I sold my BT3 this weekend and am now trying to decide what to replace it with (I know I should have done that before selling the BT3). The Ridgid R4511 was on my original list, but it has disappeared from HD's website and the shelves at my local store. What gives? I remember there being something about an arbor recall or something. My budget is about $1k or less. I work with a lot of sheet goods so I'm looking into two options. Option 1 is to get something like a G1023SLX or G0651 (I know it's a little out of my budget) that can handle full sheets of plywood. Option 2 is to go with something smaller like the R4511 or Craftsman 22114(?) and either buy or build a panel saw. Obviously this would cost more money, but I've always wanted a panel saw and I think it would make cutting sheet goods easier than even a large table saw. Space is a concern, but I have an idea to mount the panel saw to the ceiling joists on a pivot where it will fold up out of the way when not in use. 110V or 220V is not a big concern as my breaker box is in the garage and I can wire a 220 outlet if needed. Any suggestions are appreciated.
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That $1K budget is gonna be a problem... I'd suggest that you maybe look around locally for a used model of a larger saw, like a Uni or a Powermatic. That budget will likely get you a much nicer saw that way. Otherwise, you're likely to spend a quarter of your budget on freight alone. -
Used is an option, but there just aren't many for sale in my area. I can't tell you the last time I saw a Uni or Powermatic on my local CL. That's another reason I was looking at the Ridgid and C'man models - I can pick them up locally. I could probably stretch the budget a little if I find exactly what I want - like the G0651. It's $1439 with freight right now, which makes me cringe, but it is exactly what I want if I don't go with the panel saw.
I still think the panel saw and a less expensive TS are the way to go for me, though.Comment
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Ridgid is having some trouble with production of the granite topped saw. Same production problems Steel City is having with their stuff...
I only hope this pushes them into making an R4511 with a cast iron top. Maybe call it the R4511-CI or something like that...Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Please check out and subscribe to my Workshop Blog.Comment
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The Grizzly G1023SL is currently on sale for $795 ($889 shipped)... that's a smoking hot deal...almost a no brainer IMO if you've got 220v, and if it suits your needs. It was arguably one of the better values at $1025 shipped. An aftermarket "BORK" riving knife can be added for ~ $100. It's really no bigger than an R4511 or 22124, but is significantly more saw under the hood. I slid the front rail 10" to the right for a ripping capacity of 36", then added a shop built router table in the added space. Save some budget for a good blade or two.Happiness is sort of like wetting your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.
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Yeah, I would have to have both - the panel saw alone would not be sufficient. But if I have a panel saw I can go with a smaller TS - I won't need a TS with 7' rails if I have a panel saw too. I will also add a router table to the TS like Knottscott to save as much space as possible.Comment
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And now for something completely different ...
You could skip the panel saw and go with DeWalt or Festool track saw. They make knocking sheet goods down to size a breeze and just as accurate as cutting on a table or panel saw. I slide sheet goods off my truck onto sawhorses and cut them down before they even get into the shop. I don't ever plan on wrestling a 4x8 sheet onto my table saw again.
That changes the requirements for a table saw since you no longer need a huge rip capacity which saves even more space in the shop.Chr's
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An ethical man knows the right thing to do.
A moral man does it.Comment
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I thought about a tracksaw too, and I haven't completely ruled that out I guess. But what I like about the panel saw is the ability to use a stop for quick repeatable cuts when cutting large panels for bookcases, entertainment centers, etc.Comment
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I have extension rails on my BT3100 so I have about 5 foot rip capability but I still break sheet goods down with a circular saw and guide. Full sheets are difficult to to manuver. I think the track saws would be better but I wonder if I would want to make final cuts with them. Maybe I'm too used to setting the rip fence and then guiding the wood past the blade. Marking wood and then adjusting the guide to the mark does not give me as accurate a cut.
The latest Wood magazine has a tempting Grizzly model. It was just over $1000 for the 50 inch rip model with free shipping. Has a 3hp motor and is a cabinet, not contractor, saw. It's in the adds inside the front cover. It has a quick disconnect riving knife.
JimComment
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Why? ... moving to dark side?
I have not read anything about why you moved away from the BT. What didn't your BT do? What does several hundred pounds of cast iron or granite do for you? What is your WW-ing needing to do that the BT cannot accomplish? Was it broken, misaligned, or just dusty?
See, I am coming from EXACTLY the opposite direction. Somewhat embarassingly, I'm admitting that I used to own a Delta Unisaw. Left it sit in the 'shop' until I "got around to setting it up". Well, it sat there for 10 years, unopened! Then I found this site -- a few years ago now. I was so motivated that I sold the Unisaw (Still unopened in its original crate) and with the money bought the BT3100, Ridgid Jointer, and thicknesser -- I could not be happier!!! I think I had enough left over for a delta scroll saw. Now I have a real SHOP!
So. Why the move to the Dark Side? I don't get it. Now everyone seems to want granite tops. Why? Because they are there? All comments I have read in this thread amount to: "Well, you could get this cast iron (or granite) lump" ; "No wait, get this other one" ; "Found another cast iron lump on sale here!". DUH! My BT3100 cuts just fine, thanks.
I also agree that if you cut lots of sheet goods, I would want the Festool circular saw + vac. Yes, with proper setup, it makes a finish cut on both sides of the ply. Festool's DC is second to none.Last edited by tkarlmann; 11-30-2009, 09:24 PM.ThomComment
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Just FWIW, I tend to agree, unless you are going to put the saw to some EXTREMELY heavy use, why go to a bigger saw? The BT is a great unit. I have put some bucks into mine after purchase to get it exactly where I want it, and could have gotten a second hand Emmerson built Craftsman for the money. I would lack a LOT of the features of the BT that I am simply addicted to now...Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Please check out and subscribe to my Workshop Blog.Comment
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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.Comment
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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.Comment
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You can do that with the EZ-Smart 'track saw' system - a guide rail, and a set of repeaters. It ain't all that cheap (compared to a BT3k) but still probably cheaper than Festool (but you have to provide your own circ saw). The advantages (for a small basement shop) over a panel saw are that the whole set up can be very portable - set up the table, place the sheet goods on top, position the rail (and/or repeaters), make your cuts, then everything breaks down and stacks in the corner. The saw table makes a pretty good finishing table with a little work too (double duty is always good!).
I'm not a rabid fan like some, but it does make my life easier. Next thing I want to get is one of the SRK (Smart Router Kits).All right, breaks over. Back on your heads!
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