Table saw reccomendation

[pattenp]

Did you have any problems aligning the blade to the miter slot? I was thinking of buying that table saw until I searched for reviews and read that it's a major pain to align the blade and some people said it was impossible to align properly.

I bought this from Sears.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00921833000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

I've had it for over a year and have not had any problems with it. The fence is better than what I have used berfore, it has enough room to rip plywood, and I like that it has wheels which makes it easy to move around. The one thing I did change was the blade. Mine came with a 45 tooth blade which was complete garbage. I replaced it with a 90 tooth diablo and it cuts much smoother.

 

[ez-duzit]

Looks kinda Mickey Mouse, for that much money.

 

[IlliniBone]

If I was spending $550, I think I would be buying this saw instead of the Craftsman..

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-13-Amp-10-in-Professional-Table-Saw-R4512/202500206#

 

[Erampu]

I have a Ridgid table saw, and with it I purchased a Herc-U-Lift Caster Set. It's perfect for moving it around the shop. Here's the description from http://www.ridgidparts.com/accessories/woodacc.phtml


AC9920
AC9930

Herc-U-Lift™ Caster Set

Used on RIDGID and Craftsman® belt drive table saws. Patented one step design allows easy 360° mobility. Allows saw to rest on all four legs when disengaged. Works with RIDGID TS2412.

AC9950
Herc-U-Lift PLUS™
Easy 360º Mobility for Any RIDGID® Stationary Tool with an Open Leg Set - Also Fits AC9910 Universal Leg Set and Some Craftsman Stationary Tools

 

[MFortie]

I have a 25 year-old (or so) C-man. I 'tuned' it by replacing pulleys, added a link belt, etc. and also added an Incra table saw fence. I run Forrest blades exclusively. Works pretty well for my needs. One day I might step up to a Unisaw, but for now...

My 'test' criteria is whether I can stand a nickel on edge and it stays standing when I fire up the saw. So far, it still stands...

 

[pattenp]

My understanding is the Ridgid R4512 is basically the same saw as the Craftsman 21833 and sufferers from the same blade alignment issues.

If I was spending $550, I think I would be buying this saw instead of the Craftsman..

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-13-Amp-10-in-Professional-Table-Saw-R4512/202500206#

 

[Jcc76]

I have a Ridgid table saw, and with it I purchased a Herc-U-Lift Caster Set. It's perfect for moving it around the shop. Here's the description from http://www.ridgidparts.com/accessories/woodacc.phtml


AC9920
AC9930

Herc-U-Lift™ Caster Set

Used on RIDGID and Craftsman® belt drive table saws. Patented one step design allows easy 360° mobility. Allows saw to rest on all four legs when disengaged. Works with RIDGID TS2412.

AC9950
Herc-U-Lift PLUS™
Easy 360º Mobility for Any RIDGID® Stationary Tool with an Open Leg Set - Also Fits AC9910 Universal Leg Set and Some Craftsman Stationary Tools

I hate to burst anyone's bubble here, but little to none of those parts on that Ridgid page are still available. When I first bought my table saw about 2 years ago, I called Ridgid and tried to buy the fence/rails setup and the Herculift. I was told they were no longer available.

That being said, if anyone has any luck ordering one from Ridgid. Let me know!

 

[tarbellb]

Do yourself a favor and DO NOT buy anything Craftsman that plugs in for woodworking. I made the mistake of buying the portable TS, collapsable base. Granted its one of the cheapest TS they make, but it was utter ****. It left a lot to be desired and I would even deem it unsafe to a certain extent.

Craftsman plug in power tools/machines are on the same level as HF and low end Jet/Delta quality. Im not bashing Craftsman, im bashing all the low end wood tools in that category.

I outfitted my shop about 3-4 yrs ago now. I looked at a lot of the lower end stuff, and most is about the same just different prices. Ive read all the post here and there is some good advice, mine would be this.

If you want the best bang for the buck NEW product- www.grizzly.com - better then similar priced JET/Delta.

If you want the best bang for the buck USED- Craigslist is your friend, but its easier said then done. This if true/square, maybe offer $400?http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/4275897031.html

I live in Denver as well, there are deals. But you need to find them.

If you want new and portable the Dewalt DW745 is a excellent choice.

Good luck. PM if you want local buying advice.

 

[ez-duzit]

Along that line, Home Depot, Sears and Harbor Freight are not the best places to shop for shop machines. There are some noteworthy exceptions. And I have some, myself. But you are 90+% likely to get an inferior machine.

Photo of one of my table saw setups. A 10" 3 hp Unisaw and 10" 1.5 hp Contractors saw have been married to a roll-around base and share a Beismeyer fence. A 1/2"-wide 8" dado is kept in the small saw. A heavy duty 48"x96" bench serves as an out-feed table, with roll-away base cabinets under one side and a giant shelf under the other.

 

[gus1962]

I can't recommend but I always wanted old used table saws.

 

[Mickey O]

If you have the space, Unisaw.

Funny story but I have a Craftsman Table saw from 82, that is over 30 years old and it is great shape with little rust, but I can find no takers for $125.00 dollars. Oh well maybe one day I can call it a rare object like myself...

Keep looking on CL for an older saw one will pop up from time to time in your part of the Denver area.

Take it apart and sell the parts on flea bay, you'll get $250 ~ $300, I had a the same problem trying to sell mine and that's what I did.

 

[dr_clyde]

If I could find an Oliver, I'd sell you my powermatic 66 in a heartbeat!

If you want a portable contractor saw, buy a Bosch. I've had great luck with bosch power tools. If you want a stationary cabinet saw, buy a used Unisaw or Powermatic off CL. If you find an Oliver in good shape, don't hesitate and buy it. Excellent mill grade saws.

 

[A_Pmech]

If I could find an Oliver, I'd sell you my powermatic 66 in a heartbeat!

They're all over the place and cheap! Just keep your eyes peeled.

 

[Mickey O]

They're all over the place and cheap! Just keep your eyes peeled.

Guy out this way was giving away 3 old Oliver table saws, you had to take all 3, they went quick.

 

[Bob Hall]

If you have the space, Unisaw

By all means, look for a Unisaw. Believe it or not the footprint of Unisaw isn't
any more than my old Craftsman contractor saw. By the way there there is a no comparison! Some one mentioned Forrest blades, they are another thing you'll love once you try them. I spent my first 30 years as serious home hobby carpenter before finding out how great these saws really are. The Powermatic 66 is of course also an excellent saw, slightly heavier than a Uni.