LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

New table saw suggestions?

1K views 17 replies 12 participants last post by  WilsonLR 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi, I've been looking for a while for a reasonably priced used table saw. I've got a few projects done with a horrible direct drive skill saw; a deck extension, an arched greenhouse and a few skin on frame canoes. I'd really like something better but everything local is either way overpriced, old and broken (or both) or gone in minutes. If you get out of San Diego then there are a lot more options but I also don't really want to drive 3-4 hours to pick one up so I figured I'd look into new and ask for recommendations here. I've searched the forums and generally check here first for reviews if something used comes up but I've got some unusual needs.

First off I don't have a lot of space and I don't plan on making large cuts on sheet goods so a normal sized top and small fence are fine. The most important use for me is to rip and resaw lumber for stringers and ribs to be steam bent or laminated so a strong motor and stable blade that holds alignment is a priority. There's not room in the garage for working and parking so a new saw will need to be moveable but I'd rather have heavy (stable) and unwieldy than light and easy to move. Finally, I don't want really any 'options', I'm capable of making a sled and jigs as required so I'd prefer to have as few feature as possible.

Basically looking for a new bare bones table saw that's solid, cheap and will last.

Any suggestions?
 
See less See more
#2 ·
You didn't mention anything about budget. If cost is a big factor, I'd probably recommend a hybrid saw from Grizzly. If there's a little more to spend, Sawstop makes great saws and the safety feature is icing on the cake.

Availability might be a factor too, given the global supply chain nightmare.
 
#4 ·
You can't go wrong with Harvey. They're a proven saw, having built for Grizzly and other manufacturers. They provide great service, and their prices are reasonable.

Another option would be Oliver. The crew over there provides top notch support, and every machine I've ever gotten from them was built like a tank, and ready to use, after some basic assembly. They test each machine before it's shipped, and crate every shipment. However, you will pay more for their saws.
 
#5 ·
1) Check out KnotScott's blogs on TS choice.

2) Not enough information provided for me to agree your needs are unique.
Reads like a normal WW?

- We all have space problems.
FWIW - A contractor saw has larger foot print than a cabinet saw, as motor hangs off the back; but table/fence are same size. Can get cabinet saw with mobile base and short 32" fence and meets your stated needs. Unisaw saw base is ~22×22", Powermatic is ~22×24". Standard Unisaw top depth is 27", PM and some others use 28-30" top depth. Delta latest TS design has moved both the tilt/elevation wheels to front, which reduces the space required on side. Can cut the 36" Biesemeyer fence down to 24" if you have really small shop.
Point being, need to carefully outline your space constraints to find a good solution.

- You want 'strong motor and stable blade'?
Then you need 240v power to run a 3-5HP TS, using a full kerf width blade. Strong and stable saws are never cheap when new. On less expensive side; Grizzly offers a robust small footprint (short fence) G1023RL in 3HP and 5HP made in Taiwan, that has been work horse for years. Otherwise, you are looking at Oliver, PM, Delta, or Sawstop.
If you don't have power available, then only option is 1.5-1.75HP hybrid cabient saw and your machine choices become very narrow.

3) Brand suggestions? You get what you pay for.

What used to a great brand is now a so-so brand, across the entire market. Newest brands are unproven. Who knows how long part support will be available? Never know if US OEM is going to change mfg source, and your new tool ends up no longer made, and no longer supported next month, or in 5 years?
If you only want a tool to last a couple years, then don't care; but if you want tool to last lifetime; choices get interesting. Easy access to parts for old tools is one reason some tools in used market sell instantly.

The whole sale move of WW equipment mfg from Taiwan (where it was for decades), to China for lower cost, and back to Taiwan when tariffs were added by former president; has added a lot of stress to supply chain during last 5-7 years. Discount tool sellers simply stopped supporting many China produced tools. The mid-range OEM, did usual thing and provided a max 2-5 year parts window. The high end OEM (like Delta/PM), claim they will keep buying parts from China mfg; and supporting customers as long as part mfg still makes the part.

+1 Oliver is solid mid-range price option.
My reason my seem strange to some. Never owned a new Oliver, only antique versions. Only complaints I read on new stuff is where parts are out of stock, and takes several months to get a new part made overseas.
I like that Chiu Ting Machinery Co, or Geetech is a major investor, when the Old Oliver brand was sold off to private group, and is making most of the machines. Buying Geetech produced machinery is seldom a poor choice, at least until China attacks Taiwan.

PS - I don't buy any large WW tools new anymore, unless I am using some else's money and need the warranty and service/support spelled out as part of sales contact to reduce overall business costs.
Now retired, I hunt for solid old rusty stuff to refurbish so it can provide another 30-50 years of use.

Best Luck with decision!
 
#8 ·
I appreciate all the feedback but thought the 'cheap' requirement and that I was looking for reasonably priced used saws indicated a budget. I like the comparison that any idiot can pick a good bottle of wine for $500 but it takes an expert to pick a good $7 bottle. I'm here asking experts. :) I also especially don't want to end up paying $500 for a $7 bottle…

So, I have 220 but not 3-phase available. I'd like to spend under $1000 but much less is better. I'm completely open to a jobsite or benchtop like the jet 708315 thinking I'd knock together a sturdy stand if there's any that compare well to a budget cabinet saw.

CaptainKlutz, that link's dead. Did you mean his "The ABCs of Table Saws "?

Robert, looks great but definitely not cheap.

Thanks again.
 
#9 ·
CaptainKlutz, that link s dead. Did you mean his "The ABCs of Table Saws "? - Scott
Apologies for bad link.
The link I posted was for 'Quick Links to Knotscott's Reference Blogs', Beyond the article on 'ABC's of Table Saws' includes good education material on saw blade selection - a key part of matching the TS to project:
https://www.lumberjocks.com/knotscott/blog/46865

If budget is $1K, then (IMHO) you are stuck in no tool zone, all thanks to glorious 2021 price increases.

New tool choice below $1000 are limited to lower cost 1.5-2HP contractor saws or a job site TS. Most of the hybrid cabinet TS are in $1200-1300 range. Even a 'cheap' 3HP cabinet TS with short fence are $1500+ right now.

If I was looking to spend $1K or less, there would be ONE key decision to make:
Minimum foot print or strong and stable?
They tend to mutually exclusive IME using TS over many decades.

For strong and stable; used 3HP Unisaw would be my goal. Sure, you give up a new riving knife, but disappearing splitter works extremely well and is easy to add to any right tilt model. If can afford little higher, then pick up a new Grizzly, Jet, or Harvey hybrid TS. All three are similar in performance. Once you have used a cabinet TS, job site saw will seem like a kids toy, and won't even want a smaller again.

For minimum size (till you build the new work shop in back yard); would to focus on a larger model job site TS. The only job site TS I have used in last 5 years is Bosch Reaxx. Contractor friend of mine loves his Reaxx saw. Has flesh sensing tech (like SS), and is only sold in Canada as SS patents won't let them sell it in USA. With the current exchange rate might actually be within the budget, excluding travel. The cartridges are sold in US online, and not uncommon to find used Reaxx TS in a city near US northern border.

Best Luck!
 
#10 ·
I like my Harvey. C-300 which is basically the Griz 690. Solid 3 HP 220V cabinet saw with a riving knife. Any saw can be made portable. You can retrofit a Unisaw with a riving knife. Personally, I won't use a saw without a riving knife.

Sure, SawStops are nice saws and if you can pay for one, you won't be sorry. I found job-site saws scary as they are just not stable enough for me. I won't get near a bench top.

If your need is ripping stock for bending, is a TS the right tool? You may do better with a decent 14 inch band saw. I find I use my BS now more than the TS. Harvey C-30, but the Rikon and Laguna are great.
 
#11 ·
If you look at jobsite saws, make sure it takes a dadoset as some do not. Some have micro adjustable fences, some do not. I went with Skilsaw worm drive for the power. Except for what comes out the insert, the DC is excellent. The Skilsaw design includes a piece that fully covers the blade even when tilted which maximizes vacuum and keeps dust off the floor and on the internals. In-feed size is an issue to consider with jobsite saws. However, you can spend lots more on something like a Laguna F1 or Jet ProShop and not get much more in-feed. YMMV
 
#12 ·
<$1000 you're looking at either a used saw or a cheaper hybrid like a Rigid or DeWalt. From what I've heard and read they will take you so far and you'll probably wish you had a better machine.

I am very biased here, but I don't consider a table saw with a universal motor a "buy good/buy one" type machine.

Used saws are getting harder to find. I think lots of people who were thinking about getting a new one are hanging on to them due to the economy and supply issues.
 
#14 ·
A guy in my woodworking club has a 50's Wadkin 18" tablesaw. It even has a riving knife! He says he'll be retiring soon and will let it go cheap. I'm thinking, where the heck do you buy 18" tablesaw blades? Would likely have to get a fair sized picker truck to move it as well. Sorry for deflecting your thread but for $500 plus….. Ha!
 
#15 ·
A guy in my woodworking club has a 50 s Wadkin 18" tablesaw. It even has a riving knife! He says he ll be retiring soon and will let it go cheap. I m thinking, where the heck do you buy 18" tablesaw blades? Would likely have to get a fair sized picker truck to move it as well. Sorry for deflecting your thread but for $500 plus….. Ha!

- Foghorn
I just sold an 1800 lb Tannewitz for not much more. Those heavy old saws are great but the large blades for the direct drive motors make them noisy and they're really best if not moved around. I had meant to use it but honestly it scared me as I've got used to the break on my other saw. Some of the old ones have a break though.
 
#16 ·
I"ve noticed here in Phoenix, and surrounding areas has been some barn burning sales, cabinet saws going cheap, a lot cheaper than i would have fingered. me thinks the pandemchiate buys are coming up for sale. i have picked up a gaggle of wood and misc. small tools for cheap.
good luck, hope the budget allows a decent cabinet saw, most have relatively small print, and are work horses
rj in az
 
#17 ·
I"ve noticed here in Phoenix, and surrounding areas has been some barn burning sales, cabinet saws going cheap, a lot cheaper than i would have fingered. .... - Knockonit
+100

Phoenix/Tucson used tool market is generally a good place to buy used tools. The sales come in waves, and need to have patience; but can find most any industrial quality wood working tool. There is constant re-circulation of used cabient saws, thanks to newly retired transplant folks into wood working; while the oldest wood workers downsize for move into assisted living space.

Can usually find a sub-$200 Unisaw 1-2 times a year? Occasionally I might even be fast enough reading the email notification from CL to actually buy them too. :) They are fun to refurbish and give a new lease on life.

Unisaw in $400-$500 range are plentiful. Will see 1-2 listed every month. Most have been in storage for 5-10 years (or more), some minor rust, and usually need some work to return to service; but they are plentiful in SW desert. Cabinet saws in running order can always be found in PHX in the $1200-$1500 range.

I digress, but a 40-50's vintage Delta 14" bandsaw with original retirement light, listed today for $35. A mangle retirement light alone sells for $50-100 to restoration freaks. Was getting a hair cut, and even responding 10 minutes after add posted was too slow to snatch that deal. See, it's November and snow birds are returning; which means a lot more competition compared to summer sales. :(.

Need to treat the used tool buying process just like buying a used car. Can not just surf to Craigslist/Facebook-Market-place/Offer-up for a few minutes, and claim none are available. If you want a used tool, you have to learn how to shop for them.

Cheers!
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top