Anyone have experience with Craftsman’s job site table saw? My local Sears has a floor model on sale for $279, about $200 off usual price. Has a sliding table, router mount in one of the extension wings . . . lots of bells and whistles. I’m not a professional, and haven’t been able to justify the Bosch, which I understand to be the undisputed Cadillac of portable saws. But I’m doing a lot of trimwork around the house this Summer, and this could come in handy. If it’s a known dog, I’ll probably pass, but if not, I’ll take my chances.
Thanks.
Replies
Make sure it has all the parts and that you can return it if not satisfied. I know the saw you're talking about and at that price I would be glad to own it.
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Edited 6/15/2008 9:01 am by Ted W.
It may be worth a shot. Craftsman had (has?) a bad reputation for a long time, but their newer tools seem to be much better than in years past. Their hybrid cabinet saw, for example, consistently gets good reviews.
If you were going to use a job site saw all day, every day, the Bosch would be the way to go. For a DIY'er, the Craftsman (or another "lesser" brand) should work just fine.
Since you're looking at a floor model, make sure that all the pieces are there and that you're getting the full warranty.
Those Sears portable table saws are made by Ryobi.
My buddy has an older one and it was the scariest table saw I ever used. It literally jumped every time you started it. After that I ALWAYS bring my Bosch when we need a table saw.
Edited 6/15/2008 11:23 am ET by paulbny
The one you're looking at is probably Sear's version of the Ryobi BT3000. In general, it's a pretty highly rated saw - not like the cheaper $200 and less Ryobi's at HD.
But these days, you can still find the older Bosch 4000 saws (new one is the 4100) for about $369 or so with the gravity rise stands.
That would be a better bet for the money and will stand up to much more abuse.
Also - keep an eye out for the older Dewalt 744 saw - they are always on CL for $300 and less and are good saws.
Craftsman tools SUCK, the only reason the saw you are looking at is any good at all is cause it's got a helluva heritage - the original Bt3000's were made in the USA and had a helluva fence and belt drive motor.
I have one of the original ones - paid $75 on CL. It's a nice saw, and in some ways better than my Bosch 4000, but I wouldn't try and cart it around.
And I wouldn't buy a china-made Craftsman version of it for $250 even.
The new Dewalt 745 is down to $299 at HD - it's the same as the larger saw but with 16" rip capacity.
The Bosch 4000 with Gravity stand is at some Costco stores for $379 new.
Or, the Ridgid jobsite saw is highly rated and runs $449 new at HD with a very nice folding rolling stand.
Spend the money now instead of buying #### cheap.
JT
Thanks much, Julian, for the detailed and informed commentary! I'm inclined to pass on the new Sears saw.
George