This sears table saw good for the money ($650-750 range)

[alkemyst]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00922114000P?keyword=table+saw

Need a saw and really can't afford the one I want right now as I just moved in and have paint, furniture and all the rest of that bought. However, I need to cut 100' of fascia, build a workbench, computer/office desk and book shelves so a table saw is needed. I have buddies with them, but running across town with measurements and back just doesn't cut it.

Sears has a 12 months no interest right now and this saw is $50-60 off.

It's only 1.5HP which I thought was on the low side, but it looks like that's the power range of these today (1.5-1.75HP).

Anyone have experience? I figure it would be better than picking up a $200-400 saw that may have only a few years of life.

 

[dxdexter]

I had a 1.5hp saw prior to getting a 3hp cabinet saw. For the items you described it would certainly be adequate. When you start to get into hardwoods over 1 1/4" then the lower horsepower shows its limitations.

I think it's a decent price for what you are getting. Cast iron top and wings are the way to go, but the 25" rip capacity could get frustrating at times. It has good weight at 350lbs, so it should stay in place while cutting sheet goods.

I would recommend you invest in a dust collector if you haven't already. Dust could also be a problem if the motor hangs out the back of the saw making the dust port less effective.

Get yourself a good quality blade, as it will pay dividends. Usually the stock item is not very good.

 

[alkemyst]

I was debating going to the $1200 mark...it gets you in 3hp and the like. I don't know if I will be playing with hardwoods over 1". I know ripping 4x8 ply and mdf will be common as well as cutting pine 2x4's and maybe 4x4's occasionally.

 

[rsanter]

for that money you could also get a nice used delta unisaw or a powermatic 66

bob

 

[SteveU]

If you will be getting into making things out of hardwood after this project you might be better off getting a used cabinet saw with a 3 hp motor. Check on the Grizzly cabinet saws they were well spoken of when I was on the WW forums & were within a couple hundred of where you are at last time I saw a price. Make sure whatever you get has a good fence as it not only affects accuracy it affects safety as in preventing kickback which is especially nasty with higher powered saws. Think smaller work pieces getting thrown across the shop hard enough to make dents/holes in plywood or enough to impale you if you are in the way.

 

[dxdexter]

Grizzly has their Asian built 3hp Cabinet saws for $995 and a 2hp for $775. The prices of top quality cabinet saws (here in Canada) such as General, Powermatic and Unisaw are upwards of $3000. They still fetch quite a price used. I've seen used and beat up General 350's for $1800, so I won't hold out much hope in getting one of these saws for under a $1000, but you may get lucky.

 

[l_bilyk]

Thats a pretty good saw. Also consider this one

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00922124000P?keyword=table+saw

It goes on sale often as well.

If I were in your shoes, I would hold out for a couple of months and go for the new steel city hybrid. It will have a riving knife, better wheels for dialing in blade height and angle, an optional granite top, and heavier trunions.

 

[Treeman]

Hey l_bilyk, that Sears "zip code" saw you recommend gets excellent reviews. It is made by Orion (if I remember correct), a company with ties to Steel City.

A great place to review table saws is at the Sawmill Creek forum.

It's just sad to see many of the great North American saw brands being made in Asian countries now.

For some interesting video, go to the Saw Stop site to see their blade that retracts in milliseconds if it touches "flesh". It's mind boggling. Play the "hot dog" demo.

Sorry for getting off track regarding the OP's question.

 

[alkemyst]

If you will be getting into making things out of hardwood after this project you might be better off getting a used cabinet saw with a 3 hp motor. Check on the Grizzly cabinet saws they were well spoken of when I was on the WW forums & were within a couple hundred of where you are at last time I saw a price. Make sure whatever you get has a good fence as it not only affects accuracy it affects safety as in preventing kickback which is especially nasty with higher powered saws. Think smaller work pieces getting thrown across the shop hard enough to make dents/holes in plywood or enough to impale you if you are in the way.

I remember as a kid my dad was showing me how to use a table saw (he still has it, a craftsman)...he warned about kickback and not wanting to stand right in front of the blade.

At the same time the blade shot a 10" splinter back through a panel door and into the drywall behind that.

 

[Steve V.]

I have the Rigid 3650. It gets great reviews and it comes with a built in mobile base. I believe if you sign up for a Home Depot account you get $20.00 off and they have some sort of no interest for 6 months thing going on.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100007962&N=10000003+90008+500744

Steve

 

[alkemyst]

no longer available though. When did you get it?

 

[fotoflojoe]

I got this
one last year. I'm really happy with it. Haven't run much hardwood through, but set up with a Freud ripping blade, I was easily able to cut down ~1,200 feet of baseboard stock.

 

[alkemyst]

I got this
one last year. I'm really happy with it. Haven't run much hardwood through, but set up with a Freud ripping blade, I was easily able to cut down ~1,200 feet of baseboard stock.

baseboard should be easy on any table saw though. If you are talking 2" hardwood then that would be a good test.