Where to Buy a SawStop

[Pat Germain]

After kicking around multiple options, I've decided to buy a SawStop 3HP cabinet saw. (The Harvey is very attractive, but in the end, I wanted the SawStop technology and it makes Mrs. Pat feel better.)

I called my local Woodcraft to ask about availability. To my utter astonishment, they actually have multiple 36" SawStop cabinet saws in stock at that particular store. I know I could possibly save some money ordering the saw online, but considering the completely bonkers situation with logistics here in 2022, a SawStop that's actually in stock locally seems like a pretty good option.

However, since things are constantly changing, I would welcome opinions and suggestions here. Should I just pony up at Woodcraft, or would I be better off ordering a SawStop online?

Thanks!

[Aaron Inami]

If that local Woodcraft has the specific Sawstop item you want and you have the ability to transport the saw/pallet to your location, I would do that. When ordering online, you'll have to pay shipping (probably $400-600). There's also a risk of shipping damage you may have to deal with if you do online order. The basic retail price is going to be the same wherever you get the Sawstop. Woodcraft online website has excellent shipping prices, but this does not apply to Sawstop.

[Jim Becker]

I seriously doubt you're going to find substantial discounts on the SS "out there", but you can check reputable vendors like Tool Nut, etc., to see what they offer...but also consider there may be shipping cost from some vendors. If you have a local Woodcraft franchise, you can bring it home "now" and you're supporting what is likely a local business owner in the process. And if something isn't quite right, you have a local throat to, um...you know...constrict.... :)

[Pat Germain]

I seriously doubt you're going to find substantial discounts on the SS "out there", but you can check reputable vendors like Tool Nut, etc., to see what they offer...but also consider there may be shipping cost from some vendors. If you have a local Woodcraft franchise, you can bring it home "now" and you're supporting what is likely a local business owner in the process. And if something isn't quite right, you have a local throat to, um...you know...constrict.... :)

Very good points, Jim. I do indeed like to support local businesses and like the idea of customer support I can easily reach.

I'm wondering if the saw could be loaded into my midsize pickup (it's a Jeep Gladiator) or if a larger truck would be required which would also require a local delivery fee.

[Al Weber]

I loaded mine in my Honda Ridgeline. With all the numerous boxes of the saw, fence, base, etc. it filled it comfortably. Set some help at your shop as the saw is heavy. I slid mine out on some 2X 10s but after getting it halfway down and couldn't finish it, a neighbor drove by and helped. I assembled it myself using a Harbon F. chain hoist but it would have been a lot easier with a friendly helper.

I purchased mine from the local Woodcraft and they "loaned" me the mobile base freely with a handshake promise I would return the one the company shipped to my home in exchange. Nice gesture as you want to assemble the mobile base as a first step to overall assembly.

[Scott Clausen]

Saw Stop is pretty firm on their pricing guidelines. I doubt you will find any deviation from one vendor to the next other than shipping. I was told that their products never go on sale other than a free mobile base or dust collector blade guard.

[Pat Germain]

I loaded mine in my Honda Ridgeline. With all the numerous boxes of the saw, fence, base, etc. it filled it comfortably. Set some help at your shop as the saw is heavy. I slid mine out on some 2X 10s but after getting it halfway down and couldn't finish it, a neighbor drove by and helped. I assembled it myself using a Harbon F. chain hoist but it would have been a lot easier with a friendly helper.

I purchased mine from the local Woodcraft and they "loaned" me the mobile base freely with a handshake promise I would return the one the company shipped to my home in exchange. Nice gesture as you want to assemble the mobile base as a first step to overall assembly.

This is very helpful. Thank you, Al. My neighbor has a high school boy who is happy to help me lift things. I will be sure enlist his support.

[Pat Germain]

Saw Stop is pretty firm on their pricing guidelines. I doubt you will find any deviation from one vendor to the next other than shipping. I was told that their products never go on sale other than a free mobile base or dust collector blade guard.

I thought I might be able to save some money on sales tax, but when you add the cost of shipping, it's likely a wash.

[Andrew More]

I called my local Woodcraft to ask about availability. To my utter astonishment, they actually have multiple 36" SawStop cabinet saws in stock at that particular store. I know I could possibly save some money ordering the saw online, but considering the completely bonkers situation with logistics here in 2022, a SawStop that's actually in stock locally seems like a pretty good option.

I agree with Jim, SawStop doesn't really DO discounts. At best once or twice a year they throw in the ICS mobile base, or the piping for the dust collection built into the arm. If you're willing to wait a few months you could save money that way. Otherwise I'd go ahead with the purchase.

Also at this point a lot of the shipping/stock issues appear to have resolved themselves, and in the case of general merchandisers, like Target/Walmart, OVER resolved themselves. So if you're not in ANY hurry, and want to gamble, maybe in 6 months to a year there might be some recession sales or Craigslist bargains.

[Jim Becker]

I'm wondering if the saw could be loaded into my midsize pickup (it's a Jeep Gladiator) or if a larger truck would be required which would also require a local delivery fee.

Your Gladiator should be just fine...I suspect it's multiple boxes, too...saw plus fence, for example.

[Andrew More]

Your Gladiator should be just fine...I suspect it's multiple boxes, too...saw plus fence, for example.


That's what mine was, though obviously we don't know what the local WoodCraft might have done. The only issue might be the "52 inch" rail, which is more like 72-80" all told. The 36" rail is likewise longer by a couple of feet.

[Pat Germain]

That's what mine was, though obviously we don't know what the local WoodCraft might have done. The only issue might be the "52 inch" rail, which is more like 72-80" all told. The 36" rail is likewise longer by a couple of feet.

I'm going a 36". I just don't have the room for a 52".

[Cliff Polubinsky]

Pat,

Put a couple of 2 x 10s in the bed. Have Woodcraft lay the saw on its side on the boards near the cab. When you get home pull the boards and saw out the back until the boards tip and the saw slides to the bottom. Then you can use a 2 wheel dolly to roll it into the shop.

5he Woodcraft I bought my saw at suggested this and it works great.

Cliff

[james manutes]

If someone picks it up at the store , does the price increase and is shipping totally removed ?

[Dave Sabo]

I thought I might be able to save some money on sales tax, but when you add the cost of shipping, it's likely a wash.

um.............................those days are long gone.

Unless your state doesn't have sales tax.

[David Walser]

For unloading equipment like this, it is great to have a Hydraulic Table Cart from Harbor Freight. The cart will lift to bed height for most 1/2 ton pickup trucks. I've used mine to unload my Powermatic 3520C lathe, a 46" rolling tool cabinet, plywood, and lots of other bulky things. Last week, I used it to load several large, bulky, things into the back of my truck so they could be sold as scrap. In my shop, the cart is used to lift my lathe so it can be moved. It also comes in handy as outfeed table and impromptu scaffolding. (Don't do as I do. You really shouldn't stand on a wheeled cart. But, boy, does it make installing lights overhead easier!) The carts come in two versions, one with 500 lbs. capacity and one with 1,000 lbs. For only $100 more, I believe the big brother is the better buy.

[Pat Germain]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I appreciate it.

[Doug Walls]

I bought my SawStop PCS 175 from my local Woodcraft store just before they raised the prices on May 3rd. and I had to wait about three weeks before it arrived at the Woodcraft store. The waiting part wasn't really a problem since I needed to move some things around in the garage to make room for the new saw anyways. I did check around before buying it from Woodcraft & I really didn't find any prices better than Woodcraft when you consider the shipping costs from an on-line vendor.

I picked the saw up using a small 5' X 8' utility trailer & I was able to unload it by myself by slowly sliding it out. My trailer is fairly low to the ground & it has a tailgate/ramp which helps.


My neighbor has a high school boy who is happy to help me lift things. I will be sure enlist his support.
With someone else helping it shouldn't be hard to unload it from your Jeep Gladiator.
Here's a YouTube video of a girl unloading one from a SUV by herself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVDpKvCo7sg

Doug

[George Yetka]

It seams the sawstop goes on sale every other month or so. And by this I mean if you buy it they through in the small overhead dust collection and/or mobile base.

[Jack Frederick]

For a purchase of this size, both the box and the $, I would want a local throat to potentially constrict in the event things go sideways. Also, it will likely be unblemished. I would be the last one to accuse shippers of not caring what is in the box, but the less handling of an item like a SS, the better. I’ve had my saw for 7 yrs now and still have a couple pieces of the heavy cardboard they pack the saw in. It has come in handy at times around the shop.

[Derek Meyer]

I bought mine through the store I work at (local home center/lumberyard), and they in turn ordered it direct from SawStop per my specifications. It came on a pallette, with all the boxes shrink-wrapped together. My company delivered it to my home and used a forklift to unload the pallette, bring it up my driveway and set it directly inside my garage. I was able to unpack it and set it up from there. I only needed help of one other person (stepson) to help me set the cabinet on the ICS mobile base.

The saw is well-packaged, with all the different parts in heavy-duty boxes. It was easy to unpack and keep track of everything.

The deal I got when I purchased it included the free upgrade to the ICS base, but the real kicker was the discount they gave for employees of SawStop resellers. That was 30% off the retail price, which ended up saving me nearly $1000 in the long run. It also got to ride along with two other SawStop units that my store ordered (I had to wait a few weeks until my store had the orders to submit), so that saved me the $250 shipping fee.

If only we still sold Festool....they discontinued the line due to lack of demand just before I started working here.

[Alan Lightstone]

I bought mine through the store I work at (local home center/lumberyard), and they in turn ordered it direct from SawStop per my specifications. It came on a pallette, with all the boxes shrink-wrapped together. My company delivered it to my home and used a forklift to unload the pallette, bring it up my driveway and set it directly inside my garage. I was able to unpack it and set it up from there. I only needed help of one other person (stepson) to help me set the cabinet on the ICS mobile base.

The saw is well-packaged, with all the different parts in heavy-duty boxes. It was easy to unpack and keep track of everything.



That's exactly how mine came, but it was an ICS. Bought from my local Woodcraft. Like supporting local businesses. And yes, stuff was thrown in (I think the mobile base.)

[Frank Pratt]

That's exactly how mine came, but it was an ICS. Bought from my local Woodcraft. Like supporting local businesses. And yes, stuff was thrown in (I think the mobile base.)

If it was Woodcraft that threw in the mobile base, they'd get their hands slapped for doing so. SawStop is very strict on such things. I believe shipping is the only thing that the sellers have any wiggle room. SawStop will even audit for other non-SawStop product being thrown in as an incentive.

[Alan Lightstone]

No, it was the normal sawstop promo to throw in mobile base. Not the Woodcraft.

[Frank Pratt]

I got a mobile base on the promo as well and they were able to swap it for the ICS base for the cost difference. Glad I went for that base.