Saw Stop Contractor saw questions

[Todd Worstell]

Looking at getting this SS contractor saw as it is considerably cheaper than their cabinet saw versions. But having trouble figuring out a couple things.

First, how do you adjust the table slots to the blade? If trunnions are mounted to the table instead of the cabinet, then the alignment would seem to be just like my current Craftsman contractor saw, a total pain. But given its Saw Stop, was hoping they made the internals similar to a cabinet saw for easy blade/slot alignment, but just don't know.

Second, I tried to build and price a contractor saw and saw an option for overhead dust collection but it was greyed out. The blade guard that comes with this saw doesn't even have a dust port and apparently you cant even upgrade to one from Saw Stop. I know its a contractor saw but not even having an option for overhead dust collection seems weird. Am I missing something?

Finally, I am looking at this SS vs a Harvey 110V true cabinet saw. Their prices are on par with each other and I prefer the cabinet saw but can get the SS safety for about same price, albeit a contractor saw. I can probably live with some of the downsides of a contractor saw but would just like to know the internal mechanisms and dust collection options before deciding. If getting the SS, would like to ensure I can set up overhead dust collection and would put the saw in an enclosed base cabinet to improve dust collection further.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Jim Becker]

Overhead collection on a contractors' style saw is likely pretty unusual no matter what the brand. There is always the option of using a separate overhead collection solution, either shop made or purchased.

My guess is that SS hasn't materially changed the table/trunnion design for their contractors' style saw relative to alignment, but I could be wrong about that. Don't forget you can get the PCS with a 1.75Hp motor that will run on 120v power...all the beef but with more modest power requirements. But yes, more expensive than the contractors' style saw for sure.

[Todd Worstell]

Yeah, dust collection is going to be important since will be in my basement. I know its a contractor saw, but I have seen videos on what you can do to improve things, like build your own sealed cabinet and add overhead dust collection. OHDC should not be much different in effectiveness for any type of saw. I will just do the best I can. Just don't even see an option for it on SS website.

On table slot to blade alignment, I thought about it and pretty much no way trunnions are mounted to cabinet because there is nothing to mount to in the back or it will be very weak. Still would like to know how you do the alignment on the contractor saw. I even downloaded the manual and did not see anything about it, unless I missed something. I would rather get a root canal than align my Craftsman contractor saw.

[Greg Parrish]

Switch to the 36” t-glide option and you can choose the blade dust collection and hose/tube. You can probably use the floating option too as long as you don’t plan to move the saw since the contractor wheel kit can’t pick it up. A lot of what the build your own system lets you add or not, depends on what mobile base you are using and whether or not it can pick it up. As example, the PCS doesn’t allow some options unless you opt for the more expensive ICS mobile base.

[Curt Harms]

Yeah, dust collection is going to be important since will be in my basement. I know its a contractor saw, but I have seen videos on what you can do to improve things, like build your own sealed cabinet and add overhead dust collection. OHDC should not be much different in effectiveness for any type of saw. I will just do the best I can. Just don't even see an option for it on SS website.

On table slot to blade alignment, I thought about it and pretty much no way trunnions are mounted to cabinet because there is nothing to mount to in the back or it will be very weak. Still would like to know how you do the alignment on the contractor saw. I even downloaded the manual and did not see anything about it, unless I missed something. I would rather get a root canal than align my Craftsman contractor saw.

People with conventional contractor's saws often install PALS to help with alignment. I don't know if that would work with Sawstop's contractor saw or not.

https://www.in-lineindustries.com/products/contractor-saw-pals/

[Stan Calow]

Todd, I have the instructions for adjusting blade alignment on the SS contractor saw. I can send in a PM to you if you want. I got the PDF (not in the manual) from the SS support website but I'll be darned if I can find it online again or I would send you the link. No it is not like the cabinet saw by the fundamental design. Instructions involve loosening a couple of screws and "adjusting" with a mallet. It's not that difficult but not different than other contractor saws as far as I can tell - should not move under normal use. I got the impression from talking to SS support and the language in the instructions, that they didnt expect a need or want to encourage people to do this.

I have the SS and it does everything I need. I didn't even consider a SS cabinet model due to size and weight, and the fact I don't use a tablesaw enough to justify the expense. Yes dust collection is not great, but I can live with that. When I bought the contractor, the price was only around $1250 as I recall, so its a different calculation now.

[Alan Lightstone]

I have a very long blog on another woodworking website that details how I made my own cabinet for my Sawstop Contractors saw to improve dust collection. If you Google "Sawstop and Router Cabinet / Infeed Table / Outfeed Table Project" you should be able to find it. The lengthy blog contains the entire build.

It was fairly successful in improving dust collection, but no question my Sawstop ICS now has far superior dust collection, as you would expect from a true cabinet saw.

If I recall, the PALS doesn't work with the contractors saw, but I might be mistaken about that. I'd check first before buying.

That being said, my Sawstop Contractors saw came very well aligned, and I never had to mess with it.

[Justin Rapp]

If you go onto SS website and build a contractor saw, I was able to add the overarm dust collector to the contractor saw. However by the time you add the overarm dust collector and 36" rails along with the cast iron wings, you are at the same price as a 1.75hp PCS. The only issue is the 1.75 PCS doesn't come with the dust collection blade guard like the 3hp does. You can get the dust blade guard for $159, and instead of buying the entire dust collector hose thing for $289, you can get a $20 hose from lowes or home depot and make it yourself, which is what I did for my PCS.

The PCS has way better dust collection in general. You can't get this with a contractor saw no matter how much stuff you add to it for dust collection.

[Justin Rapp]

Second, I tried to build and price a contractor saw and saw an option for overhead dust collection but it was greyed out. The blade guard that comes with this saw doesn't even have a dust port and apparently you cant even upgrade to one from Saw Stop. I know its a contractor saw but not even having an option for overhead dust collection seems weird. Am I missing something?

.

Yes - you are missing the fact that in order to get the overhead dust collection you need to get the 36 or 52 inch fence. You do NOT want the 30" fence on any sawstop saw regardless of model. The fence is not so good at all.

[Todd Worstell]

Stan, Yeah, thanks man, please send in PM.

[Todd Worstell]

Yeah, if I go with the contractor saw, I will attempt something like you did. But wow, yours is pretty awesome. I would be a bit simpler.

[Todd Worstell]

So, still looking at the contractor or 1.75 cabinet SS. But now I found that you can get the base saw only from a dealer. Just get the saw with no rails, wings or fence. This knocks off almost 500 bucks on the 1.75 with T glide fence and the CNS is about 250 off.

I already have a nice Incra fence system on my old saw, so this would work out nice for me. My old saw also has cast iron side wings so should be able to use them on a SS too.

Somebody mentioned the 1.75 does not come with the guard that has the OHDC feature so that a little bit of a bummer.

The hard choice is which to get. I have researched enough now to have a good idea about the difference. The contractor saw will be all I need as far as function, but I will have to do some work to get decent collection.

Thanks to all for the input.

[Greg Parrish]

You can buy the dust collection blade guard. https://www.rockler.com/sawstop-dust-collection-blade-guard-for-cns-table-saws?country=US&sid=V91040&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn7WLmtCQ-wIVbmpvBB2FqA6uEAQYASABEgJXUfD_BwE




So, still looking at the contractor or 1.75 cabinet SS. But now I found that you can get the base saw only from a dealer. Just get the saw with no rails, wings or fence. This knocks off almost 500 bucks on the 1.75 with T glide fence and the CNS is about 250 off.

I already have a nice Incra fence system on my old saw, so this would work out nice for me. My old saw also has cast iron side wings so should be able to use them on a SS too.

Somebody mentioned the 1.75 does not come with the guard that has the OHDC feature so that a little bit of a bummer.

The hard choice is which to get. I have researched enough now to have a good idea about the difference. The contractor saw will be all I need as far as function, but I will have to do some work to get decent collection.

Thanks to all for the input.

[Justin Rapp]

So, still looking at the contractor or 1.75 cabinet SS. But now I found that you can get the base saw only from a dealer. Just get the saw with no rails, wings or fence. This knocks off almost 500 bucks on the 1.75 with T glide fence and the CNS is about 250 off.

I already have a nice Incra fence system on my old saw, so this would work out nice for me. My old saw also has cast iron side wings so should be able to use them on a SS too.

Somebody mentioned the 1.75 does not come with the guard that has the OHDC feature so that a little bit of a bummer.

The hard choice is which to get. I have researched enough now to have a good idea about the difference. The contractor saw will be all I need as far as function, but I will have to do some work to get decent collection.

Thanks to all for the input.

Penny wise and pound foolish. If you find you your existing parts don't fit, getting the parts after will set you back a lot more. The wings alone are 400. There are two over table collectors. Which one are you after?

[Todd Worstell]

Penny wise and pound foolish. If you find you your existing parts don't fit, getting the parts after will set you back a lot more. The wings alone are 400. There are two over table collectors. Which one are you after?

I plan to use my craftsman cast iron wings. I am assuming that the holes will line up, and if not I will drill new holes. My Incra fence system is going on regardless. For dust collection, looking at the one that comes standard on the 3HP model or making my own.

[Cameron Wood]

I plan to use my craftsman cast iron wings. I am assuming that the holes will line up, and if not I will drill new holes. My Incra fence system is going on regardless. For dust collection, looking at the one that comes standard on the 3HP model or making my own.

Looks like only an inch difference in two directions, and 1/2" difference in thickness- should work out :rolleyes:

[Justin Rapp]

I plan to use my craftsman cast iron wings. I am assuming that the holes will line up, and if not I will drill new holes. My Incra fence system is going on regardless. For dust collection, looking at the one that comes standard on the 3HP model or making my own.

I hope the wings line up as depth wise and i suspect the bevels won't match but give it a try. For the dust collection, what do you mean one that comes standard on the 3hp model? Sawstop does not produce a dust collector, and if you mean a 3hp dust collector, you are talking about something like a large cyclone and you will need another 220v circuit for it. I remember in the beginning of this thread you were talking about 110v saw, so assumed you were not going with 220v machines.

I can tell you from my setup, which is a Sawstop 3hp PCS hooked up to a 3hp Laguna cyclone I still get dust escaping, especially when making a cut that doesn't allow me to use the dust collection blade guard such as a dado cut, a 45, or small pieces of wood that where the blade guard is in the way. Riving knife goes on of course except for dado cuts.

[Todd Worstell]

Hmm. I measured my craftsman wings and they are 12" x 27", same as the sawstop. The craftsman wing thickness is 1.5" same as the sawstop. Perhaps the leading edge bevel is different, but thats OK. The bolt pattern looks to be the same although I can find no dimensions from saw stop. It appears that table saw wing dimensions have been pretty standard for decades.

CNS-07-017 extension tables. Measures 27" x 12" x 1.5".
Am I missing something?

[Cameron Wood]

Hmm. I measured my craftsman wings and they are 12" x 27", same as the sawstop. The craftsman wing thickness is 1.5" same as the sawstop. Perhaps the leading edge bevel is different, but thats OK. The bolt pattern looks to be the same although I can find no dimensions from saw stop. It appears that table saw wing dimensions have been pretty standard for decades.

CNS-07-017 extension tables. Measures 27" x 12" x 1.5".


Am I missing something?



I was looking at the cabinet saw, which I thought was the idea. That looks much more promising!

[Todd Worstell]

I was looking at the cabinet saw, which I thought was the idea. That looks much more promising!

Wait, are you saying the dimensions of the CI wings on the cabinet saws are different than the dimensions on the contractor saw? When I went to the SS site, the only CI wings I could find were for upgrading the contractor stamped steel wings to CI wings. I assumed that these were just the same CI wings that came on the cabinet saws. Are saying that the dimensions of the CI wings that come on the cabinet saws are different from the dimensions of the CI wings you can get to upgrade the contractor saw?

[Justin Rapp]

Wait, are you saying the dimensions of the CI wings on the cabinet saws are different than the dimensions on the contractor saw? When I went to the SS site, the only CI wings I could find were for upgrading the contractor stamped steel wings to CI wings. I assumed that these were just the same CI wings that came on the cabinet saws. Are saying that the dimensions of the CI wings that come on the cabinet saws are different from the dimensions of the CI wings you can get to upgrade the contractor saw?

The CNS (contractor) and PCS (Cabinet) saw are have the same top dimensions of 20x27. With Cast Iron Wings on both, the tops are 44x27 (12+12+20 = 44). However, with that said, the CNS and PCS both have different cast iron wing part numbers, prices and even weight 40 vs 45 pounds each. They are in fact not the same. So, if your craftsman wings don't work out on the PCS, you will just have to order a pair for $350 plus shipping (to my house in NJ, SS Web Site wants $95at the low end) and Tax. Basically just shy of $500 for a pair. Based on your post above, your saving $500 to not get the wings and the entire fence assembly. I know you won't use the fence since you want your incra, sell it or store it if you ever sell the saw. But like I said earlier, penny wise, pound foolish not to get the entire package.

https://www.sawstopstore.com/product/cns-cast-iron-extension-wing/

https://www.sawstopstore.com/product/cast-iron-extension-wing-for-pcs/


EDIT: I just measured my wings on the PCS and they are in fact 1.5" thick. I also just looked at the ICS wing and it's ship weight is also 45 pounds even though it's 4 inches longer. Seems odd. Maybe if you have someone local to you that also have a PCS you can bring your wing to them and match it up to be sure before ordering.

[Cameron Wood]

Wait, are you saying the dimensions of the CI wings on the cabinet saws are different than the dimensions on the contractor saw? When I went to the SS site, the only CI wings I could find were for upgrading the contractor stamped steel wings to CI wings. I assumed that these were just the same CI wings that came on the cabinet saws. Are saying that the dimensions of the CI wings that come on the cabinet saws are different from the dimensions of the CI wings you can get to upgrade the contractor saw?




Sorry, my mistake. I was looking at the parts page, & it gave shipping dimensions which I mistook as actual part dimensions.

I'm not a saw stop user, but a buddy got one (cabinet saw), & because there is no place for sawdust to accumulate, It appears that it basically cannot be used without dust collection,

which seems like a good thing to know.

[Justin Rapp]

Sorry, my mistake. I was looking at the parts page, & it gave shipping dimensions which I mistook as actual part dimensions.

I'm not a saw stop user, but a buddy got one (cabinet saw), & because there is no place for sawdust to accumulate, It appears that it basically cannot be used without dust collection,

which seems like a good thing to know.

I agree a dust collector is required for a cabinet saw, or someone who fully encloses their contractor saw. A shop vac would work for a temporary measure if you can reduce from 4" to 2.5, but you won't as much air volume and suspect you will need to vacuum out the saw often. I still vacuum mine out occasionally and also turn on my dust collector and blow air in and around the cabinet to help pull any stray dust into my DC.

[Cliff Polubinsky]

... because there is no place for sawdust to accumulate, It appears that it basically cannot be used without dust collection,

which seems like a good thing to know.

Sorry, that's not the case. Sawdust can accumulate in the bottom of the cabinet if no dust collection is connected. Not the optimal way to operate the saw, but completely possible.

Cliff

[Mark Brewer]

I have a Delta table saw, ordered a cast iron wing from Amazon, listed as a Sawstop, fit with no issues.

Mark

[Todd Worstell]

Yeah, on thinking about it, I think you are probably right. That $500 I save on getting base saw only is questionable all things considered. My Craftsman CI wings are the honey comb type and the SS is the nicer solid type. They should fit up but you never know.

[Stan Calow]

Todd, check your notifications inbox. I sent the text, but could not figure out how to attach the whole PDF document on table adjustment. If you want that you'll have to send me an email address.

[Jim Becker]

Stan, Todd will have to upgrade to Contributor status with a $6 donation to have access to Private Messages, the Classifieds and photos.

[Todd Worstell]

Todd, check your notifications inbox. I sent the text, but could not figure out how to attach the whole PDF document on table adjustment. If you want that you'll have to send me an email address.

Stan, checked my notifications a few times now and dont see anything?

[Jim Becker]

Stan, checked my notifications a few times now and dont see anything?

Please see post #28

[Stan Calow]

Todd I had to copy and paste text from page 2


489291
To shift the rear of the blade to the left relative to the table, use a screwdriver to pry between the right side of the rear trunnion bracket and the opening in the sheet metal shroud.
Be careful not to damage the cabinetWhen you are satisfied with the alignment, tighten the rear trunnion mounting bracket bolts.
Replace the Phillips head screw.

[Cameron Wood]

Sorry, that's not the case. Sawdust can accumulate in the bottom of the cabinet if no dust collection is connected. Not the optimal way to operate the saw, but completely possible.

Cliff


OK, that's good. I only looked briefly, & it appeared that everything funneled to a 4" port that would quickly fill. I thought my buddy also said as much, but will double check.