I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table saw
to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the Ridgid
with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find and they
looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments about the
Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know what to
look for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.

--
The only dumb question, is the one not asked

PHT wrote:
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table saw
to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the Ridgid
with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find and they
looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments about the
Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know what to
look for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.

If you're talking about the TS3650, I got it about two years ago and
added a Rockler router table to it. It is a great/affordable saw. I'm
in the process of adding dust collection to the blade guard as the under
table shroud doesn't stop it from spitting sawdust at me (as most TS do).

PHT wrote:
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which
table saw to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am
looking
at the Ridgid with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I
could find and they looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have
any comments about the Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and
would like to know what to look for when I inspect it.

It's the best of the inexpensive saws. The next step would be the
Sears 22124, then the 3 HP cabinet saws. Figure in a better
blade--the one that comes with it cuts fast enough but it flexes
enough that I don't always get square cuts.


--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

PHT wrote in
:

I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table
saw to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the
Ridgid with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could
find and they looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any
comments about the Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would
like to know what to look for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.


Sure, don't forget to put the metal foot braces on the bottom before you
assemble everything and upright it. You'll never want to lift it up and
mess with the feet just to put them on.

Where I have trouble is getting the splitter lined up exactly behind the
blade. So, the splitter tends to catch the wood, making a situation more
dangerous than no splitter/blade guard assembly at all.

The other trick is getting the motor belt tension right. I don't know
that the manual specifies it, or even tells you how to set it up in the
instructions.

That said, it's an excellent saw. Everything's smooth, and the fence is
decent. When you turn the saw on, you can continue your conversation
with someone, or give instructions to your helper without shouting.

Key features:
Herc-u-lift system
Adjustable on/off switch
Belt drive
Blade change uses two wrenches, so you need only touch the blade when
you're taking it off the arbor.
Fence and miter gauge storage on the sides

Plus it qualifies for 6 months no interest on HD credit card. (If you're
interested in that sort of thing.)

Puckdropper
--
On Usenet, no one can hear you laugh. That's a good thing, though, as
some writers are incorrigible.

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

Doug Winterburn wrote:

PHT wrote:
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table
saw to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the
Ridgid with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find
and they looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments
about the Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know
what to look for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.

If you're talking about the TS3650, I got it about two years ago and
added a Rockler router table to it. It is a great/affordable saw. I'm
in the process of adding dust collection to the blade guard as the under
table shroud doesn't stop it from spitting sawdust at me (as most TS do).


I have the same problem with dust. What are you adding in the way of a
table shroud?

Deb

Dr. Deb wrote:
Doug Winterburn wrote:

PHT wrote:
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table
saw to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the
Ridgid with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find
and they looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments
about the Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know
what to look for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.

If you're talking about the TS3650, I got it about two years ago and
added a Rockler router table to it. It is a great/affordable saw. I'm
in the process of adding dust collection to the blade guard as the under
table shroud doesn't stop it from spitting sawdust at me (as most TS do).


I have the same problem with dust. What are you adding in the way of a
table shroud?

Deb
I used a hole saw and drilled a 1+ inch hole in the top front of the
blade guard. I then epoxied a PVC coupler that fits a small shop vac
hose into the hole. That didn't entirely eliminate the spitting, so I'm
goig to cut a strip of lexan and epoxy it between the front flanges of
the guard. I also made a manifold for the trash can cyclone that lets
me hook up a 2.5" and 1.25" shop vac hose for the under blade shroud and
the over blade guard. The inlet to the trash can is a 4" hose to a
small DC. I'll post a pic in a.b.p.w when it's done and working -
hopefully.

I've had this saw for maybe four years now and I like it. I bought it
to replace a Dewalt 744 benchtop saw. I have a very small shop so I
like the built in caster system. The saw seems to stay in alignment
quite nicely. About a year ago I upgraded to a Forrest WWII blade and
am glad I did. Before the Forrest blade I'd been using Freud
combination blades which aren't bad but the Forrest takes the prize
for clean cuts and smooth operation. I use the 2 1/2" dust port
underneath connected with an adaptor to my 4" dust collection hose and
it does an OK job for what gets sucked down. I would eventually like
to have an overarm blade guard with dust collection but the budget
doesn't allow it now. I also have a Freud stacked dado set that I
occasionally use on this saw. I make my own inserts- zero clearance as
well as different widths for using the dado blades. This saw has
handled everything I've thrown at it up to 12/4 oak with no problem. I
do switch to a ripping blade if I'm going to do extensive ripping of
thick hardwood stock, but for most operations I just use the WWII. I
also bought a Freud blade to cut melamine, which I used when I built
the cabinets for our kitchen about two or three years ago. When
dealing with large sheet goods I usually rough cut them to size using
a circular saw first and then to final dimensions on the table saw,
using roller stands when necessary. I also built a crosscut sled to
handle crosscuts on stock up to 12" wide. Hope this information helps.

Dale






On Jan 8, 5:05*pm, PHT wrote:
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table saw
to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the Ridgid
with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find and they
looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments about the
Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know what to
look for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.

--
The only dumb question, is the one not asked

On Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:42:50 -0800, dale martin wrote:

About a year ago I upgraded to a Forrest WWII blade and am glad I did.
Before the Forrest blade I'd been using Freud combination blades which
aren't bad but the Forrest takes the prize for clean cuts and smooth
operation.

FWIW, I'd also been using the Freud combo blade and two Freud thin kerf
blades for special rips and crosscuts. Good blades, but nothing
exceptional. A couple of months ago I bought the new Freud Fusion
blade. What a difference! I saw somewhere that the Fusion was in the
samne class as the WWII and I believe it. Even does good in plywood.



--
It's turtles, all the way down

On Jan 8, 8:23 pm, Doug Winterburn wrote:
PHT wrote:
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table saw
to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the Ridgid
with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find and they
looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments about the
Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know what to
look for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.

If you're talking about the TS3650, I got it about two years ago and
added a Rockler router table to it. It is a great/affordable saw. I'm
in the process of adding dust collection to the blade guard as the under
table shroud doesn't stop it from spitting sawdust at me (as most TS do).

If the lower collection isn't working well, then check your blade/
fence alignment. If the fence is parallel you are cutting at the
front of the blade and the dust goes down (if the dust collection is
not on it then some of it comes back up again at the back). If the
fence is not parallel you are cutting at the back/top of the blade and
the dust goes up and at you. I only have the collection at the bottom
and I don't get dust flying at me, unless the kerf closes up, in which
case it's like a kickback early warning system.

I also added a piece of cardboard on the side of the dust shroud,
where it's lower to allow the blade to tilt. When I need to tilt the
blade I just pull out the whole removable side of the shroud, I don't
do many angled cuts and I have to switch out the zero clearance insert
anyway so it's open to get in there anyway. I still get a lot of
sawdust on the floor, but it's better.

-Kevin

On Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:05:59 GMT, PHT wrote:

I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table saw
to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the Ridgid
with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find and they
looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments about the
Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know what to
look for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.

Had one for a year or so now, but only used it sparingly..
I shopped around for months and read all the reviews and it's a LOT of saw for
the money..

My only problems with it have been operator error, having used a Shopsmith as a
TS for years...
The saw is quiet, very accurate and easy to do repeatable cuts on, with the
micro-adjuster on the fence..
I'm not a purist or heavy duty user, so thought I'm very impressed with both the
saw and the fence, take my verbiage with a grain of salt...

Oh.. If you do buy it, follow Puckdropper's advice about the feet AND use
locktite on the Hurculift bracket assembly bolts.. DAMHIKT


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

mac davis wrote:
On Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:05:59 GMT, PHT
wrote:

I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which
table saw to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am
looking at the Ridgid with the cast iron top. I have read the
reviews that I could find and they looked good. Not many bad
comments. Anyone have any comments about the Ridgid? I going to
look
at one tomorrow and would like to know what to look for when I
inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.

Had one for a year or so now, but only used it sparingly..
I shopped around for months and read all the reviews and it's a LOT
of saw for the money..

My only problems with it have been operator error, having used a
Shopsmith as a TS for years...
The saw is quiet, very accurate and easy to do repeatable cuts on,
with the micro-adjuster on the fence..
I'm not a purist or heavy duty user, so thought I'm very impressed
with both the saw and the fence, take my verbiage with a grain of
salt...

Oh.. If you do buy it, follow Puckdropper's advice about the feet
AND
use locktite on the Hurculift bracket assembly bolts.. DAMHIKT

I'll third that.


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

On 1/8/09 8:05 PMJan 8, "PHT" wrote:

I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table saw
to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the Ridgid
with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find and they
looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments about the
Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know what to
look for when I inspect it.

There are already a number of good responses so I'll only add some points
that haven't been mentioned. I have had a Ridgid saw for several years and
recommend it as one of the best saw for a moderate price.

The cast iron top is pretty good, but be sure to put some protection on it
if there is any humidity where you work.

The Hercu-lift is surprisingly good. While assembling it, I thought it was a
kludge that work never work. But it works GREAT! Very convenient for moving
the saw around.

I converted the motor to 220V and am pleased with the result. It seems to
start smoother and run quieter.

"PHT" wrote in message
...
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which table saw
to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am looking at the Ridgid
with the cast iron top. I have read the reviews that I could find and they
looked good. Not many bad comments. Anyone have any comments about the
Ridgid? I going to look at one tomorrow and would like to know what to look
for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.


Just one last one thing. Check the newest of the Ridgid saws, the 3660.
They have moved the saw inboard (think hybrid saw) and the table is now
granite! I believe it's slightly smaller - not an issue, actually. Go to
the Ridgid forums he
http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=12

and a simple search inquiry, 3660, will give you the high points of the new
saw. Incidently, I'm 3.5 years into mine and the only things that I'd
change are the outboard motor and a riving knife instead of the splitter.
Having weighed all things I still chose this saw and I don't regret it at
all. Oh yea, you will find all sorts of saw improvements like dust
collection, improved leg stabililty, attached outfeed table, attached router
table and much more. A good group of ww'ers.

Have fun!
Chuck

C & E wrote:
"PHT" wrote in message
...
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which
table saw to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am
looking at the Ridgid with the cast iron top. I have read the
reviews that I could find and they looked good. Not many bad
comments. Anyone have any comments about the Ridgid? I going to
look
at one tomorrow and would like to know what to look for when I
inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.


Just one last one thing. Check the newest of the Ridgid saws, the
3660. They have moved the saw inboard (think hybrid saw) and the
table is now granite! I believe it's slightly smaller - not an
issue, actually. Go to the Ridgid forums he
http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=12

and a simple search inquiry, 3660, will give you the high points of
the new saw. Incidently, I'm 3.5 years into mine and the only
things
that I'd change are the outboard motor and a riving knife instead of
the splitter. Having weighed all things I still chose this saw and I
don't regret it at all. Oh yea, you will find all sorts of saw
improvements like dust collection, improved leg stabililty, attached
outfeed table, attached router table and much more. A good group of
ww'ers.

Uh, that's the R4511 you're thinking of. The 3660 is pretty much a
3550 repackaged in a single box so the rails don't get separated.

The 4511, on paper anyway, looks to be setting a new standard for
price/performance.

I am sorely tempted to sell my 3660 and get one of those.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

"J. Clarke" wrote in message
...
C & E wrote:
"PHT" wrote in message
...
I am currently looking and trying to make up my mind as to which
table saw to purchase to replace my aging one. Right now I am
looking at the Ridgid with the cast iron top. I have read the
reviews that I could find and they looked good. Not many bad
comments. Anyone have any comments about the Ridgid? I going to
look
at one tomorrow and would like to know what to look for when I
inspect it.

Thanks,
Paul T.


Just one last one thing. Check the newest of the Ridgid saws, the
3660. They have moved the saw inboard (think hybrid saw) and the
table is now granite! I believe it's slightly smaller - not an
issue, actually. Go to the Ridgid forums he
http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=12

and a simple search inquiry, 3660, will give you the high points of
the new saw. Incidently, I'm 3.5 years into mine and the only
things
that I'd change are the outboard motor and a riving knife instead of
the splitter. Having weighed all things I still chose this saw and I
don't regret it at all. Oh yea, you will find all sorts of saw
improvements like dust collection, improved leg stabililty, attached
outfeed table, attached router table and much more. A good group of
ww'ers.

Uh, that's the R4511 you're thinking of. The 3660 is pretty much a
3550 repackaged in a single box so the rails don't get separated.

The 4511, on paper anyway, looks to be setting a new standard for
price/performance.

I am sorely tempted to sell my 3660 and get one of those.

--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)


DOH!!! Sorry 'bout that, and thanks for the clarification, John. Here's a
thread link for it
http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/sho...hlight=granite

I know that Paul already bought the 3650 but I like to correct my mistakes
for future searchers. Thanks again, John.