Table Saw buying advice

I'm looking for a new table saw in the $700 range +/-$100.

I really wanted to get a contractor saw like a Ridgid TS3650 or TS3660, but since there all of the Ridgid stationary table saws seemed to have become discontinued I'm back out searching for a good saw - primarily for woodworking - making guitars, cutting hard Maple... I would love to have 20" rip capacity and to be able to run a really thin blade to cut fret slots too.

Anyone have some advice on this?

Perhaps the Ridgid TS2410 is what I need...

Thanks in advance!
Mike

I'm partial too Grizzly stuff myself.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-2-HP-220V-Contractor-Left-Tilt-Tablesaw/G0438RLX

keep your eye on Craigslist, I have picked up some good tools for well below the cost of new.

As a carpenter for the last 40 years, I've had my share of tablesaws. The best one I've used so far, for the money is the Hitachi. It's a bit over $200, light, comes with a stand, and has an extremely accurate/square fence. Check it out, I absolutely love mine.

+1 on used on craigslist. There were a ton of guys during the good economy who bought 'man stuff' intending to do something with it and never got there... and now, brand new stuff is for sale and CHEAP.

I would also suggest craigslist lot good deals just have check every day. I would also try and find something with a belt drive. Hears one on Seattle craigslist about $200 over your budget might be worth checking out I would double check the HP seems low. http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/1620551465.html I’ve seen some deals even better than this just keeps watching this stuff pops up pretty often

This is what I have used for the past 8 years and love it.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00923448000P?keyword=table+saw

keep your eye on Craigslist, I have picked up some good tools for well below the cost of new.

+1 - Also look at Yard Sales. Good place for all kinds of tools.

In that price range and less you can get some of the excellent older cabinet saws from Delta, Rockwell, Powermatic. Extremely well built, 3hp motors, made in the US, will outlive you. No comparison to alot of the crap that is out there now. If you want to get into furniture building or whatever later, alot come with a 52" fence which is $400 alone.

Check this out http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/for/1620595247.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bfs/1623867803.html

Alot of good info here as well http://www.sawmillcreek.org/

In that price range and less you can get some of the excellent older cabinet saws from Delta, Rockwell, Powermatic. Extremely well built, 3hp motors, made in the US, will outlive you. No comparison to alot of the crap that is out there now. If you want to get into furniture building or whatever later, alot come with a 52" fence which is $400 alone.

Check this out http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/for/1620595247.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bfs/1623867803.html

Alot of good info here as well http://www.sawmillcreek.org/

I have to agree especially with the crap statement.

Excellent advise - I will look into these used options and let you know what I come up with. I'm a kind of afraid of getting something with a warn-out motor/bearings, but if the price is right perhaps parts are affordable.

If you can find one used, look for the Ryobi BT3100 (or the older BT3000). A great little saw with an integrated sliding miter table, but it was discontinued 3-4 years ago. Parts are still readily available...AND Sears has its own Craftsman Professional version with a folding, wheeled stand.

If you're going to get into furniture and hardwoods, you want the most horsepower you can get for the buck. My personal preference are the Delta saws with a 2 or 3 HP motor, belt drive. I don't worry about table surface area, that can be added to the saw, but the fence extension is pretty much a "must have". Agree 199% on Craigslist! There are also places that sell refurbished tools, but you have to take a gooooood look at them before you buy.

Excellent advise - I will look into these used options and let you know what I come up with. I'm a kind of afraid of getting something with a warn-out motor/bearings, but if the price is right perhaps parts are affordable.

Here's a 1940 model

http://www.owwm.com/photoindex/images/2184-A.jpg

And a newer model

http://home.hiwaay.net/~taylorc/avocations/woodworking/unisaw.jpg

Hasn't changed much in 70 years. That say's something for the quality doesn't it? No problem finding parts at all. The saw is still being made today so part's are readily available.

If you do find an older saw that needs work this web sight is a good source for parts it might give you an idea of what you’re getting into. My friend just had his 3hp Powermatic motor rebuilt $250 (new $510) if you do buy a cabinet type saw will most likely be the last you will buy. http://www.toolsandmachinery.com/

There will be no problem buying an excellent new table saw in your price range.

Basically, if you intend on cutting hardwoods thicker than an inch very often you will want something that is 220 Volt capable. The saw will simply run better on two hot legs instead of one hot leg (110 volts).

Here should be your main concerns.

1. Good heavy, sturdy, flat table. Solid cast iron or granite. I do not like stamped steel or plastic.
2. At least 1 1/2 HP motor. 2 HP or greater is really the way to go.
3. AN EXCELLENT FENCE. A fence makes or breaks a table saw. When you look at table saws play with the fences. See which ones line up the best and move the easiest.
4. Rip Capacity. For what you are willing to spend, settle for nothing less than 36".
5. Dust collection. On a contractor style saw, basically dust collection is not going to be of much concern as dust is going to get everywhere. Cabinet saws will have a closed in metal cabinet.
6. Riving Knife. This serves for both safety and practicallity.
7. Portabillity. Does it have kick down casters so you can roll it out of the way.

Considering all those factors.

Check out Grizzly. They should have some big sales coming up this spring.
Craftsman Proffesional Series Cabinet Saws are of excellent quality. But remember their contractor saws generally suck.
Jet and Powermatic have a 4 day sale going on right now.
Delta is ussually always a good saw.
Hitachi is another Lowes/HomeDepot available saw of excellent quality.


Whatever saw you choose. You need a good blade, ussually an upgrade from what comes int he box, a good fence, and a great setup.