Table Saws - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

**genecarp** · 03-27-2008, 06:43 AM

Hi guys, i am building a new shop, i will be looking to purchase a new shop saw, i have always had makitas in my trucks, they have been fine, i want something bigger in my shop, so many brands to choose from, any recommendations would be appreciated, o yea, what will my needs be, general daily use, i will not be doing cabinet work daily, just general purpose, i would like a saw that one man could handle ripping a 4 by 8. maybe something on wheels, i have read about these combo saws, they are planers, shapers, etc.. all in one, any thoughts would be welcome, thanks

Morning Wood · 03-28-2008, 09:34 PM

Here's a nice starter slider. (Never mind. I can't post links yet) I'd love to have it. I guess I would have to recommend a 10" powermatic or delta. Go for 220 volt and as big a motor as you can. The largest fence possible and that would be a saw that you would never want to replace. Even if you did go to a slider some day.

cityboy2977 · 04-02-2008, 12:41 PM

i agree with morning.............go Delta if it is going to be permanent.

WarnerConstInc. · 04-02-2008, 03:38 PM

Powermatic

PA woodbutcher · 04-02-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cityboy2977

i agree with morning.............go Delta if it is going to be permanent.

I have a Delta with the sliding panel attachment and 60" rip fence. 220 volt, 5 horse motor is plenty. It's not permanent, but you don't move it by yourself either. Biggest drawback is size. I had to rearrange my entire shop around the saw

**genecarp** · 04-02-2008, 07:25 PM

thankyou, keep the suggestions coming

odellconstruct · 04-02-2008, 07:44 PM

jet is a good machine delta unisaw is the best comes complete with a good fence and table , some you would have to pay to get a better fence and table remember what norm says always wear saftey glasses

neolitic · 04-02-2008, 07:45 PM

You might look at Jet.
A friend has one, and I'm impressed
with the bang for the bucks.
They seem to be pretty well regarded
on the woodworker's sites.

KillerToiletSpider · 04-02-2008, 07:56 PM

A very good friend of mine owns a custom pallet building company, and he makes musical instruments, he recommends this.

**ChrWright** · 04-02-2008, 08:19 PM

Delta's are excellent...I have a 110v belt drive that's been a great work horse for over 10 yrs now.

Jet's also excellent.

How big is your shop? Will this set permanently or will you need to be able to move it around? What kind of dust collection are you planning for?

What kind of projects will you be working on?

98mustangguy · 04-02-2008, 08:33 PM

I like jet for table saws but have you thought about a panel saw or just strictly table saws?

Jonesey · 04-03-2008, 06:43 AM

I have the Delta with a beismeyer fence running 220. Shopbuilt outfeed tables and side feed tables. I've only had it bog down once when the shop was really cold. It does everything I need it to do plus some.

The longer rails are worth the extra $$.

I used my buddies Jet before I decided to buy the Delta. It was comparable to my Delta, but I like the big off switch on the Delta, and of course, mine was cheaper than the JET, even with the biesmeyer.

If you're not going to move it around at all, look for an old hybrid, or the grizzly or general hybrid saws. If you can find a solid Rockwell/Delta hybrid used on the cheap they are worth a new motor. If you are set on buying new, look into the grizzly and general hybrid and cabinet saws. When I was looking around last year before I bought the new Delta, grizzly had the right price, and general had the right saw.

robert c1 · 04-24-2008, 02:01 PM

I'm not sure if you'r looking for a full cabinet saw or a hybrid/contractor saw. or as Michael Stone would say. "lets take a moment to talk about the budget for your project"

- I have the ridgid ts3650 contractor saw. Retails for $550, reviews compare it favorably to $1000-1200 models. Iv'e had it for about 6 months, so far it's great. really nice machining, fence is very accurate etc. The real nice feature for my small shop is the foot plate activated mobile base. Simple, well designed system that works smoothly.
Worth considering

NYBuilder · 04-28-2008, 05:37 PM

I picked up a grizzy table saw for my old shop. Which I didn't let my partner take it when we split up. Man it was the best fixed table saw I ever owned ,really well built , durable to no end man I remember late nights running double stacked 3/4 sheets at a time though her like it was butter. Even better the price. Man I feel like she is a long lost girlfriend LOL. Wish they made a portable one

BKFranks · 04-28-2008, 06:11 PM

I would go with a powermatic. I've read reviews for different machines like joiners, planers, and table saws and they are always at or near the best. Get a table saw with a 50" fence.

WarnerConstInc. · 04-28-2008, 08:05 PM

BK-
Finally a second vote for the Powermatic!!!!!!!

**genecarp** · 04-28-2008, 08:14 PM

thanks everyone, there is definately a theme here, this will help me for sure, i will post after my shop is complete, thanks again, keep the suggestions coming

**genecarp** · 06-29-2008, 02:52 AM

been reading alot, just about ready to commit. the grizzly has got my attention, a few guys here mentioned the grizzly, anyone else have exp with grizzly?thanks

billy d · 06-29-2008, 08:07 AM

Hi Gene just some info on the combo machines.I bought mine about 8 years ago and IMO they do every thing that they should.The main machine on my outfit is the planer the saw spindle moulder and morticer fasten on the side opperated by belts from the main machine.Advantages to this set up are.If the work shop is on the small side your not struggling for space.Costs are kept down because you only pay for one motor to power all machines.Disadvantage when using the machine you must really plane the procedure out other wise you'll be changing the machines around like crazy.
Somtimes you will have to change them around there's just no other way.
Two men using the machine is an imposability the machine that is on will not be the one the other guy wants.
The saw attachment that I have will cut 7cm=just under 3" at 90 degrees not a lot when you can get portable bench and circular saws that will cut 6" at 90 degrees.Just a tip to any one thinking of buying one of these machines if your doing a kitchen or bedroom refit with loads of doors and draws make at least one extra stile rail and mullion for the project.
The experience of flipping these machines around and setting them up
for one lousy piece of wood is something not to be enjoyed twice.
Having said all this the machine I have has payed for its self over and over again and thats all I ever ask of any tool that I buy.Hope this helps you some way Gene.
Billy

J F · 07-02-2008, 09:42 AM

I've currently got the PM66 3hp, used to have a 5hp delta unisaw, both great saws.

I got rid of the delta after a few years to buy....an accounting/job costing software package

....I know, pretty sad.

I used my dewalt portable for about 18 months until I got the powermatic.

But you know what ? I could build just about anything (that I've done) with any of the 3...from a $500 to a $2,500 saw.

I built all these on the dewalt portable, among other tools, not the big saws.

J