Which Table Saw Between $300-$400

[Ben Abate]

Hello all,

I got a call from a retired buddy of mine today asking which table saw he should purchase. He is not a woodworker, per say, he just a fellow that would like to do some work around his home and a few crafts I assume. He was a Millwright for 32 years so he's not without ability to build things. He asked if he could get a table saw in the price range of $300.00 and no more than $400.00. As with anything, if he can spend less he will. I told him I would ask all of you since I have taken another path with regards to tables saws sometime ago. I have no idea of what is out there any longer with regards to price and quality. Your input is welcome.

Thanks all
Ben

[Carroll Courtney]

In that range you will be able to fine a good used one off CL's,Want-Ads,local paper,etc.Use to, 400 bucks would buy a brand new one but not now days.The new ones will,don't care for them.He needs to also think about resale after he losses the bug,a good name brand will be easier to sale.Look here in the classifide section,there's always one or two---Carroll

[Bill Huber]

I did a quick look on Craiglist and there are some nice looking ones around.
I that price range I would look for a used one. He may not like working with a table saw and that way he would not have a lot of money in it.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1507810712.html

This one has very good reviews.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1505673802.html

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1497631679.html

This looks like one to call on.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1485172517.html

[scott spencer]

There's not a lot of full size saws available new in that price range. He might still be able to find a clearance price on a Ridgid R4511 for ~ $400. If he does, and Ridgid's Friend's & Family rebate (http://www.ridgid.com/download/MIR_FandF_RIDGID.pdf) still applies, it'd be even less.

A good sale price on the Hitachi C10FL at Lowes or the Craftsman 21833 might put him close. He might find a closeout deal on a Craftsman 22124 too.

If not, used may be his best bet.

[Neal Clayton]

I did a quick look on Craiglist and there are some nice looking ones around.
I that price range I would look for a used one. He may not like working with a table saw and that way he would not have a lot of money in it.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1507810712.html

This one has very good reviews.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1505673802.html

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1497631679.html

This looks like one to call on.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1485172517.html

not familiar with this grizzly, but it might be worth taking a look at too...

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1502117688.html

[Aaron Berk]

I'd go with that last one Bill posted, the Craftsman Floor saw.

But you didn't say about this friends preference, I know some folks don't like to mess with used items.

If he wants to go brand new I'd say Bosch or Ridgid,

[Scott Hildenbrand]

I'm still loving my R4511.. If you can find one, it's still a great saw.. BUT, looking forward to seeing what Ridgid comes out with next spring/summer.. Provided they do.

That last one bill posted is a jem, too. Being in Pittsburgh is a plus for you and your friend.. A Craigslist goldmine.. I miss being close to it.. Can't find ANYTHING close by here.. Heck, can't even check the auto trader.

[Ben Abate]

Hello fellows
Thank you for your input. I have to agree that a nice used machine would be a smart investment. And as mentioned, having thoughts of resale is a great idea if he decides this isn't for him. I like that. Bill thanks for the postings. I remember reading sometime ago that users liked the Ridgid machines. I never thought of Grizzly either. I know in the past few years they have stepped up their quality a great deal.

thanks again
Ben

[Dave Gaul]

It is in my 8' X 24' shop! So my next TS will be this one!

http://bosch.cpotools.com/saws/table_saws/4100-rt.html

It gets some pretty good reviews and fits the bill for me!

[John A. Callaway]

get the home depot contractor saw.... the one with the collapsible stand. It lists for 500.00 ....but I hear that they will let you use competitors coupons, and Harbor Freight runs a ad in the car mags ( motor trend, road and track, etc. ) for 20% off..... making it 400.00 brand new. The saw gets great reviews everywhere...

http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-TS2410LS-14648-10-Inch-Portable/dp/B001W0ZI9K

It isn't showing up on the home depot website. But the new model is in the stores now....

I am expecting one for christmas....

[Julian Wong]

Ben, if your friend is willing to drive a little, this could be worth the drive.
Delta contractor's saw with 32" unifence, side table and outfeed table.
Heck, the unifence itself is probably worth half of the asking price.
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/1510765352.html

No relation to the seller. Just passing on the ad.

[scott spencer]

Ben, if your friend is willing to drive a little, this could be worth the drive.
Delta contractor's saw with 32" unifence, side table and outfeed table.
Heck, the unifence itself is probably worth half of the asking price.
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/1510765352.html

No relation to the seller. Just passing on the ad.

That's a nice deal...

[Ben Abate]

Julian,

thanks, I'll contact him to see if this is ok with him. That's a good by and Cleveland is not very far. 2 hours. It looks very nice.

thanks
Ben




Ben, if your friend is willing to drive a little, this could be worth the drive.
Delta contractor's saw with 32" unifence, side table and outfeed table.
Heck, the unifence itself is probably worth half of the asking price.
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/1510765352.html

No relation to the seller. Just passing on the ad.

[Jason White]

If possible, find a used RIDGID TS3650 contractor saw on Craigslist, or perhaps there's one still on closeout at a nearby Home Depot (they were discontinuing this model a few months back and selling the remaining ones for cheap).

I used to have one and loved it!

Jason


Hello all,

I got a call from a retired buddy of mine today asking which table saw he should purchase. He is not a woodworker, per say, he just a fellow that would like to do some work around his home and a few crafts I assume. He was a Millwright for 32 years so he's not without ability to build things. He asked if he could get a table saw in the price range of $300.00 and no more than $400.00. As with anything, if he can spend less he will. I told him I would ask all of you since I have taken another path with regards to tables saws sometime ago. I have no idea of what is out there any longer with regards to price and quality. Your input is welcome.

Thanks all
Ben

[Prashun Patel]

For that money - and for his use, I'd consider a bandsaw. You can get a good 14" for that money (new). It's a 'safer', smaller, and more versatile tool for the money. Quieter too!

[James Carmichael]

I've seen the granite-top Ridgid for $399 in local HDs.

Beyond that, CL is probably the way to go. Unless he's in a major metro area, he may have to do some driving.

If he's willing to do some rehab, an Emerson-built Craftsman contractors saw can often be had for a c-note or less. It'll probably need some rehab and a new fence.