Craftsman #22124 Hybrid saw

[softop41]

Does anyone have one of these saws and can give me any first-hand info? I am starting to look for a bigger saw; mostly due to want rather than need but none the less I'm looking.
I don't want to put $2K or more into a table saw or I would get a SawStop in a flash. My oldest son has one and I have seen the safety system in operation first-hand and think it is wonderful but.......
So, I have come to the Craftsman Hybrid as a consideration but am curious about owner's reactions to it, especially in terms of power since it is only a quarter horse more than the BT. I'm tired of aligning multiple table sections each time I have to open up the box and lube the shims, elevation screw, etc.
I guess I started to 'get the bug' after we moved into a '55 & over' community that has a pretty nice community woodshop with a Jet cabinet saw with a big, flat, true cast iron top and I found out what it was like to rip 8/4 maple or cherry without burning it. That shop is only open in the mornings so doing everything I need a tablesaw for over there is only a partial option at best; as well as having to haul stock back and forth.
I've had my BT for 5 years and no trouble with it but I want more now.
Any information will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jerry

[JR]

I guess I started to 'get the bug' after we moved into a '55 & over' community that has a pretty nice community woodshop with a Jet cabinet saw with a big, flat, true cast iron to

Nope, don't know anything about the saw. I just had to comment, though, how cool it sounds to live in a community with a common woodshop. I've always envisioned having to fight the "thought police" in a community like that.

JR

[Knottscott]

My 22124 is pushing 3 years old and was a replacement for a fully tricked out GI contractor saw. I've been very happy with it thus far and it's cut anything I've needed with relative ease, given proper alignment and blade selection. The alignment is easier than with a contractor saw, and the belt system has a little more efficient power transfer...bottom line is that it cuts a tad more aggressively. It's heavy, it's wide, the fence is great, DC is good, and it's earned a large loyal following. I'd buy it again if the price was right. I'd also look to it's kissing cousin, the Steel City 35601 which has a longer warranty, and likely more supportive dealers. At full price, I'd seriously consider taking the full step to a 3hp industrial cabinet saw like the Grizzly 1023SL, assuming you have 220v. If not, this is a great choice IMHO.

The Jet Proshop 708482K didn't exist when I bought the 22124, and neither did the Griz 0478, but they appear to be solid machines that are worth a look also if you don't have 220v, or can't spend the full grand for a cab saw..

[Tarheel]

I have had the 22124 for about 2 years and have had nothing but great things to say about it. I have ripped plenty of 8/4 red oak and cherry and it has never hesitated! I did give up the cheap melamine table extension on mine and added a MLCS router table extension to the rails. The Bessey fence is what really sold me on this saw. Great fence ....straight and extremely accurate. I used to measure distance from the blade to the fence before every cut with a Starrett rule. Not anymore. Once set up, I get accurate cuts right off of the rule on the Bessey rails.

It is a heavy, solid saw! About the only things that didn't impress me too much is blade guard/splitter that is a pain to take off and on and realign. The flip-up outfeed table is so-so. Also. The arbor length is just a tad short when using a stacked dado set to 3/4". This issue I solved by using a fender washer on the end of the arbor as opposed to the OEM washer when running dado's this wide.

All in all, it has been a great saw and I've been very happy with it for the price. (I believe I payed around $650 on sale with some additional Craftsman Club discounts. They do go on sale periodically so its best to wait.)

Wayne

[JSUPreston]

Isn't this saw made by Steel City for Sears? Or, am I thinking of a different model (not the HF)?

[messmaker]

I think the Craftsman saw is made by Orion which is a group of old Delta guys. I think they make saws for a couple of other people too. I believe Steel City is a branch that sells to the retail market through it's distribution network.

[softop41]

Thanks for all the info so quickly. The Steel City was suggested and is starting to look pretty good, especially till the end of this month with the $100 rebate. That brings a 3 hp, 50" fence unit down to $1050 which is pretty attractive, especially since that is the MSRP of the 22124 w/ only 1.75 hp and 30" fence.
Thanks again,
Jerry

[BasementJunkie]

Don't be fooled by the Sears MSRP. Like Tarheel mentioned, Sears dickers around with their prices and if you watch the sale ads and get in the Craftsman Club you can pay a LOT less than the "regular" price.

Also, if you have a discover card, you can buy through shopdiscover.com and get all the sale and craftsman club discounts plus another 5% cash back on a discover card.

BTW, I have the junior version of that saw -- the now-discontinued 22014 and it is great for my needs. All three of these saws are VERY solid. I was able to find the mobile base at 50% off, which makes moving & cleanup much more manageable.