Table saws with cast iron table post-2009

[Fatty McButterpants]

I could use a little tool knowledge if you guys wouldn’t mind. I’m searching for a table saw and I’m not sure the one I’m looking for is even available in my price range. I want one with a cast iron table and no older than 2009. I like the old Craftsman tables but I don’t know if they had cast iron tops in 2009 or later. Im not dead set on Craftsman. Any suggestions? Will I just have to lay down $2500 or more on a professional grade table taw?

 

[Kscardsfan]

Why are you opposed to older than 2009? Bearings and motors are relatively easy to swap out and replace.

 

[Fatty McButterpants]

Why are you opposed to older than 2009? Bearings and motors are relatively easy to swap out and replace.

Older than 2009 and it might not have a riving knife. They are mandated on all table saws as of 2009. I’ll take an older saw if it has a riving knife.

 

[mike93lx]

Grizzly would be an option for new.

I'd be looking at CL/FB MP in your area. A riving knife can sometimes be added

 

[tyyost]

What kind of budget are you working with? I get the desire for a riving knife, but as you state 2009 somewhat changed things for and not all of the saws that were re-engineered were given new model numbers.

 

[jives]

Buy this. . . now on sale for about $1750

 

[PelicanPines]

Ridgid hybrid saw is Cast Iron... Bench Dog makes a cast iron router extension for it too. A lot of saw for a reasonable price.

 

[Showkey]

There are add on riving knife kits sold as add ons to the zero clearance plate.
I would not rule out an older saw out for that reason.

 

[Ton ton]

I could use a little tool knowledge if you guys wouldn’t mind. I’m searching for a table saw and I’m not sure the one I’m looking for is even available in my price range. I want one with a cast iron table and no older than 2009. I like the old Craftsman tables but I don’t know if they had cast iron tops in 2009 or later. Im not dead set on Craftsman. Any suggestions? Will I just have to lay down $2500 or more on a professional grade table taw?

I like your handle. I am unable to help with your table saw question. But I am learning stuff on this thread.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Stick with an old Craftsman, pre 1990. Get one with 2 cast iron extensions. Do not worry about surface rust. WD-40 and fine sand paper/steel wool works amazing.

 

[MushCreek]

I bought a Ridgid cast iron about 10 years ago, and I love it. I'm a tool maker, and checked it out with a dial indicator. Everything was dead-on from the factory, and has stayed that way. My only complaint is that the spindle is rather short for stacking dado blades. I paid $350. They were dumping them (brand new) because they had come out with the granite table version. I see them on CL form time to time. I have no idea what they're making now.

 

[lardy1]

I have the Ridgid cabinet saw as well. For all the criticism I heard about the fence and the blade going out of adjustment, I've not experienced any such problems. I think it's a good saw for the price. Bear in mind that I jockeyed a Delta Unisaw for several years in a cabinet shop before I bought it.

 

[seber]

The Delta Unisaw always had a riving knife from day one. Great saws.

 

[tyyost]

The Delta Unisaw always had a riving knife from day one. Great saws.

I don’t believe this is at all accurate. They had provisions for guards and splitters, but I am not sure anything I consider a unisaw ever had a factory riving knife.

Since we are shopping in a post 2009 world, you may be at the mercy of market conditions and better served shopping new depending on the current supply chain.

 

[acer66]

Followed me home today, motor cover missing of course and I am sure a few things need to get sorted out but it runs with no vibration.

 

[Jmonnty]

Riving Knives and Splitters – Shark Guard

Custom built riving knives and splitters designed for compatibility with the SharkGuard table saw blade guard and dust collection system.

www.thesharkguard.com

Sharkgaurd makes riving knives for nearly any decent table saw you run across.

 

[acer66]

To the OP besides the option in post #16 the way I understand, just started digging into it after getting one, it the older Unisaws may not have come with a riveting knife but the mount for a splitter was standard and the one for the newer ones works with the older ones like mine.

Delta 34-868 splitter.

Here is a review.

Delta 34-868 Splitter Review - Did It Myself

Review of the Delta 34-868 splitter, including specifications for the screws needed to mount it to a Delta 36-650 contractor table saw

did-it-myself.com