Any experience with 12" Shopfox cabinet saw?

[Hdale85]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with any of their cabinet saws? How accurate can they be? How good is the standard fence? I have an opportunity to get one of these

http://www.woodstockint.com/Products/w1761/

At a very good price locally. Just wondering if it's a good buy or not. The guy wants to sell it to me for ~1000 bucks and its practically new. It looks decent but it's hard to find tool reviews anywhere.

[Hdale85]

Ok so upon further investigation it appears that Wood Stock Int is owned by Grizzly and the Shop Fox tools are very similar to many of the Grizzly models.

[seattle_ice]

That saw is a $2000+ saw. If it is in good shape, $1000 is an excellent price.

[Hdale85]

Yeah that's why I'm trying to find some info about it. I haven't looked at it yet, want to make sure it's something worth buying before wasting my time. It seems that the Shop Fox stuff is rather good though and it's owned by the same people as Grizzly. 12" Blade and supposedly the fence that comes with it is incredibly nice. I'm a bit unsure because if I buy it it'll be in storage for some time hah. But it may be something I can't pass up.

[seattle_ice]

Their stock fences are very good pieces. So are the riving knives. And the rip capacity of 52" is enviable.

[Steidl Guitars]

If you're in the market for a serious table saw, this place has the last remaining stock of 3 HP Delta Unisaws which they just updated after about 100 years.

http://www.woodwerks.com/delta-36812r-right-tilt-unisaw-230v-rails-fence-p-5875.html

A terrific saw, of course, at a better than used price. Wish I had 220v in my shop!

[Rolex]

If you're in the market for a serious table saw, this place has the last remaining stock of 3 HP Delta Unisaws which they just updated after about 100 years.

http://www.woodwerks.com/delta-36812r-right-tilt-unisaw-230v-rails-fence-p-5875.html

A terrific saw, of course, at a better than used price. Wish I had 220v in my shop!

Wow, that's depressing. I bought mine about a year and a half ago and paid $1650 shipped to me. I was thrilled with that price, at the time Woodcraft wanted close to $2000. For $699, that's an insane price. You can add 220v if you don't have it, I did.

[savage25xtreme]

If you're in the market for a serious table saw, this place has the last remaining stock of 3 HP Delta Unisaws which they just updated after about 100 years.

http://www.woodwerks.com/delta-36812r-right-tilt-unisaw-230v-rails-fence-p-5875.html

A terrific saw, of course, at a better than used price. Wish I had 220v in my shop!

Max. Depth of Cut: 3 1/8"



Doug, I would be on that shopfox like stink on poo, if its in good shape.

[Hdale85]

Yeah I'm looking for a 12" Cabinet saw for the cutting depth as well as the stability of a cabinet saw.

[Steidl Guitars]

Rolex, you've got a great saw though this is undeniably the deal of a lifetime.

And the rest of you guys scare me! I don't think I've ever seen anyone using a 12" saw outside of an industrial environment. If I'm cutting something >3" thick, I'm using a bandsaw!

[savage25xtreme]

Rolex, you've got a great saw though this is undeniably the deal of a lifetime.

And the rest of you guys scare me! I don't think I've ever seen anyone using a 12" saw outside of an industrial environment. If I'm cutting something >3" thick, I'm using a bandsaw!

my only motivation to have anything that will cut more than 3"

Ardents

I can assure you, I have never used a band saw that cut straight enough for facets.

that unisaw is an amazing deal, so much so I emailed to to some of my local friends that use contractor saws and would like to upgrade.

[Steidl Guitars]

I wondered if the Ardents were the reason. Don't get me wrong, if you've got the space and can use something like that, then more power to you. I'm just jealous as I only have a contractor's saw, albeit a respectable one.

I've done a lot of resawing on my bandsaw (only a Jet 18") and getting a sufficiently straight cut isn't too difficult. The bigger issue here would be holding material that size on the smallish table securely.

[savage25xtreme]

I wondered if the Ardents were the reason. Don't get me wrong, if you've got the space and can use something like that, then more power to you. I'm just jealous as I only have a contractor's saw, albeit a respectable one.

I've done a lot of resawing on my bandsaw (only a Jet 18") and getting a sufficiently straight cut isn't too difficult. The bigger issue here would be holding material that size on the smallish table securely.

most 10" contractor saws will cut more than 3-1/8" ... but give up accuracy to the unisaw. I require mobility in my shop however, so a contractor saw like the new ridgid is in my future. I have the cash sitting in my dresser drawer waiting to go get it

[Hdale85]

Yes the Ardents are a big reason I want a 12" saw but I also plan on doing a lot of other stuff with it as well. It just seems like a great deal and heck if I can get a 12" saw for less then a 10" cabinet saw then I don't see much reason not to. Eventually I will have a full blown wood/light metals shop so I should have space for it. For now it would sit in the storage unit I already have rented out.

[Rolex]

heck if I can get a 12" saw for less then a 10" cabinet saw then I don't see much reason not to.

...you get what you pay for - usually. Don't forget, blades that size are going to cost you.

[Steidl Guitars]

most 10" contractor saws will cut more than 3-1/8"

My Delta cuts only 3-1/8", I just checked. Still, I'd be a nervous wreck with anymore blade exposed than that!

And congrats on the upcoming purchase!

[Hdale85]

...you get what you pay for - usually. Don't forget, blades that size are going to cost you.

Does that mean the Shop Fox is not good? This is why I made this thread.

[Rolex]

Does that mean the Shop Fox is not good? This is why I made this thread.

Not necessarily, just saying that just because you find a tool for a cheap price doesn't mean it is the right one for you. As an example, I would not buy a 12" saw over a 10" saw because it costs less. I would take everything into consideration including brand and type of motor, drive system of the saw, fence system, and miter gauge.

I have not personally used any shopfox equipment, though I've talked with people that have. In my mind one of the things that makes or breaks the saw is the rip fence system. I use the delta unifence, which I love, but is not for everyone. I also am familiar with the beismeyer, which I think is very good, but do not know what the shopfox uses.

My biggest suggestion is if you are willing to spend $1000 on a saw, check around, look what the use market has to offer, as well as the new market and make sure the shopfox is the one that best fits your needs.

[Brandon B]

My friend has the Grizzly 3HP 10" cabinet saw, and it is a very decent saw for the price. They are made in China, but Grizzly does a very good post-casting process of cleanup and machining of the castings. I'd compare it very favorably to my Powermatic 64 (their "nice" contractor's saw).

The Shop Fox is very likely a good saw, especially at that price.

But as noted, you will be paying significantly more for blades.

[Hdale85]

I don't mind the extra cost of the blades.

I've also researched heavily into the fence it uses and what not and it's supposed to be extremely good. They compare it to the beismeyer quite a bit and say it's of a similar design and functions very well. Most of the reviews I've seen say it doesn't require much setup either and that in a lot of cases it comes out perfectly true after assembly. So this surely isn't just a cheaply made cabinet saw and I didn't mean to imply that the reason I'd buy it is that it's cheaper then some of the 10" cabinet saws. The whole reason I made this thread was to try and find out information about the brand and I've found some and it seems to be very favorable. The saw originally MSRP'd for something like 3200 bucks and seems to be built extremely well. Especially at the 1k dollar price point.

[Paul Ebert]

If you're in the market for a serious table saw, this place has the last remaining stock of 3 HP Delta Unisaws which they just updated after about 100 years.

http://www.woodwerks.com/delta-36812r-right-tilt-unisaw-230v-rails-fence-p-5875.html

A terrific saw, of course, at a better than used price. Wish I had 220v in my shop!

Looks like they are sold out... :cry:

[Steidl Guitars]

Looks like they are sold out... :cry:

In that case Dougie, buy the shop fox!

From what I have read and seen but never used, shop fox tools are good value for money, and will serve you well. They are a long way from junk.

I suspect, however, that they may not be quite up to the quality of the Delta stuff that is made in the U.S. Perhaps the castings may not be quite as good, the trunnion not as heavy, and the resale value will be lower. But we're talking the last 5% here. Will that matter to you? It depends on you, I guess. It probably wouldn't matter for me, a weekend warrior.

I bet you'd be happy, especially for $1,000, which is roughly what I paid for my lesser saw.

[Mazeroth]

Doh! When did you find out about this? This place is literally 20 minutes from me.

If you're in the market for a serious table saw, this place has the last remaining stock of 3 HP Delta Unisaws which they just updated after about 100 years.

http://www.woodwerks.com/delta-36812r-right-tilt-unisaw-230v-rails-fence-p-5875.html

A terrific saw, of course, at a better than used price. Wish I had 220v in my shop!

[Erich H]

Doh! When did you find out about this? This place is literally 20 minutes from me.

Yeh, that's a shame they're now out of stock. I probably would have bought one.



Dougie085, if you don't buy that saw, I might consider it. Like you though, I don't know too much about that brand. But I am in need of a decent table saw.

[Hdale85]

Well supposedly Grizzly has one of the most precise ground tops and apparently the Shop Fox shares the same top? I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick it up after looking at it and what not of course.

[Curly Woods]

Does that mean the Shop Fox is not good? This is why I made this thread.

Grizzly owns Shop Fox. There is absolutely not a better deal in all of woodworking. They do require a little setup normally, but they are built as well as any cabinet saw from Taiwan (Delta included). I own a Jet cabinet saw and the Grizzly/Shop Fox are equally as good. Table saws are very simply wood working tools. The fence on the Grizzly/Shop Fox is a Beismeyer clone, the industry standard for any cabinet shop. There are more expensive fences, but none as durable.

A 12" saw does increase your cutting depth, but the blades are indeed more expensive, more so because they are not as common as 10" blades. You will not wear that saw out in your lifetime, I promise you that! Compare them to any saw and at anywhere close to their prices. It's a no brainer to the vast majority of serious woodworkers. That is why Grizzly has almost ran ever other woodworking tool manufacturer out of business these days. Nothing (Delta included) in woodworking for the consumer is made state side anymore except for the brand new "revised" Unisaw that was released earlier this year (over $3K when I last looked). All other Delta woodworking tools are also made in Taiwana nd have been for years. Even the worshiped Powermatic is Taiwan made, as well as the Saw Stop table saws are made in Taiwan (the safest and one of the best as well) You will enjoy that big Shop Fox :-) The only thing better would be a european style sliding table saw and to get one of these of good quality, you are looking in the $7K and above range. Felder sliding table saws are very nice, but not many hobbyist woodworkers can justify the cost, unless you are a dedicated woodworker and have the bucks. I have a friend that has an Altendorf F45, but he is a big custom furniture maker ($20K+ saw :E )

[Rolex]

Who needs a sliding table saw when you have an excaliber sliding table? I believe curly is correct. Only the new delta unisaw is made here and the powermatic 66.

I am not a fan of the saw stop, but it certainly is well constructed and a very nice saw. Coming from overseas does not mean poor quality. Companies can choose to put some good quality control in place and end up with a very well made product.

[Hdale85]

Ok so I finally went and looked at this saw and for some reason it didn't want to come on. It wasn't nearly new looking either so I decided to just pass. He contacted me a bit later and said it was working now but I just didn't feel right about it after that.

So I'm looking at a couple other saws one. One of which is a 10" Shop Fox again. I'm not sure which way I want to go. I think I'm leaning towards the Shop Fox because it seems I get much more for my money. But my question is would you guys go for a crazy good brand contractor saw that has less features? Or something like the shop fox? these are the 2 models I'm looking at

http://www.powermatic.com/Products.aspx?Part=1791228K&cat=332230

http://www.woodstockint.com/Products/w1711ext3/

Space isn't an issue and I'm not worried about moving it around either. I'm really leaning towards the cabinet saw. Both are about the same price, in fact the Powermatic is actually about 9 bucks more.

[Steidl Guitars]

I own a Delta contractor's saw that looks very much like the Powermatic you're considering. It serves me well. But based on reading the pages you sent, the Shop Fox looks to be a much heftier unit.

If the reviews are good, and reviewers indicate the saw to be well-built and the fence good (important!), I suspect I'd go with the Shop Fox.

Be sure to buy a really good blade or two and spend as much time as necessary to set it up carefully when you first get it, and I bet you'll be thrilled.

[Hdale85]

Yes, I plan on buying a Freud Non Ferrous metal blade as well as a couple normal Freud blades. I'll be doing some light aluminum work.

Also the Shop Fox fence is supposed to be quite nice and a Bessemeyer Clone. I think for the money the Shop Fox is a better option, at least for me at this time.

[Paul Ebert]

Personally, I don't think I'd buy any new saw that did not have a riving knife. That said, you may be interested in one of these Grizzly's that are on sale:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/category.aspx?key=530000&special=1&pdf=25

[Steidl Guitars]

I've got to agree with Paul; I wish my saw had one... Here's a Grizzly with riving knoife, 50" rip, 3 HP Leeson motor, and free shipping:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-3HP-220V-Cabinet-Table-Saw-with-Long-Rails-Riving-Knife/G0691

Tools are fun ;-)

[Hdale85]

Hmm....very nice pricing. Wonder how long that sale is lasting.

[Hdale85]

Hmm... you guys are killing me here lol. I'm not really planning on purchasing anything until ~feb. Right now working on the garage getting it setup for all these new tools. With that being said that 3hp Grizzly for like 890 shipped sure looks nice. Now you have me looking for riving knife tables though.

[JoshK]

I saw on a woodworking forum, think it might have been sawmillcreek, that Jet is having a 15% off sale and toolnet.com was honoring the sale with free shipping. You might do a search. But the Grizzlys still come out cheaper I think.

[Hdale85]

Yea I can't do it right now gotta wait until tax returns so hopefully there are some good deals then.

[wmilas]

I'm a tool junkie. Here are my 2 cents. Dunno if they mater, take them with a grain of salt:

1) Unless you are cutting hardwoods, just skip the cabinet 220/320/440 volt saws and get a good contractor or hybrids contractor/ cabinet at 120v. Yes the 220 is Very nice, yes its super smooth, but its NOT need unless you are cutting 3 inch thick runs of hard maple.

2) Do NOT buy a saw without a Riving knife. I'm not talking about a splitter, make sure it has a riving knife. Its such a dramatic improvement over a splitter its a no brainer.

3) Make sure its belt driven not direct drive. I'm not aware of any units that have a riving knife that are direct drive so tis pretty much a moot point.

4) Don't worry so much about the fence and the miter gauge. After a few weeks of serious use, unless its a VERY high quality unit (Powematic, Saw stop, ect) You will spend a few buck and buy yourself a new fence and a sled with a mitre option.

5) Seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY consider a Festool plunge saw and rail system instead if you are tight on space. If you go cabinet saw it NEEDS an large infeed and outfeed table. I'm not talking its nice, I'm talking its a requirement to use a cabinet saw to the precision it deserves. Festool stuff is ridiculously expensive. However since buying a plunge saw I find the only thing I use my cabinet saw for is cutting very thick hardwoods. I use the plunge for everything else. Its fast, easy, and quite frankly knocks down sheet stock with less effort than my cabinet. Hell You can use it as a panel saw in a vertical position!

Its to the point where I'm having a hard time justifying the cabinet with my space constraints. The hard wood thickness issue can be solved if I build out a larger table for my bandsaw. At that point I'm not sure why I need a cabinet saw for my usage patterns besides sentimental reasons.

If my use pattern was different there would be very good reasons to pick a cabinet over a plunge with rails, but its pretty specific (Ie commercial cabinet construction with many of the same cuts over and over again).

Hope this helps.

[jeffc]

Hey there

You may want to check out Steel City as well I have one and love ti. The Profence system is very nice and no need to upgrade it. These are a bit on the spendy side but very nice IMO.

As a note all new saws are mandated to have the riving knives now. The plunge saw advice is also good. I have the DeWalt verison and love using it on sheet goods