DRD-Pers
1.
Table Saw
Plan:
1.
1.
2.
DONE Buy the Ridgid TS3650.
DONE Buy a push shoe (see if they have one at Home Depot, else could buy the Craftsman one that Sears has).
Use a push shoe rather than a push stick:
1.
1.
"Push Shoe"
1.
[This is a very good idea - should use it rather than a push stick.]
Safety and the Table Saw - "Push Sticks and Hold-Down Devices"
Pre-made:
2.
3.
1.
ssories&subcat=Tool+Safety&vertical=TOOL&ihtoken=1
2.
3.
Make or buy a featherboard.
1.
2.
How to make a featherboard: http://www.woodzone.com/tips/featherboard.htm
1.
1.
1.
12
3.
4.
17
Magnetic: (more expensive, probably keep it in mind and "upgrade" if necessary)
1.
50
5.
1.
Can see what they have at Home Depot.
Buy an inexpensive push block or two:
&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_r=1EB0W0AGR1T8SBDZKV7R&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=277661601&pf_rd_i=B000051WS9
Buy a zero-clearance insert (one or more) for use with different blades.
They come solid; you customize it by passing the specific blade up through it.
Dado insert for the Ridgid:
4.
5.
1.
2.
1.
1.
2.
22
Positive reviews.
3.
Make your own: http://www.hoistman.com/HoistMan/ZCItute.html
6.
7.
Probably buy non-silicone wax for use on the top of the table saw, to keep it from rusting.
Possibly buy a better saw blade.
Maybe Forrest WWII.
1.
2.
3.
DeWalt DW7657
1.
http://www.amazon.com/DeWalt-DW7657-General-Purpose-Blade/dp/B000H0VSHW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9117502-
0836809?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1175312167&sr=8-1
2.
3.
1.
After owning it for just a short time, I'm convinced that this has got to be the best value on the market. I’m a
staunch supporter of the venerable Forrest WWII blade and am favorably impressed with the similar Ridge
Carbide TS2000, but am also extremely impressed with the DW 7657 so far. It's difficult to distinguish cuts
made between the two blades. Both are so good that it's difficult to even spot saw marks. One of the
woodworking magazines did a comparison test between the DW7657 and the WWII and found the 7657
delivers remarkeably similar performance to the Forrest at close to half the cost. I agree and so do many others
who've tried both.
2.
3.
the DW is only available in this configuration as a full kerf. Both Forrest and DeWalt offer stabilizers for their
blades to supposedly reduce vibration, but I've yet to notice an improvement from them. DeWalt offers other
thin kerf general purpose blades in other model numbers but don't have the same specs as the 7657.
These top shelf general purpose 40T blades also do an extremely good job crosscutting and for cutting most
sheet goods. To get cleaner cuts in these materials, you'd have to maintain the level of quality and increase the
tooth count to 60 to 80 teeth, which means significantly higher initial cost, and higher cost for resharpening.
There are 60 and 80 tooth blades for less money, but most offer inferior quality to the DW and Forrest and will
not cut as well in the long run. If you're like me, you'll find the 7657 and the Forrest will be installed on your saw
for aout 90% of your cuts.
4.
Freud
1.
LU86R010
1.
1.
It's configured with smaller saws and versatility in mind, and delivers handsomely on that claim. It'll rip
and crosscut well enough to leave in place for about 90% of the cuts I make. It makes cleaner cuts than
a rip blade, yet can handle ripping chores that a crosscut blade can't. Only for heavy duty ripping of very
thick hardwoods will I swap the LU86 for a dedicated rip blade. In comparison to it's 60 tooth cousin, the
LU88, the 40 tooth LU86 offers a slightly less polished edge, but handles thicker materials more easily,
and is more versatile in the range of cuts and materials it'll handle. It cuts cleanly enough to use for
nearly all crosscuts in hard and soft woods. It does well in most plywoods too, splintering only slightly on
the underside. The thin kerf body and shape of the teeth help this blade glide through tough woods even
with average size saws, and has an effortless feel when cutting.
2.
This will be my recommendation to family and friends looking for a good all around blade that will work
well in a modest saw without breaking the bank. It'll see use in my saw for everyday use and as a back
up to my Forrest WWII.
2.
LU88R010
Printed 18:10 3/31/07
1
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DRD-Pers
1.
2.
22
Positive reviews.
7.
Research:
1.
2.
Press Release: http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/25150
1.
2.
3.
I believe its features place it in the "high end" category which makes the TS3650 a very good value.
The table height is 36.5 inches which is just a tad high.
The saw took about 4 hours to assemble but because it was aligned so well "out of the box", did not require any
significant time to align, mainly just checking to see that it was.
4.
5.
The TS3650 uses a cradle made of a single piece iron casting which seems to be very stout.
The saw also incorporates an easy to remove and replace splitter / guard device. A single screw is all it takes to
install the system onto the saw.
6.
7.
[nice integrated mobile base that comes standard]
The blade raise / tilt functions are fairly high resolution at 10 turns per inch of raise and 29.5 turns for 45
degrees of tilt. There are adjustable stops for blade angle which can be accessed easily from the top of the
table. Both the raise and tilt functions are accurate and easy to operate.
8.
the motor size is typical of this class of saw and has plenty of power for most operations. The saw is a stable
platform when ripping sheets of plywood, I'm sure those heavy cast iron wings help a little with that. I found that
most of the time the saw would pass the "nickel test" through a complete power cycle. There is a small amount
of vibration on the machine though.
9.
The rip fence has a fairly small head section with two cursors and a thumb wheel for moving the fence position
in small increments. This thumb wheel is not a true micro-positioner and I did not find it to be very useful.
The rip fence locks on both the infeed and outfeed side, this makes for a very rigid fence when locked down. I
have heard several uncomplimentary comments regarding the Ridgid rip fence but try as I may, I could never
find any significant fault with this system. A common upgrade to a low end contractor saw is a better rip fence
such as a Vega or Biesemeyer. When I evaluate fence systems in my reviews, I try to do so with actual
measurements so as to remove any unjustifiable bias in the evaluation. Basically, the Ridgid rip fence is as good
as any of the "upgrade" fences I have measured.
10.
11.
The rip fence was as straight as my machinists straightedge. The rip fence would lock down repeatedly within
0.004" of parallel (measured over 22"), it would repeat to a position within 0.005" (this is operator dependant).
With a 10lb side load applied at the end of the rip fence it would deflect about 0.002" at that point. These are all
VERY respectable numbers and compare favorably to premium replacement fences.
Very positive review.
3.
4.
1.
1.
2.
Although I am satisfied with the saw there is that arbor issue that most seem to have. There is clearly a low
spot on the arbor. This really doesn't bother me because I use my router for dados.
Also, there is a little vibration (probably fix with better belt). oh one more thing, when I made my first cut with
the stock blade the cut came out jagged and there was much vibration. I thought that the saw had been
damaged and considered returning it to HD. I decided to try an old blade that I had and it cut straight. I can't
believe that the stock blade was warped.
3.
4.
I will try to get Rigid to send me a new blade and arbor.
Also the blade wrenches it came with are pathetic. I have had the blade off only twice so far and they are
already bent and slip off the arbor
5.
6.
Ill have to find a couple of REAL wrenches that are flat enough and long enough to do the job.
As you know, the 3650 comes with a flat automotive type belt. I don't think you'll find a better belt and if you did
you would have to change the pulleys too. Have you tried adjusting the belt tension to get rid of the vibration?
I think the 3650 is alot more saw than the Hitachi, which has among the worst fences and flimsiest wings I've
seen recently on a saw in this price range. The vibration isn't likely to be from the serpentine belt. Check the
alignment of the pulleys first, and be sure the belt tension on the motor is sufficient. If it persists, you may have
to exchange it.
7.
8.
9.
Moreover, it is easy to soup it up and have it handle material just like a $1500 - $2000 table.
I added the Shopfox extension table on the right side and moved the rails over with a new tape system to cut 51
inches on the right of the blade. I then added a 2.5 x 3 inch cherry platform on the left that receives a 27" x 48"
3/4" birch panel with glide tape that locks on the side of my workbench with a feather board system added to it.
I also added the new Jessem miter gauge with the dual-indexing angle pins. The Jessem has an extremely
accurate ruler and stop system that extends with the stop system out to 36" to left of the blade. Bottom Line: I
do not miss the fence on the left side at all with the Jessem.
10.
As far as vibration, my 3650 runs silky smooth and quiet- remarkably so. If my experience is typical, the saw
should make a little startup noise when you first turn it on and then settle into a nice, smooth hum that you can
barely hear over a shop vac.
11.
12.
mine seems to have come from the factory with loose trunnion bolts.
Another tip- spend $20 or so and get a dial indicator, it's invaluable for getting your alignment just right. I got
mine at littlemachineshop.com.
5.
1.
2.
[very impressed with the mobile base]
The controls on the Ridgid were smooth and easy to use, but one would expect smooth on a new tool. One of
the most important purposes of a table saw is ripping wood, and having a good rip fence is a must. We found
the rip fence on the ridgid OK, not fabulous, just OK. This is not a bad thing for a contractors saw. There is a
micro adjustment, which is also OK. Moving the fence back and forth was nice and smooth and when it was
locked in place it was solid! We found the fence was not too hard to adjust as it was slightly out of alignment
from the factory. The other thing we liked about the rip fence and the saw … a very decent extension, like 36
inches to the right of the blade and 12 to the left of the blade.
3.
The next thing we looked for was the alignment of the blade to the mitre slots. Most woodworkers don’t realize
that the under carriage of the blade is adjustable and should be adjusted so that the blades are perfectly aligned
with the mitre slots. This is where perfectly, non-binding ripped wood comes from. To our delight, there was
NO adjustments needed to the trunion assembly, it was off slightly, but was well within the tolerances of
working with wood.
Printed 18:10 3/31/07
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DRD-Pers
4.
The blade that comes with the Ridgid looked OK, but we opted to use our tried-and-true Freud “Glueline Rip, 60
tooth crosscut and combination blades because we know what they produce. After installing the Freud Glueline
rip and turning on the saw, we were very impressed with the smooth, very low vibration and overall “tightness”
of the saw. Part of this we deemed was the extra attention Ridgid paid to the pulley and special multi-band belt
that connects the motor to the saw blade. An excellent choice for smooth operation.
5.
1.
If we have any fault with the saw … or really with the accessories, like most saws in this category the mitre
gauges are only OK. If you want or need good cross cutting with your table saw a sled or one of the aftermarket
mitre gauges would be a good choice.
6.
7.
Unknown:
Some the high points of this saw are its quiet (relative to others) low vibration cutting ability, well thought out
adjustment controls, ease of moving it around the shop with it's lift system (this is the best out there), dead-on
accurate fence (this was my main consideration, I hate poorly designed fences and felt this one was as good as
many of the expensive aftermarket ones), and of corse the Ridgid lifetime warrenty
1.
The 3650 is a contractor saw. Contractor saws tend to offer alot of saw for the money, but tend to be more
problematic with dust collection, take up more space b/c of the outboard motor, and can tend to be more
difficult to align that cabinet saw. In Ridgid's case, they've offered a solution to the difficult alignment. Contractor
saws also typically have a splayed leg base that spans a larger footprint than a cabinet saw. Then there's also
weight differences...the 3650 weighs ~ 285#, which isn't bad, but the other two saws weigh 425# and 360#
which offer incredible stability that no contractor saw can. My biggest beef with the 3650 is the aluminum fence
and plastic handle. The fence functions well, but I much prefer the strength of a steel rails and fence in the long
haul. The built in Herculift is a great feature. There's a blade, but not one I'd want to use as a primary. The miter
gauge is pretty generic, and is a good candidate to upgrade. The blade guard is pretty easy to remove and
install, as is the Sear's...not sure about the Griz.
8.
Reviews at the Home Depot product page:
1.
misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0827823167.1175100825@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccefad
dkidkeelecgelceffdfgidgki.0&MID=9876
2.
[very positive reviews]
9.
=&fpart=5&vc=1
1. I think the arbor problem was just with a bad run that got through and is no longer a problem.
http://www.woodworking.com/search.cfm - searched for ts3650
10.
1.
11.
12.
13.
14.
1.
You can also go to americanwoodworker.com and they have a link to reviews of lots of tools, including the table
saws mentioned.
2.
Craftsman 22124
1.
Table+Saws&vertical=TOOL&ihtoken=1
1.
2.
3.
1100
880 through March 31st.
Sales can really knock down the price (20-30%). One person bought it in Jan 2006 for $630.
Research:
2.
1.
2.
1.
This particular Craftsman is made by Orion...a group of former Delta employees. I was often one of those
knocking Craftsman products when deserved, but you really need to evaluate each one independently...this one
is not only a gem IMO, it's head of the class and set some new standards.
This saw addresses some of the biggest problems with contractor saws like DC, blade alignment, and floor
space.
Those cabinet mounted trunnions can be aligned in minutes...you align the table to the blade, not the trunnions
to the table. It also weighs 425#...a full 125# more than a good contractor saw, which makes it incredibly
stable.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Workbench rated the 22124 first over the Jet SS, DW746, and a version of the GI w/aluminum fence.
One exception: The blade guard did not make me happy. When I complained about it, they (Orion) sent me a
new one, but it wasn't any better.
3.
1.
As previously stated, the Leitz blade is very good. It cuts nearly as well as my beloved Forrest WWII....it won't
hold up to as many sharpenings because the teeth are smaller, but for a stock blade it's excellent... most are
junk.
2.
3.
But a 20% off sale, combined with a $100 Craftsman Club member discount, plus a 10% internet coupon, and
free delivery brought a $949 machine to $594 with delivery (plus a little something for the governor).
After 8 months of moderately heavy use, I'm still very pleased with the saw...probably more so than when it was
new. I've experienced no problems, I've adjusted to the cheaper handwheels and the heavier fence, and have
come to really appreciate the leg kick "off" paddle that allows my full attention to remain on the workpiece.
3.
DeWalt DW746X
1.
2.
Pricing:
1.
1.
1. 1321 and store pick-up
Accessories:
1100 and free shipping
2.
3.
1.
52" Precision Fence Rail System - DW7464
Printed 18:10 3/31/07
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DRD-Pers
1.
2.
Pricing
1.
1.
206
4.
5.
Could buy the plain DW746 and buy a fence separately:
1.
2.
1.
1.
949
Not that much in terms of price savings.
Amazon has some bundles:
DeWalt DW746-UTSP Ultimate Table Saw Package (DW746, DW7464, DW7463, DW7466, DW7461, DW7460 &
DW7469)
1.
2.
1880
2.
DeWalt DW746-PP 52" Table Saw Pro Package (DW746, DW7464, DW7460 & DW7466)
1.
117502-0836809?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174971576&sr=1-5
2.
1280
6.
Research:
1.
Amazon customer reviews:
117502-0836809?ie=UTF8&n=228013&s=hi&qid=1174971576&sr=1-3
1.
The fence: Its a complete pain to align. I can't count how many torn up pieces of paper I had to use as shims.
The aluminum extrusion used on the face is noodly enough that if the clamps are overtightened, it will deflect
locally around each bolt. During use, it can deflect slightly under pressure. Not enough to cause binding, but it
will leave burn marks or a rough finish on your cut (just to note, I use a Forrest Woodworker II blade)
The Miter slots: They just arent machined well. I had a lot of trouble getting an aftermarket miter gauge to slide
without binding. after checking it with a block of wood and some shims, I noticed that the slot width varies
greatly. some careful work with a file corrected the issues, but I shouldn't have had to do that.
The Miter gage: Looked like junk. Feels like junk. Got a Woodhaven around the same time as a gift, so I've
never used the one that came with the saw.
The Extension wings: Stamped steel junk slapped on to cut costs. I knew they were junk going in, and as soon
as I could afford to, I replaced them with the cast iron ones. Much, much better.
I don't recommend the sliding table
So I finally purchased a precision guage set. Neither the blade nor the fence were square to the mitre guage
slot. I was able to adjust the blade alignment, (and re-adjust the sliding table), but I was never able to solve the
problem with the fence.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
When I moved the fence and locked it down, I found play, front to rear, of +/- .01 inches, 8"-10"" from the blade.
(Minus might be okay, but not plus). The further I got away from the blade, out into the 48" precision fence
extension table, the play in the fence appears to get much worse.
8.
9.
So I recently added an Incura TSIII-32 table saw fence system to my inventory, and now I think I'm finally
happy with my DW746.
Against the TSIII, my mitre slot bows inward toward the fence .002 inches just as I approach the blade, then
heads back out to zero at the end of the table.
10.
11.
I threw away the blade guard and splitter, added a ZCI and 3rd party splitter (that I can remove/replace with two
fingers).
I'd still buy the DW746, but not the sliding table nor the precision fence system. Instead, I'd figure the cost of a
3rd party fence system into the budget, and plan on building my own right-hand extension and out-feed tables
as a first probject.
12.
13.
The cast iron top is concave by about 2 or 3 thou from corner to corner, but I guess that's reasonable these
days.
The big selling point for me was the fact that the motor is below the table and not sticking out the back.Since I
work in a cluttered garage I need all the space I can get and I love that I can park this workhorse right up next
to the wall. I got the deal with the mobile base included and it is excellent.
The splitter/blade guard won't allow me to tilt the blade to 45 degrees.
For the most part though if space is an issue as it is for me you can't go wrong with this saw.
Delivery etc. was excellent with Eagle superb here in the Richmond, VA area. Guys moved it right into the shop
without being asked.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Put the base on the saw first as it comes out of the box upside down - much easier.
The dust collection system, although not bad, could be better.
2.
1.
DeWalt DW746 review
4.
5.
NO Delta 36-732 (see negative reviews at Amazon.com)
Delta 36-L31X-BC50 X5
1.
1.
2.
Five-year warranty.
with Biesemeyer Fence
2.
3.
This is a cabinet saw. Big and heavy and pricey.
Pricing:
1.
117502-0836809?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174970313&sr=1-5
1.
2000
4.
Research:
1.
Amazon customer reviews:
TF8&customer-reviews.sort%5Fby=-SubmissionDate&n=228013
Printed 18:10 3/31/07
5
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DRD-Pers
1.
I agree with a couple of other reviews that the side extension table is bowed in the middle. You can't help but
have a ridge next to the cast steel table on the RH side. This causes the fence to stick at this point, so you have
to lift it slightly.
2.
3.
After setup, (about 8 hours of time), I plugged her in.
With a Biesemeyer fence (now a subsidiary of Delta), Delta outfeed table that folds flat against the saw,
removable splitter and overhead blade guard, this setup is just what I needed.
The extension table has a dip in the middle, and we will shore it up at some point but it does not detract from
the functionality of the saw.
The Biesmeyer fence felt sloppy when I first positioned it, but after locking it down, it is AMAZING how
repeatable and accurate it is.
Wax the top of the table ASAP. I did not do this with my last saw and it rusted very quickly. My Unisaw top
looks like a mirror after two coats of wax. I waxed it as soon as I put the wings on, and then gave it a couple
more coats after I was finished putting everything together.
4.
5.
6.
6.
Powermatic 1660802K Model 66
1.
2.
This appears to be the cream of the crop.
02-0836809?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174974766&sr=1-1
1.
2400
3.
4.
Very heavy.
Amazon customer reviews:
2-0836809?ie=UTF8&n=228013&s=hi&qid=1174974766&sr=1-1
7.
Craftsman 22114
730
1.
1.
2.
Sales can really knock down the price (20-30%).
2.
1.
One user's review: http://users.adelphia.net/~thundereagle/ts.html
Exaktor Tools (maker of accessories)
8.
9.
EXAKTOR® EX0A-2 OverArm Blade Cover/Dust Collector
1.
Incra (maker of accessories):
1.
2.
TS-III Table Saw Fence (actually, would get the newer LS version)
1.
2.
809?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174973209&sr=8-2
1.
341
3.
809?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174973209&sr=8-2
1.
For those of you wondering what the difference is between the Saw Tooth TSIII Table saw fence from Incra and
the Lead Screw or LS-32 I will try and explain.
2.
talking with an Incra rep. He told me that both of the fences were equally good , but that the LS had some
advantages with positioning and movement. He went on to tell me that both are extremely great and function in
the same way, however the Lead Screw has moved the micro adjuster right next to the saw fence making it
much easier to dial in because you can see what you are doing. He also talked about the saw tooth movement
versus the screw based movement. That he said was a personal preference. Both will function the same in the
end, but the LS is what is being promoted by INCRA in all their product lines, not the ST TSIII. Out side of that
they are essentially the same product and you could not go wrong with either.
3.
I have recently ordered the miter5000 sled after my good experience and will be reviewing it shortly.
4.
36809?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174973209&sr=8-1
1.
With that, I will add one thing. Check out the Incra home page and look at the available distributors. I did not
purchase this through Amazon as there is a newer version(TS LS), sizes and other packages I wanted instead
of this one. With the help of who I bought it through, I had a few issues with what I wanted and they worked
with me to get me what I wanted (this was me needing special stuff, nothing to do with them)
3.
4.
Incra MITER5000 Sled
1.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002ZO7A2/ref=ord_cart_shr/002-9117502-0836809?%5Fencoding
=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
1.
246
2.
http://www.amazon.com/Incra-MITER5000-Sled/dp/B0002ZO7A2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/002-9117502-0836809?ie=UTF8
&s=hi&qid=1174973209&sr=8-3
1.
300
See their other products, such as their Miter Express.
4.
Research:
1.
Tips on safety: http://www.woodshopdemos.com/safe-1.htm
1.
2.
3.
the blade — it should be the right one, clean, and sharp;
alignment — this includes blade-to-miter slot, miter-slot-to-fence and more;
splitter — some are better than others; none is just plain dangerous;
4.
zero clearance plate — there are times when this can be important;
5.
blade guard — often not used, it does have a purpose;
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
pushsticks and shoes — a secure wood pusher can keep your fingers out of harm's way. Some can be dangerous;
hold-down devices — for some ripping operations, they can be a great help;
table top — a clean, polished top can let you "feel" the wood being cut. That is good;
the wood — some wood (wet, warped, twisted, very figured) can really be dangerous to cut;
dress — eye protection, hearing protection and right dress is important;
some general good ideas — sort of a miscellany but still important, like not reaching over the saw blade, or having both feet
securely on the floor, or unplugging the power when changing blades...and more.
Printed 18:10 3/31/07
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DRD-Pers
2.
3.
Tips on alignment: http://www.woodshopdemos.com/safe-2.htm
NO Would it be possible to use a chain metal (mail) (metal mesh) glove that I saw Von's deli workers use?
No protection, more harm than good:
1.
2.
1.
NOTE: METAL MESH GLOVES ARE NOT CUT OR PUNCTURE PROOF AND ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR
USE WITH MOVING OR SERRATED BLADES
1.
3.
1.
2.
See items S5056 - S5059
"Not recommended for use with motorized cutting equipment"
4.
5.
There are four general classes of table saws: benchtop table saws, contractor saws, cabinet saws and hybrid saws.
"Push Shoe"
1.
1.
[This is a very good idea - should use it rather than a push stick.]
6.
7.
How to make a featherboard: http://www.woodzone.com/tips/featherboard.htm
Some useful table saw jigs:
8.
1.
if time proves the fence a pain, use your extra money towards a good after-market fence. Biesemeyer, Unifence, Incra are
probably the three most popular. A good fence can make even a marginal saw a great tool.
About a year age I purchased a Dewalt DW 746 with a mobile base for around $900. Have been very satisfied with it so far.
It is better than a contractor's saw in that the motor is under the table, not hanging off the back. This allows for storage
closer to the wall. It is also not as expensive as a cabinet model.
2.
3.
4.
If I were to buy a bench saw, I would not pay much more than $200. (I never have figured out why anybody would buy the
Dewalt or Bosch table tops for $500.
Now a word of warning: I agree with every other comment about saving your money to buy a contractor saw, later, or if you
can find a deal on a used one, go for it. You have to remember,contractor saws use induction motors, drive belts and are
heavier-duty. It's not that hard to repair a contractor saw, a new motor can be gotten for $200 or less. On a benchtop, they
use direct drive universal motors. Once you blow the motor, and you will, it will be cheaper to replace the whole machine
than the motor. A good quality contractor saw will last a lifetime. You will be lucky if you get five years out of the benchtop
saw.
5.
My personal path to selecting a saw was to decide upon the fence system first. Then buy the saw that would accept the
fence system. Another requirement of mine was cast iron table extensions. (More weight and more stability.) That narrowed
the field down considerably.
6.
7.
Between the Delta and the Jet contractor's saws, there is little difference other than the paint color.
My advice to anybody planning a table saw purchase is to select the fence system that you really like. Then purchase the
saw that fits the fence system. Lou Williams (a frequent Forums participant) has had a Biesemeyer for 15 years or so.
Others love their Unifence or Xacta Fence and I'm happy with my Incra. There are other fence systems that I've no
experience with and you may want to investigate those systems.
8.
9.
The fence is more important than saw. Buy a good, middle grade contractors saw and upgrade the fence to an Incra TS-III.
You won't regret it.
If you can't find someone who has a TS who can help you out and you still desire to read more then here's a few titles. Two
different books with the same name, but different authors: "The Table Saw Book." One author's name is Cristoforo. I can't
remember the other author's name, but the book is published by Taunton Press. Another good one is called, "Table Saw
Basics." The last one has plans for pushsticks, feather boards, outfeed tables, etc.
10.
While at a woodworking show, I realized that a saw purchase is really two purchases; the table saw and the fence system.
And in reality the fence system is really the first decision…with the table saw second. While wandering about this
woodworking show, the importance for the largest cast iron table top became obvious. Also, I don't expect to be cutting
sheet material exactly and precisely in half at 48" so a 32" fence system is good for now.
Contractors also use these heavy, stable tools as lower-cost cabinet saws in woodshops. Although they can be as accurate
as cabinet saws, they're significantly less expensive and somewhat mobile.
9.
1.
2.
The DeWalt saw is my favorite. I like its drive system, fence, and dust-collection feature.
1.
DeWalt DW746X
10.
Choosing A Tablesaw - Contractor Or Cabinet?
1.
2.
If buying a contractor saw, I would consider Delta and Jet offerings by that same name. If my work and budget called for a
cabinet saw, I would consider the Delta Unisaw, Jet Xacta, Powermatic 66, and General 350.
Lower cost: current [contractor saw] models sell for about $800 (U.S.) with a good fence. Cabinet saws cost almost twice as
much.
3.
4.
5.
[contractor saws are more portable.]
It is difficult, for example, to tune the alignment of a contractor saw miter slot as accurately as a cabinet saw miter slot.
Cabinet saws pro: Protected drive belts: the motor and belts are fully enclosed within the base. There is no danger of
workpieces jamming in the belt.
11.
12.
First Look: SawStop CB-31230 table saw
1.
rview/0612_first-look-sawstop.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=4&searchTerm=table%20saw
A full-featured, pro-caliber cabinet saw with a unique blade-braking system that detects when the cutting blade contacts
flesh and stops it before it can cause serious injury.
2.
Printed 18:10 3/31/07
7
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DRD-Pers
1.
2.
Cabinet table saws are heavy (using large amounts of cast iron and steel) to minimize vibration and increase accuracy. A
cabinet saw is characterized by having a closed (cabinet) base. Cabinet saws usually have electric induction motors in the 3
to 5 hp (2 to 4 kW) range. For home use, this type of motor typically requires that a heavy circuit be installed (in the US, this
requires a 220V outlet). The motor is enclosed within the cabinet and drives the blade with three parallel v-belts. Cabinet
saws are heavier and offer the following advantages over contractor saws: heavier construction for lower vibration and
increased durability; a cabinet-mounted trunnion (the mechanism that incorporates the sawblade mount and allows for
height and tilt adjustment); improved dust collection due to the totally enclosed cabinet and common incorporation of a dust
collection port. In general, cabinet-mounted trunnions are easier to adjust than table-mounted trunnions.
Keep the blade guard in place whenever possible. If you do not like the guard that came with the saw, it is possible to
purchase aftermarket guards of various configurations. Note that one of the main functions of a typical blade guard is to act
as a splitter, which helps prevent the cut in the wood from closing and pinching the back of the blade and kicking back.
Sometimes the blade guard is more of a danger than a safety feature, most commonly during smaller cuts (less than 3
inches), and cuts with a push stick, and should be removed.
13.
14.
Keeping a table saw from rusting: http://www.woodworking.com/article_archive.cfm?section=1&article=193
1.
Most saws come standard with a general-purpose 10-inch carbide-tipped blade, which can crosscut a 4x4. Replacing it with
a better, 40-tooth combination blade (about $60) dramatically improves the quality of cuts. Specialty blades handle
particleboard and other materials.
2.
Most saws come with a rear bar, which helps support the workpiece as it exits, but you should still rig up outfeed support —
a stand, sawhorses, or a table — that's ¼ inch lower than the saw itself.
3.
4.
Position yourself to one side of the blade. Never stand directly in line with the blade or you risk getting injured by kickback.
Start the machine and use your right hand to press the workpiece down on the table and against the fence. Brace your left
hand on the table and use it as a guide while you propel the piece smoothly forward with your right hand.
As the tail of the board approaches the blade guard, you might need to use a push stick to complete the cut. When the cut
is done, shut off the saw so you can reach safely over the blade to remove the wood.
One easy way to improve a saw's performance and protect it from corrosion is to coat the table surface. Rub regular paste
wax into the table, or try a proprietary machine-table lubricant such as Slipit. Avoid anything containing silicone, which will
contaminate the wood you're cutting and interfere with most finishes.
5.
6.
7.
[Crosscutting] Move the rip fence away from the workpiece. Never use the rip fence and the miter gauge together.
15.
1.
2.
Good article on table saw safety, especially details about kickback and how to avoid it.
More and more woodworkers are only buying combination blades for their table saws, even when they have the funds
available to buy other blades. The salesmen have told them that the combination blade is a catch-all, do-all, tool. This is not
true. Combination blades were developed for the shops which can only afford a single blade. For best results, a shop should
have blades dedicated to each task
3.
4.
Never let go of the workpiece! No matter how rough it gets, or how probable a kick-back will be, do not let go of the wood.
More often than not, by holding fast, you will actually prevent the kickback in the first place.
Using a blade that is too coarse on veneers and laminates will cause undue chipping. Using a blade which is too fine for
ripping solid lumber can burn the wood, damage the blade, put undue wear on the motor, and even cause the wood to ride
up over the top of the blade and cause a kickback. While I understand that many woodworkers cannot afford more than one
blade, I am nonetheless a strong proponent of using the correct blade when you can afford to do so.
[Good advice on various blades]
Starting with the power of the machine, you don't want to take a feed rate which excessively loads the motor, but you also
don't want a feed rate which builds up too much heat. I have seen too many woodworkers rip lumber at such slow feed rates
that they burn the wood and foul the blade. If you're burning your wood, you are probably moving too slow, or your blade is
very dull.
5.
6.
16.
17.
18.
19.
DONE google cabinet saw
DONE google best table saw
http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/wood/story/data/1164985031812.xml
Tool Review - Mid-Priced Tablesaws:
http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/wood/story/data/1164985031812.xml
1.
[This review is available for download for 4.95.]
20.
Printed 18:10 3/31/07
8
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