which table saw....cant decide

[Bill Bixby]

Need to replace my table saw but I'm under serious budgetary constraints. Trying to decide between a new Hitachi or old 220v Rockwell. I have a Beisemeyer already so that should make a cheaper saw usable. Both are $200

187049

187050

[Joseph Tarantino]

assuming equal power ratings, if right tilt isn't an issue, the rockwell. if like most people you prefer left tilt, the hitachi.

[Bill Bixby]

I suspect the rockwell is more powerful since its 220v but it looks kinda old. Any reason why I should prefer one tilt over another? I dont do many beveled cuts.

[Norman Pyles]

Between those two, I would go with the Hitachi.

[shane lyall]

I'm not 100% sure but I think the hitachi can be run on 220 with a simple change on at the saw. I have the new Porter-Cable hybrid saw that is very close to that one and I love mine. It was good out of the box and dialing in only took a couple hours. It is dead on true after a set of bunk beds in red oak. Passes the nickel test, if you put any stock in such a thing, and did fine cutting 5/8 deep 3/4 wide dados in said red oak. The P-C has cabinet mounted trunions and an enclosed motor so it may not be a clone.

I'm sure the Rockwell is a good saw but looks to need a little work.

Id be glad to answer any questions you have about the hitachi if it is in fact the same saw as mine. I've only had mine a few weeks but have used it every day with no issues thus far.

[Brian Weick]

Well,
" Old " American machinery is "superior" to any equipment being shipped in to the states today - thats a FACT not fiction - hands down IMO.

My next endeavorer is the Oliver 260 16"-DATS (dual arbor table saw) it was built in 1956 the trunnion alone on that saw weighs in at a whopping 289.00lbs and will out last and out perform any machinery coming from Taiwan or China.

As far as the mass on some of this machinery.....It's not for everyone and I realize that but there are 10 & 12's as well , don't bypass good quality American made machinery just because it's not new. If you get the opportunity to try older equipment... I think you will be sold and never look back.....


B,

[Will Boulware]

I like my old(er) stuff. Nothing of mine is as old as Brian's piece of green awesome, but with a minimal amount of tune-up, it all cuts wood. I don't have any experience with the hitachi and therefore don't have any room to comment, but if it was me, I'd buy the Rockwell.

[David Gandy]

Nothing lasts like American made Cast Iron. The rockwell will STILL be here when the Chiwanese plastic has deteriorated and is crumbling away. Right tilt is an asset because you are cutting the bevel away from the fence rather than trapping towards the fence with less chance of a kickback and also allows for running the bevel up on the fence. I have used a Delta Unisaw made int he early sixties for years with a right tilt and quite frankly, it would take me some time to become accustomed to using a left tilt. Just remember, there is no substitute for heavy cast iron.

A partial collection of my herd of American Iron:
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac14/rodeking2/100_0881-1-1.jpg

David G...who uses nothing but old arn....well most of time

[Brian Weick]

Semper-fi

as Always- stay Vigilant....http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/usa-flag-89.gif (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/facebook-smileys.html)http://www.contractortalk.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif

B,