J. Clarke wrote:

On Thu, 14 Dec 2006 01:20:14 -0800, Chrisgiraffe wrote:

Hello Mike,
If I may throw two cents worth in, may I suggest you rethink your
situation. You said you're considering a hybrid just because of
footprint. It sounds to me like your real issue is not so much the
saw base as the table top. Table tops are usually larger than the
base and most are pretty close to the same before extensions unless
you downgrade to a benchtop.

If you haven't already, consider the average lengths of the wood(s)
you're working with. If it's plywood sheets perhaps you can get by
with some kind of vertical sheet-cutting rig. If you're cutting
long stretches for cabinets then I'm not sure how you will work
around extension tables without maneuvering your existing (if you
have them) work tables. Some people utilize the table saw itself
as a workbench in crowded spaces by placing a top over it when not
in use. You can make a creative use of tables in conjuntion with
your saw so that you are not dependent on permanent extension wings
but you'll run into issues when you want to use your fence on them
if they're not exactly the same depth as your table saw and you
can't get them aligned properly. Again, the size of the wood you
commonly work with will dictate a lot of what you can and can't get
away with.

As for dust collection, a cabinet without any suction on it is
going to shoot dust in your face and soon will cloud up your
basement. At some point you have to address that and a cabinet
isn't much better than a nylon bag with a string tied around the
dust chute.

As for table saws, I don't think there's anyone here who doesn't
think their brand is the best. I used to own a Craftsman and I
believe that what they market as 'contractor saws' are nothing more
than benchtops in a contractor saw coat. I've got the Delta 36-982
contractor saw (comes w/ Biesemeyer fence and side extension
table). I don't think anything Craftsman sells holds a candle to
it, but, as you see, I have my preference too. Delta considers it
their 'contractor saw'. If you get a chance drop in at Lowe's and
have a look. One particular problem I have with Craftsman is their
rampant use of plastics throughout their tools, their poor knockoff
features and their non-standard designs (e.g. miter slots,
clearance plates, etc.).

Personally I'm in the market for a table saw myself and for various
reasons a Unisaw is out of the question. Took a look at that Delta
and the best price I find on it is higher than the top end of the
Craftsman line, which is a cabinet saw, not a contractor saw, and
also has a Biesemeyer fence, and very little plastic in evidence.
Their next step down is the same mechanism on legs instead of an
enclosed base, and with their fence--it's a lot cheaper than the
Delta but the two examples I've looked at so far both have some flex
in the fence which may be indicative of a design problem or may be
just the store's half-assed job of assembly. I wasn't aware that
there was any established standard for clearance plates, but the
miter slot appears to be completely standard give or take
manufacturing tolerances.

I just think for the same
money you get more from Delta and Jet. I'm sure there are hordes
ready to pull their teeth out that I didn't mention Steel City,
Powermatic and General. Well, when I get the money to just go hog
wild, perhaps- meanwhile I'm big on Delta (non-shopmaster) and Jet.
I think they both offer great all around value (quality,
durability, features, customer service) for the money. But, again,
I have a hard time seeing the saw as much the main issue as table
space and the size of wood you work with. If you're limited with
space and moving from a Sears contractor to a hybrid I think you'll
either have the same issue or it will be worse since the hybrid is
likely to be as large or larger than a Sears contractor. If
anything I would consider finding a quality benchtop (likely Bosch
or Dewalt) and using benches in some configuration as make shift
extension tables if space were the issue.

If anyone doesn't like my Delta/Jet suggestion please feel free to
ship me the best Table Saw of your choice and I'll be happy to give
it a try. :-)

I just finished assembling a Grizzly G0478 Hybrid as a surprise
birthday gift for my brother-in-law. His wife left it up to me to do
the research on saws. I looked at Delta, Jet, General and the Craftsman
Professional. There was a price limit ($1000) and a time factor. The
Grizzly was $695 + $89 shipping to Boise,Id.It arrived in three days.
It's a very good saw for the money. He was surprised too. Jim

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