I want to get a new table saw and would like recommendations. I have
been using a really old (20 years or so) craftsman that I think is only
1 hp. It gets the job done but not very well. The biggest complaint I
have about it is the fence. The fence is a complete piece of junk, it
is very difficult to move back and forth and you have to measure at the
front and rear to be sure it is square. So that is the main thing I am
looking for. I want a fence that slides easily from side to side and
one that is square when I lock it down. I was thinking about the DeWalt
since I have a lot of other DeWalt tools that I like, but it is kind of
at the high end of what I want to spend, I would rather keep it in the
$500 range if I can. Most of my projects are small and I don't do a lot
of wood working so I don't need a very powerful motor for fast cutting,
mostly just something that is easier to use and more accurate.
Chris W
Chris W wrote:
> I want to get a new table saw and would like recommendations. I have
> been using a really old (20 years or so) craftsman that I think is only
> 1 hp. It gets the job done but not very well. The biggest complaint I
> have about it is the fence. The fence is a complete piece of junk,
I've been looking at new saws and like has been said assuming your saw
is sound you'll pay a bunch to get not much better than you have now,
and if the machines sound you'll bet more bang for $$ from a new fence.
I have to lock my Craftsman fence with C clamps, PITA but works fine
when it's aligned.
--
Mark
N.E. Ohio
Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens,
A.K.A. Mark Twain)
When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the
suspense. (Gaz, r.moto)
> If you are willing to pay the shipping from U.S.
> zip code 20715 it can be yours for said shipping cost. De-spamify my
> email to reply if you're interested.
P.S. The fence is shown on the "G1022SM" on Page 1 of this document:
http://www.grizzly.com/graphics/products/manuals/G1022PROZXm.pdf?
Other pictures/descriptions of the fence appear throughout the document.
-- Mark
"Chris W" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> I want a fence that slides easily from side to side and
> one that is square when I lock it down. I was thinking about the DeWalt
> since I have a lot of other DeWalt tools that I like, but it is kind of
> at the high end of what I want to spend, I would rather keep it in the
> $500 range if I can.
A couple of hundred more, but the Jet or a Delta contractor saw with
Biesemeyer fence is superb for your needs. They have cheaper models with
stamped wings and a cheaper fence. Tempting, but if you can swing the
difference, it will be well worth the extra. Check them out at the local WW
tool store.
Just got a flyer today from Woodcraft and Delta is 10% off on Dec. 13. --
Ed
[email protected]
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome
I had a craftsman saw for a long time. for $500, You can find a better saw
but NOT a much better saw. I think I paid about $179 for a vega aftermarket
fence. It was a huge improvement.
spend $250 on upgrades **or** wait for more money to move up to the next
price point
YMMV
Steve
"Toller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I also have a 20 year old craftsman, only it has a new 2hp motor, fence,
> pulleys, and belt. (as well as a very fancy switch, dust enclosure, and
> casters; but I am not sure I can recommend those upgrades unless you get
> them free like I did.)
> Its great.
> If your saw is mechanically sound, just upgrade the lousy components; if
you
> are just doing light stuff, maybe you can economize by keeping the old
> motor.
> Besides, this way you don't have to haul the new saw in, and the old one
> out!
>
> "Chris W" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:Cf9yb.44235$gr.10581@okepread04...
> > I want to get a new table saw and would like recommendations. I have
> > been using a really old (20 years or so) craftsman that I think is only
> > 1 hp. It gets the job done but not very well. The biggest complaint I
> > have about it is the fence. The fence is a complete piece of junk, it
> > is very difficult to move back and forth and you have to measure at the
> > front and rear to be sure it is square. So that is the main thing I am
> > looking for. I want a fence that slides easily from side to side and
> > one that is square when I lock it down. I was thinking about the DeWalt
> > since I have a lot of other DeWalt tools that I like, but it is kind of
> > at the high end of what I want to spend, I would rather keep it in the
> > $500 range if I can. Most of my projects are small and I don't do a lot
> > of wood working so I don't need a very powerful motor for fast cutting,
> > mostly just something that is easier to use and more accurate.
> >
> > Chris W
> >
>
>
I also have a 20 year old craftsman, only it has a new 2hp motor, fence,
pulleys, and belt. (as well as a very fancy switch, dust enclosure, and
casters; but I am not sure I can recommend those upgrades unless you get
them free like I did.)
Its great.
If your saw is mechanically sound, just upgrade the lousy components; if you
are just doing light stuff, maybe you can economize by keeping the old
motor.
Besides, this way you don't have to haul the new saw in, and the old one
out!
"Chris W" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:Cf9yb.44235$gr.10581@okepread04...
> I want to get a new table saw and would like recommendations. I have
> been using a really old (20 years or so) craftsman that I think is only
> 1 hp. It gets the job done but not very well. The biggest complaint I
> have about it is the fence. The fence is a complete piece of junk, it
> is very difficult to move back and forth and you have to measure at the
> front and rear to be sure it is square. So that is the main thing I am
> looking for. I want a fence that slides easily from side to side and
> one that is square when I lock it down. I was thinking about the DeWalt
> since I have a lot of other DeWalt tools that I like, but it is kind of
> at the high end of what I want to spend, I would rather keep it in the
> $500 range if I can. Most of my projects are small and I don't do a lot
> of wood working so I don't need a very powerful motor for fast cutting,
> mostly just something that is easier to use and more accurate.
>
> Chris W
>
That is a generous offer to the original poster. I had a G1022SM and while
the fence wasn't the best on the market, it's very sturdy and I thougt it
was more than adequate for everything I asked of it. Whoever this was
directed at should jump on it with a great deal of gratitude.
Don
"Mark Jerde" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Chris W wrote:
>
> > I want a fence that slides
> > easily from side to side and one that is square when I lock it down.
>
> I upgraded my Grizzly G1022 contractor saw fence to a Shop Fox Original
> fence. The "orphan" fence taking up space in my single-car garage shop is
> probably much better than what you have. (It has a micro-adjust
feature --
> very nice!)
>
> I offered it to a friend for free several months ago but he hasn't picked
it
> up yet. If you are willing to pay the shipping from U.S. zip code 20715
it
> can be yours for said shipping cost. De-spamify my email to reply if
you're
> interested.
>
> -- Mark
>
>
Chris W wrote:
> I want a fence that slides
> easily from side to side and one that is square when I lock it down.
I upgraded my Grizzly G1022 contractor saw fence to a Shop Fox Original
fence. The "orphan" fence taking up space in my single-car garage shop is
probably much better than what you have. (It has a micro-adjust feature --
very nice!)
I offered it to a friend for free several months ago but he hasn't picked it
up yet. If you are willing to pay the shipping from U.S. zip code 20715 it
can be yours for said shipping cost. De-spamify my email to reply if you're
interested.
-- Mark