Need input on choosing new Table Saw

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zhogrider

zhogrider

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Joined
Mar 6, 2008
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Location
Vienna, IL 62995, USA.
OK I am fixing to upgrade my table saw for my shop. I am considering the following saws.

Ridgid model R4511 or Craftsman model OR35505

would like to know every ones thoughts and likes/dislikes on each saw.
Thank you for taking the time to help out.

Tony
 
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Rigid, all the way. I have had used mine all most every day for the last three years. Solid, mine you can step on peddle and roll around if you want, step on peddle again and it is solid on floor. Easy to move, solid and cuts like there is no tomorrow. Fence is pretty accurate considering it is not a Bessemer "spelling".
 
I'd rule out Craftsman, based on what so many have said about the quality. But why limit yourself to just the 2? I would start scouring Craigslist. I got a 52" Jet cabinet saw and a 20" Jet bandsaw, nearly brand new (I knew it was because I used to work in the woodshop they were in-they were barely touched) for 1200 bucks, delivered, including an in the box new Woodworker II blade, a Freud Dado set, and a huge outfeed table built like a tank.

If you're patient, you can find screamin' deals on Craigslist, especially now, unfortunately, with the economy where it is. But you have to be patient. But you'll spend nearly as much new for that new Rigid as I did for my Jet cabinet saw.

Dale
 
Ridgid. 100%. I've had more trouble with Craftsman tools (and total lack of service) than you can shake a stick at.
 
I don't know anything about either of your choices..but craftsman has a funny size miter slot...I'd skip it on that alone...I have a delta (for 20 yrs) and it has served me fine
 
I don't know if the one you mention has it but I had a Craftsman and the miter slot is a different size than normal and after market products will not fit.
 
zhogrider said:
OK I am fixing to upgrade my table saw for my shop.
Click to expand...

Now when you say shop, do you mean hobby area. Or do you mean SHOP.

Being, if it is your shop, and you make money on the items you craft, then there is truly only one saw to buy. (will get to that)
However, if you are a hobbyist, and on a budget, then why get the Granite top? When the TS3660 (and 50) are on sale for exactly half that cost, and they do EVERYTHING that the other saw will do. Heck I got mine brand new for about 299.99 (TS-3660) was on sale (to make room) at 349.00 plus I had a 10% off coupon with no payments/no interest for 1 year.

Anyhow, I, being on a fixed income (a measly 700.00 a month) it was the only saw I could afford (not even).
But if, (by definition, if you sell your crafts, you are a Pro, or rather if you are hired to do a particular job) I were a Pro and I was actually making just enough to cover my cost of materials, then by ALL means, a Sawstop at 1400.00 is MUCH more worth it considering what you get, over a Granite top.
That granite top, is not going to save your finger, where the Sawstop WILL. As well a true riving knife, very well built trunnion system, MORE of the best safety features in the business, etc...

Very simple train of thought on that, it is a no brainer.

Don't get me wrong, I love my TS-3660, but even the most foolish person should get this. If you make money using your saw, then why not make sure YOU NEVER spend a week (or month) in the hospital, when it could have been simply avoided.

I speak from exp. I have spent 6 months in the hospital. (am on disability now, and just now getting back to being able to use my hands after 7 years, well that happened in Dec. 2001

http://www.sawstop.com/

EDIT:: And no, I am not affiliated with them, but I wish I were (as I could get some kind of discount).
 
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