Moving to the dark side: suggestions?

[tkarlmann]

Cast Iron?

Well, it wasn't so much that there was anything wrong with the BT3, but I won't say that it is the "ultimate" TS either. The main reasons I decided to upgrade was to have a larger table surface for easier cutting of larger panels, stronger motor for easier cutting (especially dadoes), and a little better precision. The BT3 wasn't bad at any of those things, but I believe a better contractor / cabinet saw will offer improvement. Plus with the BT3 being discontinued, I believe that parts availability will become an issue soon.

To your points: Stronger motor: AFAIC, it just takes a little longer to make the cut -- it's up to you whether the heavier stock you need to work with is a substantial part of your business or hobby -- for me it isn't. As far as dadoes go, there was a 6" unit recommended here -- is that one not working for you?

Precision? That sounds like setup and alignment to me. If you can set it up to cut straight and square, you're done.

Larger table surface? I don't think there is a TS out there that comes fully equipped! If you take a look at Kelly Mehler's book or video, you will see that infeed and outfeed tables are required for ANY tablesaw -- no tablesaw has all the extra tables required for WWing. Reiterate: My Thought: Get the Festool and stop trying to cut 4x8 sheets on ANY TS -- saves shop space too.

Discontinued? I thought the Sears model( http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ame=Table+Saws ) looked really nice once you lose the folding stand. Looks like a BT3200 almost -- there seem to be a few minor extra features. Does anyone have the Sears/BT model?

Bottom Line: Everyone needs to feel happy and comfortable with their tools. If you have used the BT, and still have reservations, well get what you really want and need., I'm just happy to make small contributions on a web page.

[tkarlmann]

I agree that the BT is a great saw, and I did some great projects on it for about 3 years. I switched to the Ridgid TS3650 contractor saw, and am very pleased with the bigger saw. The accuracy and cuts aren't much different, but I sure like the larger cast iron table, especially the added room in front of the blade. That and the miter gauge. I could never keep the SMT alligned on my BT, and for that reason rarely used it.

I hear you. My plan is to use two miter slot tables an make a crosscut sled for my BT. I need to cut small peices.

[rcp612]

I had thought about the Ridgid saws too but,,, I joined the Ridgid Forums and just lurked mostly. It seems to me that most of the members on there are looking for "fixes" for their saws.
I'm thinking, with that much posting about problems and fixes, other than the usual HD rants, I'm no longer interested.
But, then again, I still have my BT3.

[FL Buckeye]

Since the Ridgid R4511 is being discontinued many HDs no longer have any. As I had mentioned a while back in the bargains forum, a HD by me has it marked down to $499. By using a Ridgid "Friend & Family" rebate and buying another small $ Ridgid tool listed on the form to make the total over $500, you can get a 20% rebate from Ridgid (until Dec 31st). So, if still interested in the R4511, check some other HDs.

[paulstenlund]

I second the EZ-Smart, I made my own repeaters for the cuts I make the most, 32", 12" etc. First cut the sheet into 3 32inch pieces then cut the 32's into the width(depth) you need for the carcas then trim the sides, top. bottom on the table saw, absolutely no tearout except on the one table saw cut. I also built a 3x6 grid with 1X2's that raises the sheet off my work table and collaspes when not in use (1 nail per joint - lasted 4 years so far and still going.

Paul

Edit: lots cheaper than the Fesstool it was my first choice until I saw the price

[eezlock]

moving to the dark side

Well, since you don't have a saw at the present time, why not take a good look
at the Delta contractor saws at Lowe's? The saws have been around for a long time and already proved that can do the job!

[BrazosJake]

Sheet goods + space constraints = guided saw system

A TS that can safely handle 4x8 sheet goods simply isn't feasible for the average home shop in terms of cost or space, IMO.