Originally Posted by
Merrill Herring
I’m looking at a new table saw and my current delta is old and 2 hp, originally was thinking about a 3 hp unit because I only have a 20amp breaker for the table saw. Is there an real difference between the 3 and 5 hp saws, I probably can upgrade to a 30 amp breaker. I do saw some four quarter hardwoods on occasion.
Short answer is yes ,there definitely is. Whether you need it or not is the question. A tuned 5HP, with a sharp blade, is pretty impressive.
A 3HP would generally be considered enough for most folks. I have a 2HP and have run plenty of 8/4" tropical hardwoods through it with no problem.
"The first thing you need to know, will likely be the last thing you learn." (Unknown)