cable-guy

A little help here guys. My first table saw was a Ryobi wich was a total waste of money. I am looking to get a GOOD table saw for under 1k. I was looking at the RIGID 3650 but after checking out their forums I'm not so sure that is the way I want to go. I have now focused my attention to the Grizzly line. Specifically the G0444Z and the G1023S. Any comments from you guys on what you have in your shop would be greatly appreciated.

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Mike

Craftsman 10" table saws. I bought one 10 years ago for about $350. My only complaint is the fence is not accurate. The 3 HP motor has always been up to my needs. My friend bought a $500 Craftsman model last year. It has cast iron perforated extension wings and a fence that is fast and accurate. This table performs very well. I noticed Sears has a professional model with solid cast iron extensions and a Biesemeyer T-square fence for $760 right now. Both Jet and Delta are offering rebates, lots of choices.
I use Freud blades, they make a world of difference. I tried the Porter Cable variable tooth "Razor" blade, it gives cleaner cuts as a rip blade; the Freud combination gives better cross cuts. You can buy the Freud combination from the bulk selection at HD for under $30. Just be sure to check each tooth for shipping damage or spend the extra money to buy one in a package.

Mike

dustmaster

I bought a Delta 650 last year. Upgraded the blade to a Freud and am really happy with it. I like the belt drive and strong motor. The fence is good and adjustable. I changed to a different kickback mechanism and that's all I upgraded.

bmb in ab

I have the same saw. What "kickback mechanism" upgrade did you make? Any pictures?

Scotty

Not to add to the confusion... but I have a small Delta 10" saw with direct drive at the moment but I need more power. It's a good little saw but not enough jam. I am going to upgrade to the General International 10" model #220. I read the article in the current "2005 Tool Guide" (on the magazine shelves right now) about the "contractor" version of the saw I want. The contractor model #50-185M1 is given top marks. The 220 has a cabinet rather than open legs so I will be able to control the dust much better and both models have a good fence system. I'll be getting the 52" fence I think. General has a great reputation for quality. Our school shops are full of General power tools because they seldom break down and if they do there's a good parts network. I have heard that Ryobi makes some of the Sears saws and so does Ridgid. 'Nothing wrong with Ridgid tools. I hope I haven't cause you more confusion.
Good luck.

Scotty

Glenmore

Hey there cable guy personally I would go for a grizzly table saw I saw one at the Muncy location 3 weeks ago for 475.00 it was there cheapest one. I own a craftsman table and I to had the same problem as Mike fence never was right. So I bought myself a new fence it is called a ripa line fence I got it on Tuesday and the bolts and how to put it on was missing so I called and was nice about it but everything costed me about 200.00 so I'm sending it back and getting me that grizzly table saw. No more sear's products for me. So that's my two cents on that subjet good luck and wish you well.

hcbph

Like Mike, I have a Craftsman Contractors saw (made by Emerson) that's about 10 years old. Original fence was junk. Got a Biesmeyer along with a good blade, and it was night-and-day in how well it cuts. Grizzly has a good rep on their contractors saw. For most saws: good motor, good fence, flat/straight top and arbor: you have a good saw regardless of the make.

Pat!

I bought a "Herc-u-lifT" for my table saw. I have always found that a table saw takes up a lot of space when it has to be put "out there" so large items like sheets of plywood can be cut. With this system, I just step on a peddle and castors lift the saw up and I can wheel it into a corner out of the way untill the next time I need it. It cost me $150 at Home Depot [a lot of money] I thought, but after debating about purchasing or not for over two frustating years, I am very glad I did! The joy it gives me now to be able to move my table saw with such ease, I don't ever think of what it cost. I wrote this comment to see if there is anyone else out there that has exsperienced the same kind of frustrations.

cable-guy

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I really thought that I would end up with a contractors saw but after taking about 5 trips to the Grizzly store in Springfield I realized I might as well get a saw that would last me a while. I ended up buying the G1023SL. I am going to pick it up on Monday. I've got a neighbor who has the same saw and man is she a beauty. I will send some pic's as soon as I get her unpacked, lined up, and shined up.
Thanks again guys for all the info.

pmspirito

Excellent choice. However I am going with the G1023S so I can add on the G4227 sliding table. The sliding table makes crossing cutting, especially miters a breeze. The slider can't be added to the SL.

Peter