Recommend me a table saw
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Stuey
Well-known member
I tend to really like Dewalt's.
Beware - their two lowest-priced models, DW745 and DWE7480 are being discontinued due to changing safety regs.
They have a new 8-1/4" saw coming out, but I'd advise stepping up to their DWE7491 if you can justify the price and size. Plus maybe a separate stand for improved outfeed support.
Beware - their two lowest-priced models, DW745 and DWE7480 are being discontinued due to changing safety regs.
They have a new 8-1/4" saw coming out, but I'd advise stepping up to their DWE7491 if you can justify the price and size. Plus maybe a separate stand for improved outfeed support.
bob15
Well-known member
Old Walker-Turners and Unisaws are also very good. Just be aware that the 10" WT's aren't very good if you want to run a stacked dado blade due to their oddball insert design, but as a "regular" table saw, they are hard to beat.
Hi stuey. I’ve seen a lot of dewalt used by other guys. I’m gonna research the 7491
Hi bob. Thanks, I’m gonna research walker turners.
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
I bought what I could afford 40+ years ago. Craftsman 10" Cast top direct drive. Thought I buy something upscale in the future. Here today I'm still pushing lumber through and it doesn't show any signs of failing. Come to think of it, any Craftsman I bought I likely still have. The fence is a little something to be desired, but I always have a framers square handy. Works for me!
Think about what you desire in a table saw. Do you want a small compact form with a folding stand that you can store away? Or do you plan to have it out all the time in a personal shop? Do you want to be able to use a dado stack (Not all table saws support this)? Look at the motor RPMs; some units run at 3800, some at 5000 rpm. Look at the rip capacity, there are units ranging everywhere from 18 inches of capacity up to 32 inches for portable table saws for instance. Also look at the fence style; Dewalt as an example is popular for their rack and pinion style fence. What is your budget? Do you want a portable 18v unit or a plug in unit? If you want an 18v unit, is there a battery platform you already have 18v tools on that offers a table saw?
I think if you answer these questions and think about your intended uses, you'll be able to find the unit that best suits you.
I personally have a Dewalt DWE780 (Recently discontinued). It has a larger rip capacity than the DWE775. It was on sale at the time I purchased it, it has a folding stand which kind of *****. I would have loved to spring for the 7491rs but at the time it was a ~250 dollar price difference compared to the 780 I purchased, and the 7491RS took up alot more room due to its stand that I didn't have available when its in storage. Downside of the 780 is that it cannot take a dado stack, a feature that was not important to me.
I think if you answer these questions and think about your intended uses, you'll be able to find the unit that best suits you.
I personally have a Dewalt DWE780 (Recently discontinued). It has a larger rip capacity than the DWE775. It was on sale at the time I purchased it, it has a folding stand which kind of *****. I would have loved to spring for the 7491rs but at the time it was a ~250 dollar price difference compared to the 780 I purchased, and the 7491RS took up alot more room due to its stand that I didn't have available when its in storage. Downside of the 780 is that it cannot take a dado stack, a feature that was not important to me.
MushCreek
Well-known member
I bought a Ridgid 3660 to build my house. They were dumping them for $350 when they came out with the granite table saws. It's been a great saw, and stays true. I have no idea what they're building now.
driftpin
Well-known member
I have a Powermatic Model 64 saw and a Model 66 saw, both 10". They are reliable and sturdy. The 64 uses 1 drive belt, the 66 uses 3. They hold their adjustments. The 64 has legs, the 66 is a cabinet. Many people equip theirs with Biesemeyer rip fences. I have an Exacta fence on one. The saws will do anything you need, including dadoes. Pics are of typical saws of each type, not my personal saws. A bit of searching and you should be able to find a decent one. Be sure it's the phase type and voltage you have available.
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mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Do you want a portable or stationary?
Budget?
What kind of work do you need it for?
Budget?
What kind of work do you need it for?
GirchyGirchy
Well-known member
If you're wanting new, I have one of the Delta 36-725 saws from Lowe's. It's a "hybrid" design, kind of in between a contractor saw and a cabinet saw. It's been great so far.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DELTA-10-in-Carbide-Tipped-Blade-13-Amp-Table-Saw/50081568
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DELTA-10-in-Carbide-Tipped-Blade-13-Amp-Table-Saw/50081568
Minnesota Steve
Well-known member
Interesting, wasn't aware of any new safety regs... so I went a searching...
https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-jobsite-table-saw-dwe7485-022020/
It appears the regulation has to do with minimum table size ratio to the blade size, which is why the replacement has a 8-1/4" blade. There's something to be said for that. I had a dWE7480 and the table is really small. It's ok with ripping as long as you have additional support, but is not good for crosscutting because there isn't a lot of room in front of the blade.
For a compact jobsite saw the Dewalt is good. If you want a better jobsite saw, the new Sawstop portable is a good option. If you need something for furniture making, then I'd say Sawstop PCS is the way to go.
Terry D
Well-known member
Like Mike said, is it something that you want to be able to take to a job or set it up in a shop. If you looking for a cabinet saw, Grizzly and Sawstop are great. The older Unisaws are beasts , same with the Powermatic 66. I personally just picked up a 1953 Unisaw that is in very good shape and has the original bullet motor for 400.00. Planning on doing a restore in the future, but it runs great now
This, I could recommend a 12" slider or wormdrive clamped upside down based on OP.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
Since you are in Canada , most of these answers are bit off. As good as Powermatics are, they are not common in Canada. Rather look at the class of saw.
Portables, with direct drive motors, they go from truly horrible to acceptable, like the DeWalt.
Contractor, these have the motor sticking out the back, the old Delta Beavers and Sears Craftsmen. This would be my suggestion . Good used ones can be had for <$50
Cabinet, this referrers to the housing, but also could mean the work they do. Here you have the Delta Unisaw or the much better General 350. Thanks to the safety of the Sawstop, used prices on these gems are <$1000 as shops move to greater safety.
Portables, with direct drive motors, they go from truly horrible to acceptable, like the DeWalt.
Contractor, these have the motor sticking out the back, the old Delta Beavers and Sears Craftsmen. This would be my suggestion . Good used ones can be had for <$50
Cabinet, this referrers to the housing, but also could mean the work they do. Here you have the Delta Unisaw or the much better General 350. Thanks to the safety of the Sawstop, used prices on these gems are <$1000 as shops move to greater safety.
Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I sold my JET Supersaw due space reasons when I downsized. I still have use privileges and it's a fantastic saw.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2003/04/01/10-in-supersaw-tablesaw-jwss-10spf-review
As others have asked, budget and use will net you a more meaningful recommendation.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2003/04/01/10-in-supersaw-tablesaw-jwss-10spf-review
As others have asked, budget and use will net you a more meaningful recommendation.
I don't think OP wants to do fine wood working table saws but a good contractor saws maybe...
but if he is.. Just finish watching some of this youtuber guys' videos I think a Delta UniSaw caught my eye... if only I have room for one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JOZ2BM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
but if he is.. Just finish watching some of this youtuber guys' videos I think a Delta UniSaw caught my eye... if only I have room for one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JOZ2BM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
If you are looking for a portable tabletop saw, the Dewalt's are nice. I've had my DEWALT DWE7480 for a few years now. The newer version of it is the 7485. I've used it for everything, but used it more in the last 3 months cutting hardwood for cutting boards than anything and I have 0 complaints.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I love my Dewalt 7491rs. With an added outfeed table (mine clips right onto the frame), it's incredibly useful and is very well built
ez-duzit
Well-known member
Avoid the small portable saws.
If you are doing rough carpentry get a contractors saw. If you are doing cabinet work get a cabinet saw. Look for a quality used machine in excellent condition. Get a proper fence and carbide blade. For sheet goods get a track saw.
If you are doing rough carpentry get a contractors saw. If you are doing cabinet work get a cabinet saw. Look for a quality used machine in excellent condition. Get a proper fence and carbide blade. For sheet goods get a track saw.
glend123
Well-known member
I bought a used Bosch portable for a flooring job and a few other small jobs. worked great! I sold it because I have a better Unisaw now.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Not all portables are created equal.
The 7491rs, in particular, has a decent table size and a usable fence that extends to 32".
I agree on a track saw as they are a game changer for people working with sheet goods.
Bigblockyeti
Banned
What are you planning on doing and what is your budget.
A DeWalt jobsite saw is a Smart Car, an old Walker Turner is an F-550.
Without more specifics, I'd look for a Unisaw, Powermatic PM66, Walker Turner Tannewitz, or an older Bridgewood.
A DeWalt jobsite saw is a Smart Car, an old Walker Turner is an F-550.
Without more specifics, I'd look for a Unisaw, Powermatic PM66, Walker Turner Tannewitz, or an older Bridgewood.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
You can add General to that list. I have a Delta Unisaw that I bought new. I could have bought the much better made General 350, but it was $300 more and only had Biesmeyer fence. So made do with the Unisaw with it's excellent Unifence and Freud blades.
My Old Tools
Well-known member
Figure out what materials you are going to use. Sheet goods require a large stable (heavy) saw to cut safely. Otherwise you get to break down sheets with a skil type or track saw before you go to the table saw. Hardwood generally require ripping to dimension, and again larger pieces require larger saws to handle it safely. The last thing you want is to try to cut a 150 pound piece of wood on a 50 pound saw. Its a recipe for disaster.
Older Delta Model 10 contractor saws are heavy and solid as are the equivalent Powermatic and General saws. The Unisaw is a shop standard along with the PM66 and 72, and the General cabinet saw up north. Most direct drive saws are underpowered for ripping and for dado work, if they even have an arbor that will accept a dado stack.
A good fence is the most important item on the saw IMHO. The Biesemeyer and its many clones are very solid. For crosscut, build yourself a good sled (google it).
Older Delta Model 10 contractor saws are heavy and solid as are the equivalent Powermatic and General saws. The Unisaw is a shop standard along with the PM66 and 72, and the General cabinet saw up north. Most direct drive saws are underpowered for ripping and for dado work, if they even have an arbor that will accept a dado stack.
A good fence is the most important item on the saw IMHO. The Biesemeyer and its many clones are very solid. For crosscut, build yourself a good sled (google it).
Murphy2018
New member
Ridgid R4513
I sell these like crazy , good saws
I sell these like crazy , good saws
dnschmidt
Well-known member
To me a cabinet saw is just about a must and the only reason I say that is dust collection. I have a Delta Contractor's saw and it works quite well but it's impossible to put dust collection on this type of saw due to the open base and the motor hanging out of the back of the saw. Powermatic, Sawstop, Grizzley and Unisaw are the leaders. Laguna, who's bandsaw I have makes great stuff as well.
I don't think the OP have come back to clarify what he wants in a table saw other than mentioning table saw and home renovation..
It's easy to go crazy with recommendations, cut so nice down to tenths of an inch if you adjust it correctly and you can lug it to the job site if you are that strong, space is not an issue.... money is no problem. But hey...
and.... I wouldn't buy craigslist used if you don't know what you are buying in the first place... a lot of them might be missing stuff or abused... well used and might be so out of spec that your cut is no better than a contractor saw at 1/2 of it's price. Not saying there are not any good deals... yea say that to those that bought some of those lathes...
It's easy to go crazy with recommendations, cut so nice down to tenths of an inch if you adjust it correctly and you can lug it to the job site if you are that strong, space is not an issue.... money is no problem. But hey...
and.... I wouldn't buy craigslist used if you don't know what you are buying in the first place... a lot of them might be missing stuff or abused... well used and might be so out of spec that your cut is no better than a contractor saw at 1/2 of it's price. Not saying there are not any good deals... yea say that to those that bought some of those lathes...
Would love to see that setup - Just bought this saw myself and love it. Trying to outfit it to work about as close to my old cabinet saw as I can.
glend123
Well-known member
I had an old craftsman contractor saw with the cast iron extensions. That was a pretty good saw. It's important to get it tuned up correctly and it will work pretty good. Finished my basement with a built in entertainment center and bar with that one. Then I picked up a Bosch portable tabletop saw which was surprisingly good. I used it for a flooring job so I didn't create a bunch of dust in my basement. I put it out in my garage and I sold that when I got my Delta unisaw, obviously this is the best choice of the three if you have the room, Which I do now.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
If I were buying and using a table saw these days I would have to consider a sawstop. Despite the business practices of the owner, they do have a valuable safety system.
If you just need a saw and don't want to spend the money on sawstop, I'd buy used - the innovation on those things ended decades ago. I've seen good unisaws for $500 and you can buy a good older craftsman contractor saw for $150.
If you just need a saw and don't want to spend the money on sawstop, I'd buy used - the innovation on those things ended decades ago. I've seen good unisaws for $500 and you can buy a good older craftsman contractor saw for $150.
I bought a refurbished Ridgid 4512 and have used the **** out of it. It's not what I wish I had but I really can't complain for the money I got it for. I spent a few years using a Unisaw and a Powermatic with Beismeier fences in a cabinet shop so I do understand it's homeowner quality. But it has decent features for what it is.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Hi all. Sorry for the late reply.
I was and am doing some baseboards, crown moulding, and built some shelving in the garage.
Bought a 12” Makita btw. I’m happy with it.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
duneslider
Well-known member
Don't discount the Sawstop brand, I don't have one but it will be my next saw. I just know too many people who have lost fingers or other similar injuries. I feel like I am careful but accidents happen and even being careful, I have had some close calls.
ez-duzit
Well-known member
It's true that accidents happen. A blade could possibly come off the spindle, injuring the operator, for example. But intentionally placing a body part into contact with a spinning, sharp-toothed object is what got most of those people in trouble.