jdp8402

I want to buy a table saw. I have a few smaller projects to do right now. I'm thinking I want a contractors saw. I don't have the space for a bigger cabinet saw, and I really don't want to spend alot of money right now. It seems like every time I find one I'm interseted in, I'll find some bad reviews on it. What do you guys think about Craftsman saws? There is a Sears not to far from me so I was thinking that might be helpful if I have any problems or anything that their right there. I am open minded to any brand though.
I would like to try to stay under $500. Any help would be helpful.

woodnthings

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ord=table+saws
There are other saws in this range $500, namely job site or portable saws like the Bosch 4100 0r 4000, which I own. The newer model 4100 has safety feature and other improvements. This price range is at the cross roads between the contractor saws and the hybrids. If you intend to make a serious hobby in woodworking then I would opt for a heavier saw with 2 hp or so and cast iron tables and a stout fence. The fence is the arm of the saw, the motor and trunnions the heart. Thin kerf blades have reduced the power requirements somewhat, but an underpowered saw is dangerous as it will bog down, bind up and stop cutting repeatedly, very frustrating. There are many opinions on this, but that's what I recommend.
Also $500 will get you a very good used saw in the heavier class.
Check out this thread here: NEW Ridgid R4510 Portable Table Saw (Replaces 24XX) PICS! bill

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rrich

When deciding on a table saw the first consideration is available AC power. If you don't have 230V AC available, your choice is hybrid, contractor or bench top.

Any of the normal brands are good. (Grizzly, Jet, Delta, General, DeWalt, Ridgid, I can't think of any others)

Beware of the "Bad Reviews" that you may read. Most (not all) are from someone with buyers remorse or someone wanting something for nothing. HOWEVER if you see multiple reviews that say something like "This widget fails or breaks and the company won't do anything about it." it may indicate a brand to avoid.

I haven't actually looked at a Craftsman table saw (as in intended purchase) in perhaps 25 years. I can't tell you much about the new models, however the models from the late 1960s and early 1970s were good table saws. The problem with Sears is that they "Go Out For Bids" and say, "Build me a table saw. Like the government, price is the major consideration in deciding upon a contractor to build the table saw.

A good place to look for a table saw is Craig's List. Usually you will find a fair price and an honest seller on CL. (Emphasis on USUALLY.) Many times the seller will toss in some accessories with the sale. (If you know you're dealing woodworker to woodworker the seller tends to be more liberal.)

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Use the right tool for the job.

Rich (Tilting right)
Huntington Beach, California
Remember that when we have the "BIG ONE" everything east of the Rockies falls into the ocean.

knotscott

Over the past few years, a newer style saw has crept strongly into the scene of home shop full size stationary saws that'll run on standard 120v circuits called hybrids. They're essentially the same size, same power, same duty rating, and same electrical requirements as the old style traditional contractor saw, but they have in inboard motor vs an outboard, which takes up less space, has better dust collection, shorter belt for smoother more efficient power transfer, and best of all the motor won't catch on something accidentally when you tilt the blade and throw off the alignment.

The saw Woodnthings linked to is a hybrid. I had the Craftsman 22124 hybrid that was made by Steel City's Orion subsidiary for 3-1/2 years and loved it....dunno a thing about this new one though.

HD is offering a new hybrid called the R4511 with a granite top. Reports from owners have been mainly favorable. ~ $600

BHOFM

I have an Hitachi and love it. Folds for storage
quickly and cuts true. Table extends for out feed
and to the right for 24+" ripping.

The school where I taught bought one and used it
hard and never had a problem so I bought one.

Mine has the big dust bag under it and get 95+%
of the dust.

It has wheels and an extend-able handle to move it
around

$240 at Lowes.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...0FR&lpage=none

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mike65072

I have the Ridgid R4511 that Scott mentioned. It is a very good saw and a great value, plus it has the Ridgid lifetime service agreement (free parts for life). It has cabinet mounted trunions, a riving knife, built-in mobile base, very good dust collection and a solid fence. The granite top and 2 piece fence rail seem to give some people heartburn, but from my experience, neither has been a problem. The granite in fact adds to the weight of the saw and makes it very stable.

The saw sells for a little out of your price range ($599), but you can get a 10% off coupon on Ebay for a couple of bucks and knock it down a little. HD just had a sale (the second time they've done this) where if you spend $600 you got an instant rebate of $150.

A good friend of mine works at Sears in the tool department and says they sell a lot of table saws and have very few complaints. I had intended on getting a Craftsman saw, until I found the Ridgid...$450 and a lifetime guarantee...too good to pass up. Good luck, Mike.

rrbrown

The craftsman saw Bill mentioned is on sale for 489.99 for craftsman club members. That makes it just under your limit.

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Richard

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jdp8402

These are the two that I am looking at. I was wanting some opinions on the two.

Rigid
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...1&ddkey=Search

Craftsman
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...word=table+saw

mi77915

I have a Bosch 4100 series table saw ($439.00) and just love it!!! I purchased it without the folding base and made my own. I was in a similar situation, not a lot of space, didn't want to spend lots of money. After much research, I decided on the Bosch. For my situation, it has worked out GREAT!!! The runout on the blade was only .001" from the factory (checked it with a dial indicator), the fence is MUCH better then the one on my other tablesaw (older Mastercraft).

Tom

GeorgeC

I have always been a Craftsman fan. My Craftsman table saw is over 25 years old and still works perfectly. I did upgrade the fence many years ago. One of the reasons I like Craftsman is their service. You know that if needed you can get replacement parts.

I have seen the saw that you are referencing in the store. Of course that really does not tell me how well it cuts, but it looks like a good solid unit.

My feeling is that you can seldom go wrong with a Craftsman.

George

knotscott

That particular Craftsman (28133) is brand new out....I've not yet read anything from someone who's tried it, and haven't seen one in person yet. It appears to be a hybrid type saw with an inboard belt drive induction motor. It's worth checking underneath to see how the trunnions are mounted (table or cabinet mounted), how the arbor carriage is made (connecting rods or cast shroud), and what the drive system looks like (type of belt, how the motor is supported, etc). Most of these saws are plenty capable with good setup and good blade selection.

The R4511 is fairly new out also, but has been around for at least several months, so there's some testimony from owners/users...largely positive. That saw is made by Steel City's Orion subsidiary. It has a lot of features for the price...riving knife, cabinet mounted trunnions, one-piece cast blade shroud, large handwheels, Herculift, granite top, and a steel t-square fence (though the fence doesn't include faces, but are easy to add yourself).

duncsuss

On the Sears site for this saw, there's a link for a rebate. It isn't clear if you can get this 10% in addition to the discount that Craftsman Club members get ... which would bring the price down to $440

ACP

I own the Ridgid you are looking at and love it. I have had no issues with it. It has a lot of nice features standard. It has been discontinued though in favor of the R4511. The 549 price tag is too steep. You should be able to find one on clearance or see if your HD can get one from another store at a clearance price. I got mine for 399 on clearance and I have read many people talk of similar deals (steals?). Good luck in your search.

rrich

Richard,

I noticed in the Craftsman Club ad that you posted, a Laser feature on the small table saw.

I was going to ask the why question but you weren't there when the decision was made............

__________________
Use the right tool for the job.

Rich (Tilting right)
Huntington Beach, California
Remember that when we have the "BIG ONE" everything east of the Rockies falls into the ocean.

rrbrown

Well Rich I'm not sure I just got the email at the same time that this thread was posted. Seams a little useless to me.

__________________
Semper Fi
Richard

Once A Marine Always A Marine.

Some choose to study history, but Marines choose to create history.

iamwelty2

The Ridgid R4511 is being discontinued too... apparently do to it's high shipping cost. Just bought one for $499 and I got an additional 10% off coupon... has the lifetime guarantee, but I'm worried that since it's discontinued, I could be screwed... in a box in the back of my pickup... we'll just have to see.

Texas Sawduster

Check on Craigs list for your area. There are always decent and sometimes great deals on good saws and okay saws. If you buy and dont mind spending close to your 500 limit, make sure the fence is what you want.