-
--
Marc
Roswell, GA
\"You get what you pay for.\" -
Marc - Fences are really a matter of preference provided they'll do the job. There will be some measurable difference in strength of materials, etc., but there are very few fences at this level that aren't functional for a hobby shop...much of the difference is less tangeable. The fence on the PM is a good Biesemeyer copy which is the industry standard and is the most copied design on the market....that style fence always "felt right" to me. The T2 is more of a "Biese" Lite, but is still very robust and very functional. There are pros and cons to each design, but the most important thing is which you prefer.
Powermatic is an extremely well respected name brand in the professional world, and may hold value better than the others if you buy it at the right price. All 3 are plenty capable and should serve you well. Features, specs, and reviews aside, when you envision one of those saws in your shop, which one makes your pulse rate go highest? If you're not sure, think about any minor things that bug you about each saw, and consider the possibility that it might bug you more down the road.
Cut wood and be happy!
Happiness is sort of like wetting your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.
Comment
-
I don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a question regarding one of the TSes discussed here. There's a local tool store that has the PM without fence for $300. I have an old craftsman 1.5HP TS with a Beisemeyer fence and 53" PM rails, so I'm thinking this may not be a bad way to go. Is it worth the $$ to upgrade to the PM, or should I wait until I can spend some real dough and get a hybrid or cabinet saw?Comment
-
It's obviously your call, but I'd be inclined to do it. That PM64a with a 53" Biese/PM fence would be a pretty nice setup for fairly low cost. If you can find a Delta T2 on sale for the existing saw, you could probably sell it for ~ $250-$300, meaning you could do the upgrade for ~ $150-$200 out of pocket.Happiness is sort of like wetting your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth. Comment
-
New Table Saw - UPDATE!
Okay so get this. My local Rockler store has some mind changing deals on a couple of Delta table saws. Get this. Normally the Delta 36-977 (image attached) table saw retails for around $550 - $650 depending on where you look. I can get one, brand new, for $399. I mean, come on. It's a no brainer, right. Here's what the saw looks like... Mobile base and all. A great deal, one I sort of have to take if I buy a contractor's saw. My heart was set on the Ridgid, but this is $150 less and same class. I could get a badass Freud and a nice twist link belt all for the same price as the Ridgid.
Okay, but here's something that complicates things a bit more. Rockler has another Delta cabinet saw, the Delta 36-715 (image attached). A really nice saw which I didn't even think about due to the price. But today the store manager told me he has three of them brand new in the box for 15% off bringing it down to around $750. Now that's a great deal for a lot of saw. Do I need it? Nope. Would I like it? Yup.
So that's where I am now. I guess the $399 Delta is the smarter choice, but the devil in me is pushing me towards the biggie.
Does anyone know about the Delta 36-977? It looks as if the entire top surface isn't cast iron like the Ridgid. The table is, but the wings are stamped steel. Would that be a concern for me? I'd liek to take advantage of magnetic feather boards, jigs, etc. Things I can't do on the BT3.
I'd love some feedback.Attached Files--
Marc
Roswell, GA
\"You get what you pay for.\"Comment
-
-
if i had the choice i would go for the Delta 36-715 cab saw even if it is 750 bucks
bigger is almost always better LOL
blameComment
-
I seem to remember comments from Amazon that said there was no mobile base for that cabinet saw. Might be worth checking out.
Steel vs Cast Iron wings: I'm gone through the same debate myself and decided I want real cast iron. I can't say the why other than it looks more solid to me.
I've begun watching for the killer deal for my next purchase. I had a CD coming due beginning of August.GaryComment
-
I prefer CI wings when I can get them but they don't effect the cut. You can always find them used and add one or two later on....HF has a wing that you can get for ~ $30. You can add one CI wing and a melamine extension.
That said, the 36-715 hybrid has some definite advantages in DC, space, stability, and motor location. There should be lots of mobile bases that fit that saw. It moves you into an entirely different price range, but does offer more IMHO. That price range would open you up to lots more choices too...it's worth looking into all possibilities before hand.Happiness is sort of like wetting your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth. Comment
-
JET Fuel
Okay, now I just got back from WoodCraft. The new store owner is great. I had no idea the previous one sold. Anyhow. He's got some killer sales going now. Get this, I can get the brand new JET model hybrid saw for great prices. These are model that Rockler hasn't even seen yet. JET has photos, but no descriptions yet. Sears has them, so they say, and I checked them out today at WoodCraft.
So here's the skinny:
JET Model 708480K and JET Model 708482K - same saw, one has cast iron wings, one has stamped steel wings. Both are enclosed body saws with excellent dust control. Both are 1.75HP and seem to have a really nice 30" PROSHOP fence which seem to be Beisemeyer knock offs. These saws seem really nice, but I can't find any reviews as they are brand new. I've attached a couple of photos.
Normal prices (according to WoodCraft) are $760 and $860. He is offering them to me for $540 and $630. The $90 difference is for the cast iron wings.
I'm very tempted. He is holding the $540 model (steel wings) for me for 24 hours. Should I do it???Attached Files--
Marc
Roswell, GA
\"You get what you pay for.\"Comment
-
-
If you are gonna get one of those, get the one with CI wings, you won't regret it.
RAGS
Raggy and Me in San Felipe
sigpic
Comment
-
For an additional $90.00 get the cast iron wings. It is cheaper to do it once, than buy cast iron later for more $$$$. I have a Jet contractor saw with stamped steel wings, and I wished I would have gotten cast iron. Cry only once, and you will soon forget the extra paid up front.No good deed goes unpunishedComment
-
Cast-a-wait
I agree about the CI wings, but the thing is is that model isn't in stock. You know, I want instant gratification. Not sure what the lead time is on that model, but I've been itching for months now and I'm ready.
I could spend the $90 on a nice blade now, maybe a twist link belt too. I hear it's very easy to add on the CI wings later. And as much as I'd like the CI wings now, what is the real disadvantage of the stamped steel?
I hear the steel wings are harder to clean. Maybe I'll feel a bit more vibe? But in truth, the saw will perform exactly the same and I won't be unable to do anything that the CI wings would enable me to do, right?
I'll see how long the wait is on the CI wings.
I could just get the Ridgid and be done with it for about $500 and all CI top.
By the way, does anyone know why the Ridgid has those open slits in the cast iron wings? Are they used for something?--
Marc
Roswell, GA
\"You get what you pay for.\"Comment
-
Looks like stamped stainless wings. I believe the C'man 22104 was going for low $300's (I want to say $319). I have the 22114 and love it. The 22104 is basically the same saw but has steel wings and a different fence. I don't see it on the Sears website anymore but some stores may still have them. In any case, good luck and let us know what you get.-PaulComment
-
You sure those are the right pictures for those model saws. They kind of like the supersaw with those stubby legs. In any case, I checked out Amazon with that model and get this. They're listing it for $445. CI wings and table board extension on right side. Seems like a decent deal. Again, good luck.http://www.amazon.com/JET-708482K-JW...3512910&sr=8-1-PaulComment
Comment