I am a first time homeowner and I have been dreaming about having a shop for 15 years. I finally have the garage space for it, so I will be stocking up on tools. One of my first purchases is going to be a Cabinet Tablesaw. My budget is around 2 grand.
What should I buy? I will be using it first off to build my kitchen cabinets, but I plan on using it for years to come building furniture. I’ve been “out of the loop” toolwise for years, bu I do have a background in building fine furniture.
On a related note, anyone know what it costs to add a subpanel to the garage to power a medium sized shop?
thanks !
Replies
You can buy a used Unisaw for $500 up, use the other $1500 for electrical & a used jointer and planer.
Joe H
On a related note, anyone know what it costs to add a subpanel to the garage to power a medium sized shop?
Best to call a couple of electricians and get estimates on that one. Aside from local code requirements the biggest factor will be labor ( as related to the difficulty of getting from the main panel to the sub panel).
I agree with Joe on the table saw. I have a Unisaw, but Jet and Powermatic also make good cabinet saws. Good ones can be found for half, or less, of the new price. Same can done for the jointer and thickness planner. With luck and good bargining you might even fit a small dust collection system in the budget.
Dave
Edited 10/19/2005 6:03 am ET by DaveRicheson
I have a Grizzly cabinet saw and its quality and features far surpased what I expected. and the savings over a Delta were tremdous. Get a Grizzly.
I agree about the used saw. Just check it over good and make sure the fence is one of those good new ones like a Beisemeir.
and make sure the fence is one of those good new ones like a Beisemeir.
Bingo! For sheet goods, the fence makes the saw. Even a Craftsman almost turns into a real tool. Lots of good fences available, no reason to settle for crappy. My Biesemeyer's going on 20 yrs. PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
If you are interested in buying new, both Jet and Delta have rebate
promotions going on right now.
I would lean toward the Jet or the Powermatic (They are both the same company, Wilton Tool Group, anyway) because since Dewalt/Black and Decker took over Delta/Porter Cable parts and service have really gone downhill.
BTW, Powermatic tends to be a little pricier than Jet and I believe they are built in the same factory. Always buy from a REAL tool store...
I've had a 10" Grizzly for about ten years now. I love it! I also have the Grizzly 18" band saw, and Grizzly 6" jointer.
You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
well, if you've been away for a few years there is a new name, Saw Stop, http://www.sawstop.com/index.htm
it's over budget new, but it's the only thing out there that's new
used should be in budget
Edited 10/19/2005 9:24 am ET by cynwyd
well, if you've been away for a few years there is a new name, Saw Stop,
Do you have this saw? When I read up on this saw, it appears that if the saw stops because of it senses a hot dog (finger), it locks up and must be repaired at factory. Save but sounds impracticle.You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
no I don't have this saw and I think you're right about the consequences of the blade lock becoming engaged
I read it too. It says the brake unit cartridge is no more difficult to change than a sawblade.
Must be replaced if it is activated.
Joe H
Looks like the saw is $2799 and the brake replacement is $69.
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You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
Edited 10/19/2005 4:27 pm by Marv
Powermatic 66. Still the heaviest, and the best IMO.
I agree, but boy you pay through the nose. Jet is a good deal, General, Delta, all pretty good saws.