Upgrade! Table Saw Suggestions

[wildfire99]

Here I go again. It looks like I need to upgrade my Bosch 5000 table saw because it's broken. So it's table saw upgrade time.

I don't have a dedicated shop space so setting up a giant Unisaw rig isn't going to happen. I don't really want another lightweight contractor saw though, maybe something in between on rollers. I also don't have dedicated power so no 240v three-phase things.

The two contenders on my list are the always-popular Ridgid TS3650, and the Delta 36-980. Both are around $600 after tax on the Ridgid, which is about the most I feel like spending unless the saw will clean the shop floor too.

Are there any other models I should be considering?

[dawaro]

I have the Ridgid saw and absolutely love it. I bought it when they first came out and got a lifetime warranty with it. I built a 2' x 4' hinged outfeed table on it that folds out of the way when it is time to put the saw up. When I get home I will post some pictures if you would like to see it.

The built in lift system for the Ridgid is also very nice.

[CraigJ]

If you can find one of these in stock and avoid shipping charges; https://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...seBVCookie=Yes

[PoorboyMike]

I have the Ridgid saw and absolutely love it. I bought it when they first came out and got a lifetime warranty with it. I built a 2' x 4' hinged outfeed table on it that folds out of the way when it is time to put the saw up. When I get home I will post some pictures if you would like to see it.

The built in lift system for the Ridgid is also very nice.

I have also have the Ridgid and I think it's a great saw. Super easy to move around yet heavy and solid enough to not move at all when cutting full sheets of ply or mdf. A router table also fits neatly on the right side between the rails. If you apply for a HD credit card, you get 10% off your 1st purchase. And with fathers day just around the corner, there could be some good sales on tools.

[cjd]

The best thing about the Ridgid IMHO is the fence. Which really is the thing that makes or breaks a saw. I have a folding Ridgid TS and it works great.

C

[ThomasW]

I have a big Delta (UniSaw), were I in the market for a contractor type saw I'd get the Ridgid.

[ahaik]

Originally Posted by cjd
The best thing about the Ridgid IMHO is the fence. Which really is the thing that makes or breaks a saw. I have a folding Ridgid TS and it works great.

I agree with Chris fence is critical.

Originally Posted by dawaro
I have the Ridgid saw and absolutely love it. I bought it when they first came out and got a lifetime warranty with it. I built a 2' x 4' hinged outfeed table on it that folds out of the way when it is time to put the saw up. When I get home I will post some pictures if you would like to see it.

The built in lift system for the Ridgid is also very nice.

I would love to see some pictures of outfeed table.

[Brian Bunge]

I have the Rigid model that came out a few years before the current model. Of course, I spent $800 on mine so the price now is really great. The only reason I'd consider one of the deltas if I were in the market for a true cabinet saw with good dust collection.

[aprilia88]

I have a delta saw.
I think it has a better fence than the rigid.
which is also upgradable to an even better fence.
I don't believe that the rigid will accept any aftermarket fence systems.

[Outfitter]

I picked up the Ridgid 3650 about a month ago, and absolutely love it! My previous saw was a direct drive, so I was amazed how quiet it was compared to the direct drive. I really like the fence, especially after I waxed the rails, it slides like butter! Three things I like about it, the dust shroud around the blade, the 36" rip, and the price- I paid $450 with the 10% mover discount!

[Ray Collins]

What kind of wax did you use?

Ray

[Outfitter]

I used Johnson's Paste Wax. I looked everywhere for it, Woodcraft, 2 different local woodworking specialty stores, 2 or 3 Home Depot's, asked for help- nobody working knew anything about it. Went back to HD, looked in the cleaning supply aisle, and boom- there it was. I was in Lowe's last week, out of curiosity and there it was, in the cleaning aisle!

[JoshK]

I have the Rigid also and I can't say I love the fence, mine has too much play. I think I'll try the wax and try to tighten it somehow. Maybe that'll work.

[dawaro]

Outfeed Table

Here is the original article that my table was built from:

Image not available

My original outfeed was built to the plan but naturally stock is never good enough so I made a few modifications to mine. First of all mine is 1-1/2" thick and is covered in formica on both sides. Second the single leg was in no way enough for me so I added legs with adjustable feet on both corners. The final adjustment I made was simply to make it larger. The section that folds down is 24" deep and 48" wide. I found that the larger table also does well as an assembly table.

FYI in next months issue of Wood magazine they are building a simple assembly/outfeed table with a lift mechanism so you can tuck a table saw under it when not in use.

If I get a chance I will snap some pictures of mine this weekend.

[tyler]

For what it is worth I own a Powermatic. The fence and accuracy is one of the best there is. Powermatic is probably out of your price range. However, you could look at Jet table saws. They are made by the same company. I am not sure if they make a 120v version though....

[mikec]

..Jet table saws. They are made by the same company. I am not sure if they make a 120v version though....

My JWTS-10 came prewired for 120v but it can easily be switched to 230v. I believe this applies to all their models.

[augerpro]

I think woodcraft is having a sale on the cheaper Jet saw right now.

[Mazeroth]

If you can find one of these in stock and avoid shipping charges; https://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...seBVCookie=Yes

I called 7 Sears stores around me and my parents (3 hours away) and none of them had this saw in stock Most of them had it in their system for $509 and one store had it for $399. Did you or anyone you know get one of these?

[tyler]

An example of Powermatics accuracy right out of the crate before any adjustments. Just my 2 cents....

https://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10036&stc=1

https://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=10037&stc=1

[JonMarsh]

Though I have something very different than Tyler, I would second his recommendation of looking at Jet, especially their small cabinet saw similar to the DeWalt DW746X.

I completely agree that fence accuracy should be a major selection point.

[JKoravos]

I bought the Ridgid TS3650 for my shop at work. Overall I like the saw. I think it's probably the best saw at the price point, but I also think if you go $100-$200 higher you can get something quite a bit better.

I, too, am not crazy about the fence. I'm still considering the TS3650 for my home shop, but it would be nice to get a saw that comes with a Biesmeyer or is upgradeable to one.

[wildfire99]

I went to Home Depot to look at the TS3650, they didn't have one on display but they did have a Wal-Mart-like 'we're lowering prices' tag for the model that put it at $499.

I'd love a Jet but it seems like the days when you could get them discounted are long over. I keep waiting for Costco to carry one again. Powermatic is just breathtakingly expensive, though Amazon has their low-end 10" one for $809 right now via specials.

I'm just waiting right now to see Home Depot's specials for Father's Day. It seems like the Ridgid is the no-brainer for this lower-tier range. I had a Ridgid chop saw that was quite nice for the price but did develop some minor problems later (slop, sticking on switch). Meh. I'd rather save money, I'm not a pro and I don't use it enough to get a Unisaw. It'll be nice if the thing just doesn't tip over like the lightweight Bosch wanted to.

[PoorboyMike]

I, too, am not crazy about the fence. I'm still considering the TS3650 for my home shop, but it would be nice to get a saw that comes with a Biesmeyer or is upgradeable to one.

I don't understand what people don't like about the Ridgid fence. If anything, it's more accurate than a Biesmeyer, since it locks at both ends. According to Wood magazine, Biesmeyer fences can flex as much as 1/64-1/32" at the far end when cutting large sheets. I realize that doesn't amount to much, but the Ridgid fence does not flex at all. :T

[---k---]

Rigid are now coming with Lifetime warranties. Mine did (the fold up version like C's).

I would comment more, but I'm don't have enough experience with my saw yet to know a good fence from a bad fence.

[Brian Walter]

I don't understand what people don't like about the Ridgid fence. If anything, it's more accurate than a Biesmeyer, since it locks at both ends. According to Wood magazine, Biesmeyer fences can flex as much as 1/64-1/32" at the far end when cutting large sheets. I realize that doesn't amount to much, but the Ridgid fence does not flex at all. :T

I can't comment on what specifically people don't like about the Rigid fence, but one potential problem with fences that lock on both ends is that they can put themselves out of alignment when you lock them. I don't think this is a problem if properly set up, but having never had one, I don't know.

I own a Grizzly cabinet saw, which I love and my two brothers have the rigid saws, one has the older version, and the other the newer version. The newer one isn't as rugged underneath as the older one, but from what I can see, I'd say they are both very good saws. In the price range you are looking at, I'd recommend the Ridgid. I would have considered the Ridgid, but I find the contractor style saw with the motor hanging off the back takes up too much space. My cabinet saw takes up less floor space than the Rigid.

Brian Walter

[dragonrage]

Mind if I jump in and ask for a $200-$300 recommendation? Amazon's got a Jet for $200, for which I'd probably make my own table...