On 21 Mar 2005 07:18:26 -0800, "Woodchuck34"
wrote:

Friday night SWMBO gave me the green light to buy a new TS. Saturday
morning I was in the local Woodcraft talking to one of the guys about
the different features. I am interested in a Powermatic, Jet, or Delt
Contractor saw and after a long conversation, and a lot of research on
my own (I've been buildling the case for a new TS for weeks), narrowed
it down to a Delta.

Because of the X5 rebate, if I order by the end of the month, I get
another $100 off. I wanted a 52" fence, but the guy at Woodcraft made
a pretty good case for a 30" (safety, and saving the money).

My first question is on the fence. Which style do you all prefer?

My second question is a moral issue. This guy spent a lot of time with
me and gave me some great insight. Do I cough up the extra money to
buy it there or do I avoid the sales tax and shipping charges and buy
it from Amazon (who is also giving an extra $25 off). I'm torn. I
usually buy my stuff there because they're great whenever I have a
question, but I'd probably save another $175. What would you do?

My third question, has anyone built the TS/Router Center cabinet in the
Oct. 2003 issue of Wood Mag? It would be ideal for me. I currently
have a similar setup on my TS, but is a first version and is a little
rough around the edges to say the least. I'm looking at the router
table as a good second table so I'm not concerned with the "router
table in the TS issue".

Thanks, as always, in advance for your 2 cents.

I went through the same thing you're going through exactly a year ago.
I don't understand a "safety issue" with the longer fence rails but
this decision depends on available space. I opted for the short Bies.
I have yet to regret it, but I imagine the time will come. Otherwise
a clamp-on straight edge and a circular saw have done the job. I can't
envision manhandling a 4 x 8' sheet of MDF onto the saw by myself
anyway.

As to the question of price difference, you need to ask yourself
whether you like having a Woodcraft store handy. I do, so I paid the
tax. They also delivered and helped unload it in my garage for an
extra $15 for "gas money." When the problems arise (they
will---guaranteed) it's nice to be able to go eyeball-to-eyeball with
the salesman and get it resolved.

My $0.02