173 Table saw choice
Description
This article is from the Woodworking FAQ Collection 4, by multiple authors.
173 Table saw choice
From: macrakis@osf.org (Stavros Macrakis)
Date: 22 Oct 92 01:29:44 GMT
Well, I'd like to thank all the netters who have kindly shared their
experience about moderately-priced table saws (under $600). Here is a
summary. There appear to be two poles of attraction: the Ryobi
BT3000, and the Delta Contractor's (hereinafter, DC) saw.
Everyone who actually bought a BT3000 was happy with it. Several
claimed that its fence is more accurate then either the DC or the
Grizzly G1022. Criticism (by those who did not buy it) centered on
robustness more than accuracy. Buyers claim part of this is prejudice
about lightweight aluminum.
Most replies, however, talked about the DC and the Grizzly G1022. The
Grizzly was criticized (as are other Taiwanese tools) for poor quality
control, and requiring careful tune-up before use. Although their
customer service is good, having to ship a saw back to them is no fun.
The Grizzly goes for $350 and shipping to most parts of the country
will be about $50. DC is available locally anywhere from $450-700,
depending on sales, etc. No one seemed to have any experience with
Reliant (Trendlines' Taiwanese brand). In all cases, an aftermarket
fence (e.g. Unifence at $200+) was recommended. The DC was
universally recommended. I was surprised at this, since it looks as
though it belongs on a worksite, not in a shop.
Beyond these, there are the Grizzly G1023, the Delta Cabinet Saw, and
so on, but prices start at $900 or so.
The DC (and the other conventional designs) also has the advantage
of accepting standard accessories such as aftermarket fences, miter
gauges, etc. This also presumably makes it easier to build special
jigs. And it is easy enough to construct a sliding table oneself (it
is said).
The BT3000, on the other hand, has a long list of accessories
available from Ryobi, all of which seem worthwhile.
So, based just on comments (and NOT on experience), I conclude that
the BT3000 is preferred by those who like to buy a complete solution
from a supplier, while the DC etc. are preferred by those who expect
to build their own jigs, etc. Although I prefer not to spend time
building jigs, it seems inevitable in the long run. And robustness is
certainly attractive.
So it looks as though I will be buying a DC or similar, and an
aftermarket fence.
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