Table Saw Recommendations
 

I am thinking about replacing my current table saw (Ryobi BT3100) with a full size stationary tool. Although I had been looking at a Grizzly G0732 ($650), I think I prefer the G0661 ($825) for the cast iron table top and more powerful motor. Locally, someone is selling a Ridgid TS3650 on Craigslist for $350. Any thoughts on the quality of Grizzly tools versus Ridgid? The replacement cost for the Ridgid motor ($300) is making think twice about going used.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

Mike

I am leaning toward the Grizzly 0661 saw. For 300 bucks I get the Ridgid. How big is the fence? The ridgid should have a regular TEFC motor. It can replace with no issue (not 300 bucks). Pop another cheap Chinese motor in there and have another go. Motors usually don't go bad. I had a Grizzly saw like that a long time ago and it was fine.

I would say that the fit/finish and quality of the Ridgid saw would put the Grizzly to shame. I personally have a Delta - and it's about 15 years old.

I have had a couple Delta's I have a small one now. They are the standard to which table saws are measured.

I am using an INCA (Swiss) that is a loaner from friend, larger 220 Volt is awesome I fear parts are hard to find and expensive if it breaks.

I have a friend thats a pro cabinet maker that use Grizzly tools they are impressive.

Gibson guitar the acoustic division uses them as well. I am looking at their big vertical metal band saw.

They have come along way they, might be as as good as the big Asian power tool gets.

I also have a few Jet tools that are excellent.

I would not hesitate with Grizzly for the money.

I have a vintage craftsman. Cast iron. belt drive. Nice and stable. You can put a high end fence on it. Cost me $25 from a friend. Similar saws on Craigslist all day long for 100 - 150. Save some $$ and go used.

Good luck.
Larry

SawStop. Expensive, but not as expensive as losing your fingers.

The only thing that's important on a table is the fence, then the Trunnion. ONce its trued up, it should perform all day long. Some fo the cheaper saw will require constant monkeying with. I build a fence out of some angle iron, uni-strut, and a big old sq. alum. stock on my Grizzle contractor saw back when I started as a young and dumb cabinet maker.

for the OP, I don't think there is a 4-500 dollar difference in quality. If you want quality, comparing apples to apples, look no further then a Delta or Powermatic Contractor's 10" saw.

YOu should see the Inca table saws. Not to mention their woodworking bandsaws are beautiful.

[QUOTE=MT930;7111205]I have had a couple Delta's I have a small one now. They are the standard to which table saws are measured.

I am using an INCA (Swiss) that is a loaner from friend, larger 220 Volt is awesome I fear parts are hard to find and expensive if it breaks.

I have a friend thats a pro cabinet maker that use Grizzly tools they are impressive.

Gibson guitar the acoustic division uses them as well. I am looking at their big vertical metal band saw.

They have come along way they, might be as as good as the big Asian power tool gets.

I also have a few Jet tools that are excellent.





I would buy Grizzly or Jet for semi industrial or home use all day way before I get the ridig, but for 300 bucks, I look real hard at the ridgid.

Mike, Don't know your location, but if you're in NJ I've got a vintage craftsman (cast iron top) with an almost never used Delta Unifence I'd like to sell. I actually use the Ryobi that you have for the jobsite, Really like it with the built in router table.

I've owned a few Grizzly power tools: lathes, mills, shaper, but not the table saw. I've found the quality to be decent, and their customer support excellent.

For what it's worth I just fried the motor in my Delta. It's about 10 years old and not used very much. I feel it should have lasted longer.

I agree. I've had a JET for 15 years. I set the fence when I bought it and haven't touched it since. It is almost impossible to pull the fence out of line when it is locked down.

I'd call the grizzly stuff semi pro or entry level, looks a lot like the Craftex and King stuff the sell up here. I bet it all comes from the same Chinese factory.
To me this is an entry level saw and about the smallest I'd ever buy.
G1023RL 10" 3 HP 220V Cabinet Left-Tilting Table Saw

BTW all accidents on a table saw are operator error.

That may be, but keeping your digits is a good thing. ;) accidents do happen no matter how careful you are.

Agreed!

Actually I have to go back and disagree. I can't post the pic from my phone, but I have an example that could have caused a problem had the mill not sliced the wood the way they did. In this case it was a .22 lead bullet or pellet, but it had been hidden in that tree for many years unroll the saw mill sliced it up and I saw it as I was going over the board. Had it been cut differently and been a steel nail, that could have posed a big problem that would have been out of my control, no matter how careful I am. This is wood, there are hidden dangers.

You can say its always operator error, but when you lose a digit...

You have to expect those things going in. That way there won't be any 'accidents'. I have cut 3/16" steel and 1/2" aluminum plate on my saw. It's much different than cutting wood. If the tool malfunctions, that's an accident. If the operator f's up, that's not. And I still have all 9 fingers.:D

Let's put it another way. The SawStop is designed to protect you from your own operator mistakes. If you are around sharp, spinning blades, eventually you will get cut. Heck, my dad walks into his shop and starts bleeding. Doesn't even touch anything.

Agreed.