Table saw comparison

[buford]

I have one of those BT3100 Ryobi table saws its a ok saw but I am looking to upgrade to that dewalt 744 table saw just would like anyone input or recommendation on the dewalt or a different saw want to stay around the $500 range..

[SARGE..g-47]

I have one of those BT3100 Ryobi table saws its a ok saw but I am looking to upgrade to that dewalt 744 table saw just would like anyone input or recommendation on the dewalt or a different saw want to stay around the $500 range..

Tough call without making a physical comparison Buford. I suggest you do just that if possible. I would compare the fence.. gears... etc. as without doing so I am not sure you could truly consider it an upgrade.

Good luck....

[RobsBT3000]

I had the Dewalt 744 and it was very nice, Fence was outstanding, it was not too loud, good power. I downsized and sold it and wish I had not...

[Knottscott]

Since there's a few hundred dollars at risk here, I'd question whether it's even an upgrade, and if it is an upgrade, is it significant enough to even bother with?

Both are small saws with universal motors. The BT is at least belt drive, has a riving knife, and has an SMT. The DW is direct drive with a stock miter gauge, and I'm not certain whether it has a riving knife or a splitter. If you need a saw to schlep from jobsite to jobsite, the DW might be a better fit, but as small saw in a home shop it's very debatable.

If you've got the space and want to change saws, I'd suggest making the move to something full size with a belt drive induction motor.

[Sawatzky]

If you are looking for a portable saw to use on a job site and move around a lot, the DeWalt would be a great saw. You may also want to check out the Ridgid portable, which gets good reviews. If you use your saw mainly as a stationary saw, upgrade to at least a contractor saw. For $500 you can get a lot of saw on the used market. Since you have a saw that works now, I would wait for a good deal on a used cast iron saw.

[BigguyZ]

If you need your BT3 to be portable, why not get a Rigid mobile stand? You can mount the BT3 to that...

If you want something more substantial than the BT3- I'd reccomend what I have, an old Crafstman contractor's saw.

Either way, it should only cost you $200 or so. With the extra money, you can get a better miter gague, a good saw blade (WWII?), some ZCTP, and a better fence (I have a used Beisemeyer on my CM saw- works great!).

[Whaler]

I went from a BT3 to a DW746. I was very happy with the BT3 but moved and had to sell it. When I was ready for another saw I hit a sale on the DW746 and I love it. It is solid, powerful and precise. The only think I don't really like about it is the blade guard but I have a Shark Guard on the way to correct that.

[Knottscott]

I went from a BT3 to a DW746. I was very happy with the BT3 but moved and had to sell it. When I was ready for another saw I hit a sale on the DW746 and I love it. It is solid, powerful and precise. The only think I don't really like about it is the blade guard but I have a Shark Guard on the way to correct that.

For those that don't know, it's worth mentioning that the DW746 is a full size cast iron hybrid saw, and are unrelated aside from the color and spelling on the nameplate.

DW744:


DW746:

[buford]

Wow thanks for all the replys may just have to wait for a deal to come up or something thats the thing I have a saw for now but its such a tank to take to a jobsite (And tip my hat to the site very nice site)

[rcp612]

I have one of those BT3100 Ryobi table saws its a ok saw but I am looking to upgrade to that dewalt 744 table saw just would like anyone input or recommendation on the dewalt or a different saw want to stay around the $500 range..

I am also "upgrading" from a BT3100 at this time and I might suggest what is my #1 concern.
I'm looking for a blade to miter slot parallel adjustment that is easy, accurate, and accessible. That was my #1 problem with the BT and I don't want to start with the same problem again.
At this time the Bosch 4100-09 looks to be just what I'm wanting but, I'm still looking for now.