[ras61]

Mike, what made you choose the 690 over the 1023? The only discernable difference I can see is the Lesson motor in the 690. Thanks.

PS Beautiful shop, it's plain to see why you're so happy!

 

[HorizontalMike]

I actually had the G1023 on order at the time, but kept getting availability delays from Grizzly (it was new at the time) and I finally decided to just go ahead and take delivery of a G690. That ended up being the very best thing I could have done, IMO. The G690 has a proven track record, and at the time I originally placed my order, the G1023 did not.

Both ended up being good saws, though I have read where the G1023s DC have a slight tendency to clog more easily due to the shroud design (catches larger cutoff scraps more easily).

 

[onesojourner]

I absolutely love my 691. It is my first cabinet saw, my other experience has been with 2 craftsman job site saws both total crap and now dead, 1 craftsman, 1 delta and 1 genreal contractor saws. I went into the show room probably 50 times trying to decide between the 1023 and 691. I may be wrong here but I was told that the 690/691 is almost the same design as the old 1023 from several years back with the added benefit of a riving knife. For me it ultimately came down to the fence. I like how the fence on the 690 wraps around the front of the rail, so that it has less play when you have the fence unlocked and slide it along.

 

[knotscott]

LOL….Mike's pic says it all!

 

[MLR]

I just bought a Powermatic PM 1000. 10", 1.75 hp, 30" rip,110 volt. Under $2000 from Amazon free shipping. I'm very pleased with it.

 

[woodchuckerNJ]

personally I would go for the 3hp saw stop. For more than one reason.

1. Safety
2. Fit finish.
3. 10" is all you need, and 3hp is powerful enough to do what you need.
4. Dust collection is great.

 

[ras61]

Woodchucker - I'm sure the Saw Stop is fine machine, and at twice the price it should be, but I'm afraid it's a little out of my price range. But if I ever hit the lottery…?

 

[SWCPres]

Look for a used Jet Xacta or a used Delta Unisaw. I got my Jet JTAS 10XL for $325 on CL. Only needed a blade and was missing the blade guard (which I don't use a lot anyway). Those good deals are there, you just have to play that wonderful patience game. Don't be afraid to kick the tires on it too. Another option is IRS Auctions (not the Internal Revenue Service). I often see Powermatics and other more production style saws coming up there at reasonable prices. Now the ultimate deal is to find a recently divorced ex of a WWer. Buddy of mine just got a cadillac Unisaw with overhead dust collection and outfeed table for trade of some cleanup and work around the property.

 

[ras61]

Thanks for all the input everyone, it has been immensely helpful! I'm in no rush to make a decision, so will continue to take my time and consider any and all interesting used offerings that may come my way, but if Grizzly has an enticing sale in the near future, I can definitely envision a 1023 landing in my garage.

 

[darthford]

You want a G0696X (waves jedi hand)

 

[Whiskers]

I didn't read every post on here, but before I bought my saw, a 1023, I did extensive research. The 690 and 1023 are very similar. They cost nearly the same and do the same job, but each does have a strength or two over the other, but only by a small margin. I can't remember which has which, but one of them is better for dust collection which is important if your shop is more enclosed. The 1023 is Taiwanese built and supposedly has a slightly superior motor. There were other slight differences tween the two and I opted for the 1023rlx version. Either way, I would advise paying the extra for the long table version of the saw. Also get the mobile stand, it not the best but it does work. You could build a stand for it if you want, Actually that would be a great idea. The 1023 is also prettier, if that matters to you. The 690 is a big fugly green thing where the 1023 is mostly white with green trim. The best forum posts comparing the two are unfortunately on different but similar forums than this, google "Grizzly 690 vs 1023 forum" and you will find them.

 

[ScomelBasses]

Whiskers, are you sure you bought a 1023 and not a 690? Because the 690 is white and the 1023 is green Ihad this very same decision a couple years ago and went with the 1023. It is an awesome machine. I called up to Grizzly and spoke with a tech, not a salesman, and asked which saw he'd buy if he had to choose. He did not hesitate and answered the 1023. He gave several reasons, none of which I remember. As for the dust shroud, I never had an issue, it always worked great and never clogged. In use, though, either saw is capable of getting the job done to satisfaction. Pick either one and know you have a great saw.

For full disclosure I did sell my 1023 after about a year and bought a SawStop 3hp PCS.

 

[onesojourner]

I concur, Whiskers you missed something. The 690 is white with the foreign made but possibly superior leeson motor.

 

[carver1942]

If I had 220V to my work area, I would have bought a 690. The 1023 is also a great saw, but for my tastes I like the 690. You won't go wrong with either one. The trunnions are connected to the cabinet not the cast iron table, so blade alignment is much easier if it needs adjustment. Whichever you choose, good luck, and enjoy it.
Ed

 

[Whiskers]

Yeah I confess to a altheimers moment. It is the 690 I bought. For me one of the main reasons I bought the one I did was cause Grizzly had been out of stock for months on the other and there was no sign they were going to get any more in any time soon, so it was keep waiting for many more months, or go ahead and take the plunge. I been perfectly happy with the saw though. I do plan to replace the mobile stand I bought for it with something more stable. There is a bit more flex to the arrangement than I would like. Also there is a lot of wasted room under the long table and I believe I could take better advantage of that space. Will have to be creative cause of the way dust collection is done but it is doable. At the moment I don't use any dust collection as I keep it right near my garage door, so I just push it out the door when I want to use it and let god deal with it.