Table Saw Recommendations
 

I am finally upgrading from my current table saw (Ryobi) to a larger more capable unit. I am focused on Ridgid's large contractor saw (TS3660) or their portable saw (TS2400). I have a dedicated shop so space is not a real issue, although the flexibility of being able to haul the saw is somewhat appealing. The price is not a real discriminator since I've found the portable at one HD for $350 (I think it was an open box) and the contractor saw is on clearance for $360.

The saw will be used for home projects.

Thanks,

Mike

http://www.sawstop.com/

My dad is big into woodworking and recently got this one.

Yup, SawStop. Have been around one since they came out...

And it really does work!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1226725818.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1226726133.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1226725855.jpg

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/730/dsc4140smdj1.jpg

BTW, the blade above was not really damaged. Forrest trued it and resharpened it.

If you do trip the saw, cartridges can be had at most tool stores. No need to order online. You do need a separate cartridge for dado blades.

The saw stop saw looks to be a great tool but it is way outside my budget...any thoughts on either of the Ridgid tools?

I only know about SawStop and Delta. Can't help with Ridgid, sorry.

I have to ask......what did you finger look like? Sorry if this is me being too forward.

Finger is fine! It was a miter gauge that tripped the cartridge. The gauge was set to clear the blade, then adjusted slightly and was never rechecked. Hands were a good foot away from the blade.

There is a video, showing the creator actually sticking his finger in a blade. Not even a scratch.
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/11/21/video-sawstop-inventor-puts-his-finger-in-a-sawstop/

Seems expensive, until you price in the cost of a couple of amputated fingers.

The inventor joked that there were an awful lot of hot dogs sacrificed in the name of R&D for this product.

The Ridgid contractor saw looks good for the price. That's the one I'd choose.

I saw a review on tv of the portable one--it got a good review. I've had my eye on that one too. I like the idea of portability.

I have compared the Harbor Freight belt driven saw to the Delta Contrators saw many times. I can't seem to find any difference except price and the color of the paint. I had a Delta Cont. belt driven in shop use and it produced nice cuts all day long, every day.

I keep telling people that a really quality blade will make lesser saw much better. I have the Ryobi now only because it came my way cheap. so I got rid of an old timer that I couldn't move around well.

I have a Delta 10" Tilting Arbor Saw I'm looking to get rid of. It comes with a 50-850 dust collector.

Rigid is made by Ryobi.

I just sold a 52" Unisaw completely dressed out with a 50-851 and Jet 14-inch band saw for 1500.

Loved that saw but it had been in storage for far to long.

Heavy is the best bet for a furniture grade saw. But the blade and adjustment make all the difference.

I found that out while on my quest for THE saw. In any event, I guess Ryobi is positioned as the consumer grade stuff much like Skil is positioned that way relative to Bosch branded tools.

Thanks for all the great comments.
Mike

Some more info on that saw I'm selling. Link......