zayd alle
03-13-2008, 10:40 AM
Hello, everyone.
I've been lurking on the forums for a while now and have finally registered. You all are a wealth of information! I look forward to becoming a contributor and an active member of the community.
My woodworking career is relatively new and has reached the point where I can't advance much further without a table saw. I've been researching them for a few months now, trying to decide whether I should be targeting a contractor saw, a hybrid, or a cabinet saw. My budget is limited to roughly $600 and I am shopping primarily used equipment, so I am hoping my dollar can go further than normal that way.
My garage is my workshop, so mobility is essential. But with mobile bases, I know I can move around just about any type of saw.
While ideal, a cabinet saw is almost out of my price range (see below). A contractor saw is well within my range and a hybrid is right on the border (again, speaking about used saws -- although used hybrids seem to be few and far between). My questions:
1. Is a left-tilt saw critical? If I have a safety-oriented mentality, will I be fine with a right-tilt saw as my only table saw for years to come?
2. Are enclosed cabinets and greater stability the only advantages of a hybrid?
3. When well calibrated and with a good fence system, can a contractor saw be as accurate, precise and reliable as a cabinet saw?
4. Saw-specific question: Yesterday, I found a local Grizzly 1023 with Biesemeyer fence with 6' rails and multiple blades -- including a dado -- going for $400. From my limited experience with saws and shopping the market, this seems like a steal to me. However, I have read on various forums that older Grizzly saws are less favorable than newer models. Is there a range of years that I should avoid? My other concern with a Grizzly is that it's not American made. While I don't doubt the great reviews I've read from owners, I feel I get unquestionable quality and reliability from American-made tools.
I certainly appreciate your help with this. As this will be the backbone of my new hobby, I really want to make the right decision the first time.
Regards,
zayd alle
I've been lurking on the forums for a while now and have finally registered. You all are a wealth of information! I look forward to becoming a contributor and an active member of the community.
My woodworking career is relatively new and has reached the point where I can't advance much further without a table saw. I've been researching them for a few months now, trying to decide whether I should be targeting a contractor saw, a hybrid, or a cabinet saw. My budget is limited to roughly $600 and I am shopping primarily used equipment, so I am hoping my dollar can go further than normal that way.
My garage is my workshop, so mobility is essential. But with mobile bases, I know I can move around just about any type of saw.
While ideal, a cabinet saw is almost out of my price range (see below). A contractor saw is well within my range and a hybrid is right on the border (again, speaking about used saws -- although used hybrids seem to be few and far between). My questions:
1. Is a left-tilt saw critical? If I have a safety-oriented mentality, will I be fine with a right-tilt saw as my only table saw for years to come?
2. Are enclosed cabinets and greater stability the only advantages of a hybrid?
3. When well calibrated and with a good fence system, can a contractor saw be as accurate, precise and reliable as a cabinet saw?
4. Saw-specific question: Yesterday, I found a local Grizzly 1023 with Biesemeyer fence with 6' rails and multiple blades -- including a dado -- going for $400. From my limited experience with saws and shopping the market, this seems like a steal to me. However, I have read on various forums that older Grizzly saws are less favorable than newer models. Is there a range of years that I should avoid? My other concern with a Grizzly is that it's not American made. While I don't doubt the great reviews I've read from owners, I feel I get unquestionable quality and reliability from American-made tools.
I certainly appreciate your help with this. As this will be the backbone of my new hobby, I really want to make the right decision the first time.
Regards,
zayd alle