saw question

[keithmylum]

Home depot has a Ridgid saw for $550, they also have a portable Ridgid saw for 450 but it will be on sale the day after thanksgiving for $299. I realy like the bigger non portable one as I really do not need to move it around. I qeuss the question I have is, is it worth an extra 250? Do yall think The stationary bigger table saw is better than the portable one?

[Don]

Hey, Keith and welcome to the forum. Without knowing too much about the specific models you are writing about I'd have to say that a stationary saw is going to be more of a pleasure to use than a portable. Many of my recent thoughts on table saws can be found on this thread as well; http://www.woodworkingbuzz.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136

Many of the tops on these saws are still aluminum, If you are willing to spend $550 for a saw and you think you will get a lifetime of use out of it, you may want to consider saving just a little more and looking at a regular cabinet saw. Something like this maybe?
http://www.grizzly.com/products/2-HP-Hybrid-Cabinet-Saw/G0478 for about another $250 - you'd have a saw that would really be a joy to use and would last a lifetime. Saws from the box stores are okay and will do the job, but there is a difference after you use something that's heavy and built much more solid.

Anyway, whatever you decide, tell us about it and your experience with it.

All the best, Don

[Terry Mac]

Hey Keith, here's my 2 cents on table saws.

It really depends on the use of the saw, and personal choice. A buddy of mine works for a framing crew, and he likes to take his aluminum top table saw to the site; its lite and is very portable. On the other hand, if you're going to be working solely from your shop, then a good cast iron table saw is a better buy, IMO.

Secondly, when it comes down to buying a table saw, buy it from a reputable machinery dealer, not lowes, Home Depot, or any another store like that. Much better saws, and usually better "after sale" assistance. Yeah, it will cost more, but you'll get a better saw that will out live you.

As for personal choice, I like old cast iron table/tilt arbor saws. Spend some time looking and you will usually find an old Craftsman, Atlas, Delta/Rockwell (unisaw) floating around for a reasonable price. Table saws are easy to clean up, just make sure the arbor bearing is good; that's still not bad to change out either. These kind of saws have already lasted a couple of lifetimes, and will with a little TLC last several more lifetimes. These saws were also built in the USA, not just assembled here.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck, and let us know what you decide; and post pics.

[thekl0wn]

If you're not moving the saw, then I would definitely go with a cast iron table. It's definitely worth it. The Grizzly products, like Don listed, are a great value for the money. We have quite a few of their products and have been satisfied with them all.

I've used a few of the Rigid saws, and they're not too shabby. They're nothing like using a cabinet saw set up correctly in your shop, but they do the job. We've always had good luck with buying many tools at Home Depot, but as far as the "after sales" treatment goes, I've always had great luck here, but for two reasons: Dad's a contractor, and we do a lot of business with them. And then there's the whole dating the head cashier thing that helps when dealing with them! :D (also helps with big personal purchases)

[Btech Ed]

It's probably too late, but I can give you a little information on the two saws. I was looking at both of them too, in order to work on a project out of town. Keeping in mind I once owned a poorly made saw and was never happy with it once I understood a little more about furniture making I decided I never wanted another saw like it again. The smaller Ridgid saw does have some nice features but what really killed it for me was the fit of the miter gauge in the miter slot. I'm sure the smaller saw is pretty good for the money, but if you start making things that need a little more accuracy, I think you would be better off with the bigger saw.
I did buy the bigger saw and have been pretty impressed with it. The fence moves smothly and accurately, the miter gauge fits well, the set up was relatively easy and well designed. The built in mobile base is pretty good. The saw is pretty heavy but I can pick it up if I have to and I managed to get it into my pick up buy building a ramp and pushing it up the ramp.
If you haven't already bought the saw I hope this helps.

[woodman43]

Welcome to the site Keith.
I personally prefer the bigger cast iron topped saws for shop use, but I also own the portable Ridged one I think you are refering to that I use on job sites and it has been a great saw. But the type of work you do will make all the difference in the world as far as the type of saw you purchase. The larger the material you cut the larger and more powerful saw you are going to want.