table saw. which is a better deal

[lightning02]

looking at these 2 that are on sale now. unless there is anther opt i dont know about in that price range? which one is a better deal?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/kobalt-10-...H6Zn&cjevent=b46219bc8c5611e980f700ca0a24060d

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-15-Amp-Corded-10-in-Compact-Table-Saw-R45171NS/304706276

 

[kalopsia]

To answer you question, between the two options, I like the Kobalt due to the larger rip capacity and the mobility. Ridgid is a better brand in my option, but without a stand and smaller rip capacity, it’s going to further complicate your process.

I was in a similar situation as you 4 months ago, and purchased a DEWALT 745 table saw. Despite getting it for an amazing bargain price new, I regret the purchase now. I quickly outgrew the table saw’s capacity, the fence is way too small, the miter fence was flimsy, the stand has a lot of wobble, and I was breaking down big pieces with a skilsaw and then cutting to size on the contractor table saw. Needlesstosay, there was a ton of accuracy issues and wasted time touching each piece multiple times to get it to size.

Keep an eye on Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, or even talk to your neighbors, for a better table saw. My 86 year old neighbor loans/gives me tools because he doesn’t trust himself anymore, and gets joy out of seeing them used again.

There are a lot of options out there, and with your current shopping power and not knowing your situation, you’re half way to a better option IMO.


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[dwasifar]

Don't buy the Kobalt. Lowe's is phasing out a lot of Kobalt in favor of Craftsman, and people are already starting to report problems using their warranty.

 

[thesilverone]

kobalt, here today, gone tomorrow

 

[vavet]

That Ridgid looks like a newer version of the table saw I have. It's fine for what it is. I've built a couple different stands for it in the last 10 years or so that I've owned it. The fence is not nearly as good as the Dewalt jobsite saw with the R&P adjustment.
I felt the arbor was developing a little play about a year ago. I did a massive teardown on it as was able to order replacement parts for it, which I really like. I really just needed a few bearings, but I was not able to get the bearing off one of the shafts, so I had to order that shaft too.
Overall, it's been a good saw for me. I can't speak to the Kobalt.

 

[mike93lx]

They are more, but dewalt makes nice jobsite saws. I love my dwe7491rs

 

[Handyandy23]

To answer you question, between the two options, I like the Kobalt due to the larger rip capacity and the mobility. Ridgid is a better brand in my option, but without a stand and smaller rip capacity, it’s going to further complicate your process.

I was in a similar situation as you 4 months ago, and purchased a DEWALT 745 table saw. Despite getting it for an amazing bargain price new, I regret the purchase now. I quickly outgrew the table saw’s capacity, the fence is way too small, the miter fence was flimsy, the stand has a lot of wobble, and I was breaking down big pieces with a skilsaw and then cutting to size on the contractor table saw. Needlesstosay, there was a ton of accuracy issues and wasted time touching each piece multiple times to get it to size.

Keep an eye on Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, or even talk to your neighbors, for a better table saw. My 86 year old neighbor loans/gives me tools because he doesn’t trust himself anymore, and gets joy out of seeing them used again.

There are a lot of options out there, and with your current shopping power and not knowing your situation, you’re half way to a better option IMO.


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You're the first person I've ever seen complain that the DeWalt mitre fence is 'flimsy'. What in particular was flimsy about it? With that gear drive and lock I think I'd need a hammer to move the fence on mine once it's set.

Also by "better" table saw do you mean like a full size non-portable version? Rip capacity and stability of these portable saws is par for the course - you can't have portability and lightweight and have it be huge and rock solid at the same time. Each type of saw has it's own uses and place, I think.

If OPer needs a saw that is actually portable, the DeWalt is currently $270 on Amazon. A bit pricier than the Kobalt and Ridgid sales, but I think it's worth it for what amounts to (IMO, at least) a much more accurate fence.

 

[kalopsia]

You're the first person I've ever seen complain that the DeWalt mitre fence is 'flimsy'. What in particular was flimsy about it? With that gear drive and lock I think I'd need a hammer to move the fence on mine once it's set.



Also by "better" table saw do you mean like a full size non-portable version? Rip capacity and stability of these portable saws is par for the course - you can't have portability and lightweight and have it be huge and rock solid at the same time. Each type of saw has it's own uses and place, I think.



If OPer needs a saw that is actually portable, the DeWalt is currently $270 on Amazon. A bit pricier than the Kobalt and Ridgid sales, but I think it's worth it for what amounts to (IMO, at least) a much more accurate fence.

The miter gauge is flimsy on the DEWALT 745, IMO. While unpacking the table saw, it fell out of the packaging onto my concrete floor, and broke. It’s a decent saw for the price, however in my personal experience (perhaps misplaced), it’s by far the cheapest part on the TS. ~$30 to replace, but that’s about 40% of an Incra miter gauge upgrade. Below is a picture.

The D745 fence is solid, but at ~23”, it can become problematic with longer cuts. Agreed that the rack and pinion set up is great, and it locks up tight. Dewalt doesn’t recommend using a dado stack in it, in case the OP is considering it. There’s a thread on the LumberJockey forum that I’ve participated in that addresses it.

Having gone through this same buying-dilemma process myself, I have regrets with purchasing a compact contractor table saw. In hindsight, I would have rather saved my money to apply the purchasing power to something else due to the evolution of projects I’ve gone through in 4 months.

Obviously, details like the OPs experience, long term goals, budget, and other equipment owned should play into their decision, but the question posed was centered between two options. To “grow” a contractor saw into larger usability, you’d have to factor in the time to build a table around it.

I hadn’t considered Kobalt getting phased out by Lowes posted earlier, and agree that it should be taken into consideration or scratched off the list.



Sorry to hijack the thread with the D745, just trying to help out from my personal experience.


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[mike93lx]

A fence doesn't need to be longer, the issue is infeed and outfeed support. Longer fences just add to the risk of binding

The best thing i did for my 7491rs was to build an outfeed table that clips onto the frame. Really helps for long cuts. The same can be done for any of the dewalts with a tubular frame, and probably for any portable saw

 

[Geauxfish]

New to the forum...i too have been looking at table saws and miter saws. Researched and purchased the Hitachi C10RJ on sale for $349 at Lowes last night. It has the rack and pinion fence, with alot of other goodies.

Will be remodeling my new house shortly so stockin up on tools.
Now thinkin of ordering the Delta Cruzer 26-2240 10" miter saw from Home Depot on sale for $349.

Dont know if you considered the Hitachi, but of the two you mentioned, i would get the DeWalt.

 

[kngelv]

The fence alone usually makes the Dewalts a better purchase than any other in this category. I really don't even think there is much room for debate. I have the Dewalt 7491 with the rolling stand and it is dead nuts accurate with a far superior fence to Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee etc. I completely agree with kalopsia on the sorry miter gauge though. I think Dewalt should be embarrassed to put that flimsy piece of junk on a saw. The one they have now is **** and the one on mine that I picked up a few years ago is even worse. They "upgraded" last year but it's still junk. I'm using a guage from an old Rockwell.

James

 

[GRB]

The fence alone usually makes the Dewalts a better purchase than any other in this category. I really don't even think there is much room for debate. I have the Dewalt 7491 with the rolling stand and it is dead nuts accurate with a far superior fence to Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee etc. I completely agree with kalopsia on the sorry miter gauge though. I think Dewalt should be embarrassed to put that flimsy piece of junk on a saw. The one they have now is **** and the one on mine that I picked up a few years ago is even worse. They "upgraded" last year but it's still junk. I'm using a guage from an old Rockwell.

James

Exactly right on all counts. I'm using an Incra Miter Gauge. You have to go with Dewalt to get the fence. Best to go with the 7491 to get the stable stand. Unless you want to buy a Rousseau stand and then you might want the DW745 saw.

Still going to be a jobsite saw with the inherent short table. With a table that short you can't have enough table in front of the blade.

 

[The Cobbler]

I think miter gauges are low use items on table saws , probably why they cheap out on them for that reason . every dollar they save on manufacturing is probably $5 by time it hits retail.

 

[Handyandy23]

The miter gauge is flimsy on the DEWALT 745, IMO. While unpacking the table saw, it fell out of the packaging onto my concrete floor, and broke. It’s a decent saw for the price, however in my personal experience (perhaps misplaced), it’s by far the cheapest part on the TS. ~$30 to replace, but that’s about 40% of an Incra miter gauge upgrade. Below is a picture.

The D745 fence is solid, but at ~23”, it can become problematic with longer cuts. Agreed that the rack and pinion set up is great, and it locks up tight. Dewalt doesn’t recommend using a dado stack in it, in case the OP is considering it. There’s a thread on the LumberJockey forum that I’ve participated in that addresses it.

Having gone through this same buying-dilemma process myself, I have regrets with purchasing a compact contractor table saw. In hindsight, I would have rather saved my money to apply the purchasing power to something else due to the evolution of projects I’ve gone through in 4 months.

Obviously, details like the OPs experience, long term goals, budget, and other equipment owned should play into their decision, but the question posed was centered between two options. To “grow” a contractor saw into larger usability, you’d have to factor in the time to build a table around it.

I hadn’t considered Kobalt getting phased out by Lowes posted earlier, and agree that it should be taken into consideration or scratched off the list.



Sorry to hijack the thread with the D745, just trying to help out from my personal experience.


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My bad on the misunderstanding, for some reason my brain locked up and I thought you were calling the fence flimsy.

I'd agree the mitre gauge is mediocre, but I very rarely use it, so not a huge concern of mine.

I also agree the portable saws have their shortcomings, but as far as choices in that genre, I think the accuracy and ease of use of the fence on the DeWalt makes it easily worth an extra $70 over the Kobalt or Ridgid options.