Table saws

[Greenman]

Thinking about a really good table saw. The options seem to be Powermatic, Grizzly, Sawstop, or Delta. The delta saws have some nice features, but I've seen a few complaints about quality. Sawstop is an unknown to me, whereas Powermatic and Grizzly seem to both be very well regarded. I'm actually considering a sliding table saw with dual blades, as I like the idea of no tear out on thin veneers. If I'm going to drop a couple grand on a saw, why not spend the extra fifteen hundred on the Rolls Royce model?
Anyone have experience with any of those you'd like to share?

 

[echo4747]

Do you have 3 phase available?... If so , thats the way to go... 3 phase motors are more reliable, and have higher power factors which may be important if the saw will see heavy usage Both Powermatic and Grizzly make good saws.

 

[Greenman]

Do you have 3 phase available?... If so , thats the way to go... 3 phase motors are more reliable, and have higher power factors which may be important if the saw will see heavy usage Both Powermatic and Grizzly make good saws.

It will be single phase. This saw will end up in a small shop when I retire. The idea is to build limited quantity custom cabinets and perhaps some furniture. A hobby to keep me off the streets.
The problem with a lifetime of hard work is that if you just stop, you die.

 

[echo4747]

Don't know if this helps or not. . Awhile back I went to a local shop that makes custom hardwood moldings and wainscotings. The owner was nice enough to walk me thru his shop and from what i recall most of his equipment was powermatic. I bought some pretty wide maple bar rail molding and asked him about making some very tight miter cuts with my big box store(Milwaukee) compound miter saw. What he told me was not to even consider using the included blade. He suggested a blade made by Forrest. If you end up buying the Rolls Royce saw may as well get Rolls Royce blades. Good luck with your cabinet and furniture hobby

 

[Greenman]

Don't know if this helps or not. . Awhile back I went to a local shop that makes custom hardwood moldings and wainscotings. The owner was nice enough to walk me thru his shop and from what i recall most of his equipment was powermatic. I bought some pretty wide maple bar rail molding and asked him about making some very tight miter cuts with my big box store(Milwaukee) compound miter saw. What he told me was not to even consider using the included blade. He suggested a blade made by Forrest. If you end up buying the Rolls Royce saw may as well get Rolls Royce blades. Good luck with your cabinet and furniture hobby

A quality blade is a must for any saw.

 

[Hans Gruber]

Don't know if this helps or not. . Awhile back I went to a local shop that makes custom hardwood moldings and wainscotings. The owner was nice enough to walk me thru his shop and from what i recall most of his equipment was powermatic. I bought some pretty wide maple bar rail molding and asked him about making some very tight miter cuts with my big box store(Milwaukee) compound miter saw. What he told me was not to even consider using the included blade. He suggested a blade made by Forrest. If you end up buying the Rolls Royce saw may as well get Rolls Royce blades. Good luck with your cabinet and furniture hobby

I have heard about the forest. Is the other blade tree?

 

[Micrornd]

The problem with a lifetime of hard work is that if you just stop, you die.

I'll tell you right now, that's about as true as it gets.
I've got the T-shirt to prove it. (Well obviously the last part was just "almost" in my case)

 

[drnickriviera]

Mine is a Steel City. 3HP Single phase has never had a problem. I use the Forrest Woodworker II blade and love it. They have a great sharpening service too. Only things on my wishlist are a 50" fence so i can rip full sheets and a riving knife. I only have experience with my 90's era Grizzly shaper. Not a good quality machine, but i'd hope they've gotten better since. Sliding table is nice. I drool when I see Ishitani Furniture use his on YT

 

[Steltek]

My brother has had a 3HP Grizzly G0651 for 4 1/2 years and he just loves it. Running on single phase 240v. Thankfully, at delivery he had a lift installed in his shop capable of lifting it out of the back of his truck to install the mobile base (which was a good thing considering it weighs over 700 lbs).

 

[snoopy7548]

I may be in the same boat soon - I've been using a crappy Craftsman foldable table saw and it's showing its limitations.

Sawstop should be #1 on your list. Besides the safety aspect, they are regarded as very well-made and quality saws. Check around sawmillcreek/lumberjocks and reddit.

Grizzly gives you bang for the buck. I haven't looked much into their table saws, but I was close to purchasing one of their 8" jointers (I ultimately decided against it due to space), and I'm 99% sure I'll be buying one of their 2HP dust collectors.

 

[Greenman]

I hadn't really considered saw stop. A few years back I watched a demonstration where the stop was triggered by lumber with a high moisture content. I honestly don't know if that's a real issue or some marketing BS by another manufacturer.
I'll take a fresh look at them.

 

[herm0016]

if you want a slider, commit to it and find one. for cabinet building, it will be loads better than a regular table saw.

don't forget about brands like laguna, felder, minimax, scmi, hammer

I would also consider a combo machine. sliding table saw, shaper, planer and joiner in one machine.

a slider is also safer than a saw stop. Saw stop is now owned by festool. I have not seen the griz. sliders in person, but i bet they would be good enough. not quite the quality of some of the other brands above.

also. go to the sawmill creek forums. lots of woodworking professionals along with the hobbyists.

 

[Greenman]

if you want a slider, commit to it and find one. for cabinet building, it will be loads better than a regular table saw.

don't forget about brands like laguna, felder, minimax, scmi, hammer

I would also consider a combo machine. sliding table saw, shaper, planer and joiner in one machine.

a slider is also safer than a saw stop. Saw stop is now owned by festool. I have not seen the griz. sliders in person, but i bet they would be good enough. not quite the quality of some of the other brands above.

also. go to the sawmill creek forums. lots of woodworking professionals along with the hobbyists.

I'm not in any hurry to buy, as it will be the last table saw I ever own, and I don't actually need it for another couple of years. Though I could put it to use if I pick one up sooner rather than later.
I've never heard of any of the brands you mentioned, I'll have to check them out.

 

[herm0016]

any update on your search?

 

[Greenman]

any update on your search?

No. Work has turned into a clusterfuck and is consuming all my shopping time.

 

[JEDIYoda]

No. Work has turned into a clusterfuck and is consuming all my shopping time.

Blame it on Trump....heheheeeee