Minimax SC3 questions

[Greg Parrish]

This saw says it’s a short stroke saw. How much space in front and behind does this saw need? And how much cut does the slider allow? And any idea of total foot print space needed? It looks huge to me but can’t tell from the pictures if it would fit my 2 car garage space. Lastly how does it differ from the SC3C and the newer SC2C? Thanks.

[Jim Becker]

The SC2 replaced the SC3 so the dimensions are likely similar. You may want to contact Sam Blasco to see if he can confirm the specifications. I believe you have a 5'5" wagon on the SC3. My 8'6" wagon on the S315WS requires 19' for total stroke.

Here's an image of the SC3:

http://www.firstchoiceind.net/woodworkingmachinery/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/i/minimax_sc3w_sliding_table_saw_1.jpg

Here's the SC2 that replaced it:

https://www.scmgroup.com/website/var/tmp/image-thumbnails/20000/27208/thumb__SCM-imgProdotto/706-minimax-sc-2c_2017.jpeg

Page 60 of this document has the dimensions for the SC2

https://www.scmgroup.com/products/docs/rebranding/Minimax%20Generale/Minimax%20Gen._rev01_jan18_Ing.pdf

[Greg Parrish]

Thanks Jim. That link is very confusing. It lists the dimensions of the SC2C as 3860 mm or 12.6’ across the slide. Can’t help but th8nk that implies the full front to back movement of the slide as surely the slide isn’t a full 12’ long, right?

[Peter Kelly]

https://i.imgur.com/3IxRftY.png

Would fit fine into a 2 car garage.

[Greg Parrish]

I’ll have to do some measuring. That’s 10’ wide and a 12.6’ slide front to back. Not sure that will fit comfortably with my other stuff in that garage. I’ve just gone through a very cathartic process of thinning down the herd in there. Want to try to keep the space as open and functional as I can but really do think a slider would be a nice upgrade. The hammer 48x48 might be a smaller unit, but the minimax is nice since it has a 5/8” arbor.

[Matthew Hills]

Tight squeeze with existing tools?
Now you know why they also offer a J/P combo!

[Greg Parrish]

Tight squeeze with existing tools?
Now you know why they also offer a J/P combo!

Yep but I literally just bought a stand alone hammer A3-31. Actually waiting on the truck to get here any time in next hour. Of course it’s pouring rain right now too.

That said, my space probably doesn’t allow this saw so the smaller Hammer K3 may be the only option. Will know more once I get my space finished up and can measure.

[mike holden]

You know you don't HAVE to use the full stroke don't you?
If a 48" would work for the type of woodworking you do, then not using the full stroke is feasible. AND you can clear out the space for the odd time or two you need the extra stroke.

[Peter Kelly]

The SC2 Classic really doesn't consume a ton of space. Easy enough to remove the long crosscut fence when not in use and as above you probably won't be using the entire length of the sliding table most of the time.

https://i.imgur.com/5rJw9tK.jpg

[Greg Parrish]

So the outrigger table folds away behind it when not in use? That feature may keep it in the game then. Thanks. :)

[Peter Kelly]

Yes. Often times I just have the accessory miter fence with support table set up if I'm not cutting a lot of larger parts.

[Jim Becker]

So the outrigger table folds away behind it when not in use? That feature may keep it in the game then. Thanks. :)
The outrigger is removable and indexed so if you take it off and put it back on, things stay true. I used to remove my outrigger on my S315WS before cutting down the right side table as it forced me to crawl under it sometimes because of shop space. I don't have to do that anymore with the change and it stays on, but I have no issue taking it off if I need the space for finishing or a major assembly operation.

Peter, thanks for posting that diagram...

[Warren Lake]

how much does that saw weigh? dont see it in the specs

[Peter Kelly]

Think it's around 900lbs.

[scott vroom]

I opted for the Hammer K3 49". Plenty of capacity to crosscut sheet goods, and for us....and this was a major factor...we needed a saw that could function like a traditional cabinet saw for rip cuts using the rip fence. With the sliding table forward, it sits flush with the rear of the table which makes it ergonomically the same as a cabinet. IIRC, the SC2 protruded >1' past the rear of the table, making it difficult (with added danger) when doing traditional fence ripping.

[Erik Loza]

I always felt that the SC2 was a very underrated saw. Huge in Europe but the no-dado thing was an issue in the US. We had one in the Austin showroom for a while and I was really impressed with the build quality. On a side note since Scott mentioned it, I never really found the protrusion of the wagon to be an issue. Possibly since I was used to using a slider. In fact, I still stand substantially to the left of the blade even when using the delta cabinet saw in our shop. CU300 habit. The other guys think I’m funny or don’t know how to use the machine... :D

Erik

[Peter Kelly]

I think my only gripe about it is the rip fence being too wide. i rarely if ever push anything between it and the blade w/o using the slider. Somewhat eats up shop space.

Awesome saw otherwise.

[Warren Lake]

giant on mine peter as well like to find a way the bar could have an internal thread or something and take it down a fold up table could be there and thread the cut off bar in if needed, havent given it much thought so far but its more than ill need

[Jim Becker]

I think my only gripe about it is the rip fence being too wide. i rarely if ever push anything between it and the blade w/o using the slider. Somewhat eats up shop space.

Have you considered shortening it? I came close to that with my S315WS, but got lucky in that just shortening the table fixed my space situation with a stairway without actually cutting the rail because of how the room changes "right there". But if I moved to another shop, I'd probably chop it off at this point...

[Sam Blasco]

The SC3C is not new, but we had stopped bringing them into the USA for stock. However, it is back now for this year. It adds to the lineup for short stroke machines, since the SC4E 5.5' was discontinued. The major difference between it and the SC2C is, we bring it in with a "panel saw" cabinet, so you'll have more support under the slider, a telescopic boom arm to support the larger outrigger, and we also bring it in with more options as "standard" for the USA (the stock configuration). Basically, we built it to replace the SC4E 5.5', and the SC3C is available in two strokes here in the USA, 66" and 88". It really takes up the gray area of any cabinet saw, and depending on where you mount your outrigger it can be a 36" stroke machine or a 63" stroke machine (66" for straightlining - no crosscut fence). If you limit yourself to the stroke you think you want most of the time, you won't have any extra for when you want it, so I usually recommend you go as long as you can on a slider. And the SC3C comes with the separate miter gauge, which can be your go to configuration without the outrigger installed, so much less space will be intruded on most of the time.

[Peter Kelly]

Have you considered shortening it? I came close to that with my S315WS, but got lucky in that just shortening the table fixed my space situation with a stairway without actually cutting the rail because of how the room changes "right there". But if I moved to another shop, I'd probably chop it off at this point...I did cut a foot or so off the bar but the fabricated steel table it attaches to on the right would be complicated to modify w/o a shear and brake.

The heavier weight fence is definitely worth the upgrade cost.

[Jim Becker]

And the SC3C comes with the separate miter gauge, which can be your go to configuration without the outrigger installed, so much less space will be intruded on most of the time.
I cannot emphasize how much I appreciate that my slider came with that miter guage, too. It gets 90% of my crosscut work and it provides better support for the workpiece since it's generally behind the workpiece as it goes through the blade, rather than in front of the workpiece as is typical with the larger outrigger and bigger stuff.

[Peter Kelly]

Anyone buying as saw from SCM–make sure to add on the miter fence during the initial sale transaction! You'll be looking to a Kapex or an Omga as a less expensive alternative if you try to acquire one through Parts Pronto afterwards.