Table Saw Opinion

[jp_spins]

I've been thinking about getting a new table I was looking at the Ridgid TS3650 but I saw this Jet on Amazon. Just wanted to get some opinions.


http://www.amazon.com/708100-Horsepo...541965-0550535

[Angry4Wood]

I am in the process of replacing my contractor's saw with a 3 HP Left Tilt Cabinet saw from Grizzly. It's gonna set me back (with shipping and all) about 1000 bucks.

I quickly outgrew my contractor's saw and I wish that I had just bought the cabinet saw from the get go. I use the table saw more than anything else in the shop and its worth it to have a nice one.

But it all depends on what you are going to do and how serious you are.

That being said, Jet makes very nice tools. I have a Jet Lathe myself. I would think anything you get from them would be of good quality.

I hope my rambling has helped some. =)

[cgallery]

The advantage of that Jet over the Rigid would be that the Jet is a hybrid (it just looks like a contractor).

The motor is IN the cabinet. This is a much better trunion design that the typical contractor saw (w/ motor hanging out the back). Also, the Jet has a blade shroud and should have terrific dust collection.

On the downside: The standard fence is kinda crapy. It can be upgraded, though, with lots of options (Beis, Versa, Inca, etc.).

Also, the extension wings are stamped steel instead of cast. If I owned one (and I probably will some day), I'd replace the right-hand wing with a router table

Overall, it is a heckuva lotta saw for $400. Rockler/Woodcraft sell them for the same, if you have a local store.

[lcm1947]

I also am thinking about replacing my TS so would be interested in what others suggest. I'm thinking about spending around $1000.00 too. To me dust control would be the number 1 priority. Long story, don't ask.

[JTimmons]

I also am thinking about replacing my TS so would be interested in what others suggest. I'm thinking about spending around $1000.00 too. To me dust control would be the number 1 priority. Long story, don't ask.

Is a cabinet saw an option? If so, I recommend the Grizzly 1023, as mentioned above w/ shipping its $1077. For an extra $312 you can get the 1023SLX with the extension. I got this version, but in the older right tilt and love it. Dust collection is great.

[Knottscott]

The Jet has the advantage of an internal motor and takes up less space, but you'd be giving up the solid cast wings and the mobile base. The Jet for $400 is pretty attractive...

I'd toss the Sears "zipcode" 22114 hybrid into that list too...solid cast wings, fully enclosed cabinet, internal motor, cabinet mounted trunnions, 385# of mass.

[Knottscott]

I also am thinking about replacing my TS so would be interested in what others suggest. I'm thinking about spending around $1000.00 too. To me dust control would be the number 1 priority. Long story, don't ask.

Hey Mac - One of the 1023 versions is definitely worth a look in the full 3hp cab saw. So is the Shop Fox, Jet for $1100 from Timberline, and the Steel City.

If you don't have 220v, one of the upscale hybrids would offer most of the same advantages. I'm really happy with my Craftsman 22124...Steel City has a clone too. The GI 50-220CM1 looks like a nice saw, and the Griz G0478 looks good to me.

http://www1.epinions.com/content_184778395268

[jp_spins]

Space and mobilty are an issue, I definity need a mobile base to move it around when not in use.

[Knottscott]

Space and mobilty are an issue, I definity need a mobile base to move it around when not in use.

There are dozens of aftermarket mobile bases in the $17 to $60 range...or you can make one, so don't think you stuck if it doesn't come with one.

[scorrpio]

Another vote for Grizzly 1023 line. They are all in $900-1200 area. Model I am mostly looking at is 1023SLW (left tilt, one of wings is basically a cast iron router table)

With $250 BT3100, I feel it is money well-spent, but I would not buy a contractor saw for $500. If I feel I am up to a purchase like that, I will in no time be looking at cabinet saws, and gegretting those $500 - so I'd put the 500 towards more saw.

[Andrew Benedetto]

Did you notice that the left tilt Grizz series weighs more than the right?
The saws w. the shop fox classic fence are the ones to look at. I have a BT3K & a 22124 and like the Bies. but the new 12" Grizz w. rifeing knife, and improved trunnion design looks nice.

[cgallery]

My dream saw is one of these hybrids with an aluminum top. I don't want the added weight of cast iron, or the rust that comes with. I'd also like an open right-side of the saw (no motor bump-out and no wheels) for mounting my router lift with down-draft box fairly close to the saw body.

[JimD]

I looked at the Jet hybrid before getting my BT3100. This information may not be true any longer but when I was looking at it, there were comments from users indicating a belt in the blade raise/angle adjusting mechanism was an issue. It was not the same sort of mechanism as a cabinet saw. They may have changed this, however. I would go to Amazon and check on the reviews from other users.

Jim

[Knottscott]

I looked at the Jet hybrid before getting my BT3100. This information may not be true any longer but when I was looking at it, there were comments from users indicating a belt in the blade raise/angle adjusting mechanism was an issue. It was not the same sort of mechanism as a cabinet saw. They may have changed this, however. I would go to Amazon and check on the reviews from other users.

Jim

Jet addressed that problem within a year or so of it's release AFAIK....Rockler has been clearancing the revised version for $599 lately. They now have a second generation Supersaw that's alot different than the orignal...full enclosure, Exacta II fence, more money...

[lcm1947]

Thanks, I appreciate all the help and comments as I'm sure jp-spins does. When the term hybrid is used when referring to a TS exactly what saws are involved? Sadly I don't have 220 volts so at least mine will have to be 110 volts. I hadn't even considered Grizzly but I'm headed over there now to check them out as well as the others that are mentioned here. The other really important thing is a good solid fence. My current 3100's fence just never locks down the same each time so I have to check it each and every time and I really want to be able to trust that feature. What's the fence like on the Grissly 1023? Or would I have to purchase a better one if I went with that particular saw?