riving knife v. free DC unit

[Jeremy Chisholm]

In a previous post I mentioned my pursuit of a Laguna TS, if I could massage the price down a bit. Well, that attempt hasn't been very successful, and while I'm still tempted to pony up the couple hundred more than I planned to pay, the hyper-aggressive salesmen are frankly starting to get irksome.

Which brings me to Powermatic. Several of you fine gents mentioned the new PM2000 in response to my earlier query. I've checked it out, and it looks outstanding (not sure if anyone here's got one yet who'd like to chime in with first-hand experience). I'm particularly keen on the riving knife, though the retractable mobile base seems pretty sweet too, insofar as you can put the saw right down on the solid ground- seems like it's bound to reduce vibration.

I was about to scrap the Laguna project entirely and place my order for the PM2000- which I can currently order with the 50" Accufence for $2000 (free shipping). When...

Amazon posted a deal where I can order the X5 3hp/50" Bis. fence and get a free Jet 1.5 hp dust collector free (no free shipping)...for a grand total of $2,000.

So I'm pondering: what's more valuable in the long run? Riving knife/sweet retractable roller base, or a ($500 list) dust collector (which I'll have to purchase eventually if I don't get it now, as I currently am stuck using a shop vac...like I said, I'm starting out...).

Thoughts from those more experienced than myself? I'll admit I'm leaning to the powermatic and just eating the cost of a new DC in a few months, but I'll take the wisdom of years on tap here!

[Brandon Shew]

Personally I'd probably opt for the X5 w/ the DC. While the Laguna and PM are excellent, I could see the X5 meeting all of my needs and a free DC to boot isn't bad.

I guess it really depends on how often you think that you will want/need to move the saw, and how bad do you really want the riving knife.

[Tim Morton]

My advice is buy the best saw for you, and don't get TOO bogged down on trying to save a couple hundred bucks(10%). This a a major saw purchase and one you will have for life. The jet DC is not going to keep you happy for long, as you will eventually want a cyclone style DC iof you hang out here.:)

[Jesse Cloud]

They are having a 10% off sale on all tools from Amazon (as opposed to the pass-throughs like Grizzly, etc). Details on their web site. But the sale ends today.

[Frank Pellow]

If it were me, I would opt for the Powermatic with the riving knife. I really wish that my table saw had a riving knife. My circular saw has one and it is great.

[Jim O'Dell]

Jeremy, if you are interested in the Delta, do a search. I think someone had gotten an X5 shipped for about 1400.00. Deal may not be available anymore, and I don't remember which fence or rail length, but it sounds like if still available, you could buy a small DC and come out ahead dollar wise.
I saw the PM2000 at the local Woodworking Show in December. It was nice looking, but didn't blow me away. 'Though the riving knife is a very good feature!
You don't say where you hail from in you profile. There are woodworking shows around the country that would allow you to go see up close and personal several offerings at the same place. I just received the Houston show catalogue today (don't know why).
I agree with Tim, get the best saw for you that is within your budget. I know what I want, it's just not in the budget!! :D
Good luck and let us know which way you decide. Jim.

[Joe Mioux]

I agree with Frank and Tim

The riving knife would be a very good feature and the 1.5 hp DC won't keep up with your future acquistions.

I say that because you already know quality, aka Powermatic, and are willing to spend the dough on a fine cab saw.

Save your self a few steps and buy the Powermatic and then buy a cyclone DC.

Joe

[lou sansone]

the riving knife could save your life or at least keep you from really getting hurt. I say go for the knife
lou

[Norman Hitt]

..........What Tim, Frank and Joe have said, Plus, the better dust collection pickup via the internal shrouds, etc. on the new Powermatic. I'll just bet these new design features will start some other Brands to start thinking about some redesigns of their equipment, but who knows how long it will take before they show up on the market. I would love to have all three of the new features on my PM-66.

[Gerald Volk]

Jeremy,

I would second, third or whatever what Tim and the others have said. I spent a long time deciding which Cab saw to buy and am glad I went with the PM 66. Wish they had the PM 2000 then. The thing was I had my heart set on what I thought was the best (It may or may not be but it is what I wanted) I could have got a Unisaw or a Grizzly and had a great saw but in the back of my mind I would have always thought "I may have saved a few dollars but I didn't get what I wanted." I have never settle for anything and wasn't going to start with the centerpiece of my shop. Good luck and let us know what you get.:)

Gerald

[Corey Pionk]

If it were me I would go with a General. And I've also delt with the pushy salsemen at Laguna and Minimax and they get very irritating calling everyday, they must be on a high commision. And that is the reason I won't buy from either of them since I hate pushy salesman. Also the MiniMax salesman was quite rude to my wife on the phone so then my wife told him off and he hasn't called since.

[Rob Bodenschatz]

Sorry Jeremy but I just took your spot in the PM2000 queue. Ordered the PM2000 about five minutes ago. :D

[Frank Pellow]

Sorry Jeremy but I just took your spot in the PM2000 queue. Ordered the PM2000 about five minutes ago. :D
Let me be the first to congratulate you Rob.

[Gary McKown]

The Delta X5 for $1400 shipped was from Timberline Tools in Utah. You must call to get it - they apparently can't "advertise" a deal like that.

http://timberlinetools.com/category_s/325.htm

Woodworkers Supply also had a similar Delta deal some time back, but I think that is long gone.

[Jeremy Chisholm]

On the PM2000. Maybe even before Rob- it was about the same time last night! We'll see whose box shows up first...Thanks for the all feedback!
JC

[Paul B. Cresti]

Guys,
I thought I would throw somethig out to you. How about a used saw? I have no idea where you guys are located but on Woodweb I noticed a older SCMI short stroke slider for sale for 2500 or BO. I have also seen some others on there. Saws like these are monsters, have a format slider (5'-0" length) and all should have the standard Euro riving knife. Then there is of course going to a new one.....

http://www.woodweb.com/exchanges/machinery/posts/406370.html (http://www.woodweb.com/exchanges/machinery/posts/406370.html)

and here is another one:

http://www.woodweb.com/exchanges/machinery/posts/406292.html

I have no affiliation with these people at all I just noticed them for sale

[Rob Bodenschatz]

On your mark, get set....

Mine is saying: Delivery estimate: April 10, 2006 - April 26, 2006

Fine with me. It'll give me a chance to wire up a 220v outlet in my basement. And make some space for it.

BTW, another Amazon kudos. I had used my 10% off code earlier in the day to buy the 30 piece Bessey set, not realizing I could only use the code once. A quick call to Amazon got the 10% applied to my PM2000 as well. Sounds trivial but with the state of customer service today, I'm glad to hear some places are doing it right. Didn't mean to hijack the thread. Carry on.

[Barry O'Mahony]

The market's too competitive to put up with annoying sales people. There are plenty of other good suppliers out there; take your business elsewhere.

As for the PM vs. Delta, I imagine this is a long-term purchase; might as well choose what you think is the best TS for you. Also, a 1.5 HP DC is on the small size; it isn't a bargain if it won't fill your needs.

[John Shuk]

I'm not sure $2000 is a great price for an X5. Doesn't sound like the DC is free here. I got my X5 for under $1500 about a year ago.

[Tim Morton]

Congrats guys on the purchase of the PM saws from amazon.....BUT...and i say this from experience with buying PM from amazon......get ready to play the waiting game. I hope it works out for you...but have a plan B in place JIC.

[Scott Fernald]

I'd say go with the riving knife, dust shroud for blade, quick release blade guard and cawls, arbor lock, and integrated mobile base.....I did! :D

Not there is anything sitting in my garage ATM....no sirree, as there are no pictures, such a thing must not exist...Then why did I rewire that outlet to 20A/220?.....hmmmm ;)

It came down to the General 650 or the PM2000 for me - the things listed above plus a larger cast iron table made the PM2000 my choice. I did have the advantage of viewing them both first hand at my local Woodcraft which helped make up my mind.

(Pictures soon to make an official gloat....)

[lou sansone]

[quote=Paul B. Cresti]Guys,
I thought I would throw something out to you. How about a used saw? I have no idea where you guys are located but on Woodweb I noticed a older SCMI short stroke slider for sale for 2500 or BO. I have also seen some others on there. Saws like these are monsters, have a format slider (5'-0" length) and all should have the standard Euro riving knife. Then there is of course going to a new one.....




I agree with paul on the value of buying used equipment provided it is in good shape. I would carefully inspect a slider ( more so than a standard cabinet saw that is pretty simple - standard cabinet saw, not a oliver 260, that is another story ). I believe I actually called on one of these and it is not clear that they have the riving knife, at least one owner did not know if it had one. But Paul's recommendation is a good one. I am not sure about the links posting rules though

Lou

[Paul B. Cresti]

Lou,
OOPs I guess you might be right on the link thing. Ok I am officially reporting myself for illegally placing a link on my post!!!!! Sorry......

Hey does someone police illegal links like Tyler does non-Photo posts??:D