

[Knottscott]

Jumping straight to a full 3hp cabinet saw would be a better option IMO, but I understand the budget contraints and realize Grizzly is not available to you.

That said, with the right blade and good alignment both of those saws should have plenty of power. I'd lean heavily towards the GI in this case...nice saw, good company to deal with.

Good luck!

[agent511]

I believe you get the best bang for your buck with the Ridgid TS3650 from HD. Unless you are going to upgrade to a cabinent saw, you cannot beat it for quality and usability, as well as price. Take a look.

Addendum - I just went to your very nice web site. I see you already purchased the General. Looks very nice - all cast iron like the Ridgid. Good luck with your purchase.

[drumpriest]

I agree with Dustmight. I think that if you are going to take a small step up in price, you are likely to be taking a larger step down in quality. I don't think the BT is the best TS made, but I do think it's a cracking good table saw for under 1000$. If I were to upgrade, I'd take a good hard look at the powermatic pm2000, but it's not cheap.