griz cabinet vs. delta contractor

[JCDIY]

Need some advice on choosing a tablesaw. I'll be using it for a year of intense weekend projects (mainly constructing oak built-in cabinets and shelves, etc) and other general project and carpentry work around the hosue.

My budget is a firm "not to exceed" $1000. MY options seem to be a Grizzly 1023SLW cabinet saw (220V, 3HP, shop fox fence for about $1000 ...or ... a Delta 36-716 hybrid saw (1.75 HP with delta unifence for about $900)...or...delta 36-682 contractor saw (1.5HP, standard fence for about $500).I've also had my eye out for a used Unisaw for several months but can't find one.

My sense is that (1) contractor saws will spew too much dust into my small basement shop (even with dust collection) and that once you add a good aftermarket fence, your're up around the price of a hybrid saw; (2) hybrid saws are just over-priced contractor saws with better dust collectioin and don't have the robust undercarriage that cabinet saws do; (3) I see all sorts of mixed reviews on the Griz. People love them or hate them. Everything was peachy right out of the box or it's horror stories of bad fit and finish.

Thanks--I welcome everyones input on my options and observations.

[woodworker2000]

For what its worth, Amazon is having a sale going on right now on table saws. If you can find somene who received a recent Amazon catalog with a coupon code on the back, you can get $100 off a Delta saw purchase PLUS free shipping (I would give you mine but I already gave it away....it is a one-time use only coupon). The coupon expires on 2/13/06. I think they are also having a sale off on all tablesaws (I think it is $110 off any saw over $500 BUT (I hate to tell you this) that sale may just have ended a few days ago). with the sale and coupon, I think some people have been able to get the Delta 36-680 for around $330 delivered. Make sure you check out the rebates that are available on various saws so you can decide which one is the best deal...Amazon has these rebates advertised on their website.

As far as contractor saw versus cabinet saw, there is no doubt that dust collection is better on a cabinet saw but you pay for it. A contractor saw will probably be able to cut through anything you need to cut through and is much cheaper. Most of the fences on decent contractor saws (i.e. the Delta 36-680 and Jet, Powermatic and Grizzly equivalents) are pretty good and will probably not need to be replaced.

Some other saws that people seem to be raving about are the Craftsman 22124 (cabinet saw with Biesemeyer fence....probably the best fence you can buy), a Craftsman hybrid (or contractor) saw sold by Sears (can't remember the model, number but it is something similar to 22124), and the higher end Ridgid table saws sold by Home Depot (I think the model number is 3680 but not sure). People have been getting the 22124 for around $700 recently with sales and a 10% Craftsman Club coupon...that is a pretty good deal for a cabinet saw with a Biesemier fence. I think some have gotten it cheaper at Sears Essentials stores (I think the Sears Essentials stores are clearing them out and will no longer sell these saws...some people have been able to get Sears stores to match the Sears Essentials closeout.). These new Craftsman saws are being built for Sears by Orion and seem to be a tremendous improvement over previous Craftsman saws.

I think it will be difficult to find a decent used Unisaw with a decent fence for less than $1000....those deals are out there but are hard to find. People who use Grizzly tools really seem to like them and their pricing is pretty good. I think you will need a dust collector regardless of which saw you decide on.


Good luck.

[woodworker2000]

Where are you located? I might be able to point you to a used saw if I come across one posted for sale.

[JCDIY]

Thanks for both the responses.FYI--I live in southeast wisconsin--between Chicago and milwaukee-- and would be willing to drive a couple of hours to pick-up a decent unisaw.

[woodworker2000]

I sent you a PM about a saw for sale in your area.