New table saw choice???

[Doug Jones]

If you had $2500 for a tablesaw, what would your choice be?

[Mark Singer]

any chance reversing the 2 and the 5:confused:

[Mark Singer]

Seriously....I have a PM 66 which is a great saw and I joke a lot about the SawStop....but safety is a great thing in a tablesaw or any tool!

[Jim O'Dell]

I'd probably look real hard at the PM66, and the General 650 T-50. I'd probably lean toward the General and a few extra goodies for it, like the M3 motor option (5hp). Now you got me dreaming a dream I can't realize!!:p Jim.

[Norman Hitt]

I would most likely go with the PM2000, since it has a "Real Riving knife" and the riving knife and blade guard are "quick release". It also has a very neat crank down mobile base built in and hidden inside the new heavy cast iron bottom of the base of the saw. According to the article I saw on pg 56 of the February issue of "Workbench Magazine", they gave it first place in the Top Ten Innovative tools for 2006. They quoted the price range for the saw at just over $2000 to just over $3000, depending on the particular model of it.

Check it out, as it looks pretty neat. (For that one, I would even trade my Trusty PM-66);) :D

PS: I forgot to mention that it has a locking arbor for easier blade changes, AND, an internal Blade Shroud and hose, for much better Dust Collection. The four castoring wheels are extended or retracted by using the "blade Tilt" crank, (push it in to operate the blade tilt, or pull it out and crank to raise or lower the castors). The crank engages a rod that in turn, operates a bicycle type chain that turns the threaded shaft on each of the castors.

[scott spencer]

$2500 should just about cover the cost of my dream General 650, a mobile base, and a top notch blade or two.....:)

[Frank Pellow]

I did have that early in 2005, and I chose the General 650 with a HTC mobile base.

[Steve Clardy]

Probably a powermatic.
But I'm happy with my 1023 grizzly, and would buy another if the need arises.

[Andy London]

I guess I am partial to General as I have one and have used their equipment for over 30 years and have yet to experience any problems. A few friends have the Unisaw and it too is a fine saw although I like my fence better.....probably die to that is what I am used to.

Andy

[lou sansone]

are you open to "used equipment in good condition"? .. If so I would look for a mid 80's Rockwell RT-40 table saw. Why ?

#1 Massive motor assembly and trunnions
#2 True riving knife
#3 European type dust collection
#4 Massive cast iron table(~ 43" x 59" )
#5 7.5 hp 2 speed motor
#6 1" arbor
#7 Worm type gear drive for tilt and raise/lower
#8 Planed top, not Blanchard ground
#9 Zero clearance throat plate
#10 ~ 1500 lbs

for photos - see http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=18836
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=19561

best wishes
lou

[Dan Larson]

Laguna TS might be worth a look. Very stoutly built machine, and has a true riving knife to boot.