I’ve been working with wood for 25+ years even putting myself through college while selling Craftsman Power Tools (back when the salesman were on commission and actually KNEW something about the tools). It’s now time to replace the TS I bought while working there those many years ago as I am REALLY tired of measuring the fence to the front and back of the blade for every cut and the blade bogging on thick material . Without starting a Unisaw vs. Grizzly or new vs. used debate, I have decided to order a Grizzly G1023RL or G690 before the summer sale ends (I want a riving knife).
My shop is about 320 SF with no possibility of expansion (finished lower level) so the saw will be on a mobile base and must have a fence shorter than 52”. However, I really want more than the 29 ½” rip capacity right of the blade that the G690 offers (26” on the G1023RL), preferably 34-36”. I know I can move the rails to the right and gain about 12 more inches of rip width. Looking at the pdf of the G690 manual, it appears the holes are predrilled so you can only mount the rail one way. So can I assume I would have to drill all new holes to change the rip capacity? If I drill new holes can I assume I can have any left/right combination of the total rip (12 + 29 ½)? If I sacrifice the 12” of left rip will I regret it? In all my years I can only remember needing the left rip a few times but what do others need it for?
Another option, though I know it is a sacrilege, is ordering the G691 (or G1023RLXZ) with the 52” rails and cutting them. This would give me more right rip capacity while saving the left rip capacity. There are a couple of threads on cutting rails so I know what is needed. However, I don’t want to add a support leg and extend the mobile base as I fear this would defeat the mobility I need. How wide can I make the wing and still have adequate support from the rails? Will there be a problem cutting the wing to accommodate the new rail width? Also, I’ll eventually rebuild the wing to hold a router plate and lift (again, to save space). How wide can I go without a leg support and still adequately support a router and lift or would I need to support the wing diagonally to the cabinet bottom?
Finally, what is the advantage of the G690 over the G1023RL (or vice-versa)? The prices are virtually identical. I know there are a few additional inches of rip width on the G690 but if I buy a long fence and cut it that advantage is eliminated. The G690 is also 28 lbs. heavier – better trunions? 4,300 rpm motor vs. 3,450 – good thing or bad? Anything else? WOW - this is a really long post but thanks for any and all advice!