Table saw purchase

[Shadow42]

I am planning on purchasing a table saw for my new shop. I am considering the following saws. Please let me know which one would be the best one for me. Wood working is a hoby and I enjoy making furniture.

Ridgid model 4511 or Craftsman model OR35505

[dbhost]

Not familiar with that Craftsman saw, but the R4511 Ridgid is getting some good press.

[LinuxRandal]

They both are (I believe) made by the same company. I would look at reviews and issues of Granite topped saws (miter slot issues, etc), on forums.

[SARGE..g-47]

The Ridgid 4511 is a granite top saw with riving knife.. made in the Steel City plant by Steel City for TTI which is the parent company of HD. The OR35505 is a cast iron top with no riving knife I believe. It is made by Orion and Orion is owned by Steel City.

The granite top with riving knife as opposed to the cast iron without is the biggest difference along with the Craftsman being about $200 more I believe. I have field tested some of the granite products for Steel City in my shop and the granite is an excellent choice of top surfaces. The added weight does help reduce vibration.

Hope that helps..

[poolhound]

FWW did a quick review which was complimentary.

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworki...40&tab=_editor


Most folks who own the older contractor style versions 3650 or 3660 are pretty happy with them. Unless you are wedded to the granite top then the 3660 has been on sale at HD for $399. There are some other differences IIRC splitter vs riving knife but they are both basically the same 1 1/2 HP saw. Lots of folks on this site recently picked up this saw for the deal and will be able to give you feedback.

If you would like more ooomph then you will need a biiger saw and some extra cash or look out for a deal on a good used saw.

[LCHIEN]

The Ridgid 4511 is a granite top saw with riving knife.. made in the Steel City plant by Steel City for TTI which is the parent company of HD. The OR35505 is a cast iron top with no riving knife I believe. It is made by Orion and Orion is owned by Steel City.

The granite top with riving knife as opposed to the cast iron without is the biggest difference along with the Craftsman being about $200 more I believe. I have field tested some of the granite products for Steel City in my shop and the granite is an excellent choice of top surfaces. The added weight does help reduce vibration.

Hope that helps..

so you can get the primo heavy-duty no-rust granite top and safer riving knife or pay $200 more and get neither? Hard to make a choice here...