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We are in the market for a new table saw in the $1300-$2000 range for our shop. We are a residential and commercial remodelor who does some cabinet work/laminate work as well as a lot of interior and exterior wood trim work. We’ve been looking at the Deltas that Tool Crib has. One question we have is what is the difference between the Delta Unifence and the beisemeyer T-square fence? Also, is there another brand we should look at? Should we go with 3hp or 5hp.
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My personal opinion, the General 350 with the general version of a Biesemeyer is the best saw on the market in that range, and definitely the best value. Plus, buying with Yankee dollars in Canada,or even through US distibutors, you are bound to find it a bargain. There is lots of stuff on saws over at Knots, and in the archives there.
*A Delta unisaw should work fine for you , thats what I have in my cabinet shop and I like it . It has the Uni fence but I've used the beismier as well . The beismier seems to be built a little stronger , though I've never had a problem with the unifence . The unifence has a few more adjustments that may be handy , you mentioned you do some laminate , the unifence can be turned ninety degrees [ the 1/2" edge that is normaly the top ] and raised off the table a little and used to cut panels with laminate hanging over the edge . It can also be slid back behind the blade position and used as a repetitive crosscut stop with your miter guage . As for other brands to consider , Powermatic makes a very good saw [ model 66 ] thats a little heavier duty than the unisaw and tilts to the left [ the correct way as far as I'm concerned ] but prices start at about the top of the range you posted . Delta recently started offering a left tilt saw I think for the same price as thier right tilt . Hope this makes sense , and helps , Chuck
*A. Johnson
Joseph FuscoView Image
*I'll second chuck's advice word for word. I think you'd be happy with either the Unisaw or the Powermatic. I think the Powermatic is built a bit heavier. If you're commercial, go with 5hp. You won't notice sawing with 5hp, but you'll sure know it if you're using 3hp.Both fences are excellent. The Bies is stiffer in terms of lateral deflection, great for cutting panels or sheet goods. While you certainly don't want to beat on it, you don't have to baby it. The Unifence is great for all the reasons chuck mentioned. Totally adjustable. The capability to slide laminates underneath it may be worth it to you as a cabintemaker.For your price restrictions and laminate needs, the 5hp Unisaw with Unifence may be the way to go. Maybe you can even get one of the extra special super pretty ones with Norm's name on the side. You lucky dog you!
*I had a delta contractor's saw since 1972 or so and always wanted to someday get a unisaw. When I finally got the cash, I went to a store where they had all 3 saws (general, delta, powermatic) side by side. I don't know for sure but I think the unisaw ain't as beefy as it used to be. After looking and looking, I went for the powermatic 66. It's immensely more beefy under the table. It came with a biesmeyer fence which I sold and replaced with excalibur. I think a fence should fasten front and back and thought the "board buddies" I wanted to use might raise the fence. It's a good setup but I'd bet that either of the other saws would serve well and they are cheaper. My saw was $2000 from Tool Crib of the North.
*Any one seen the new DeWalt tablesaw with the horse and a half induction motor? I think I read where it's supposed to be between the contractor saw and the unisaws.
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We are in the market for a new table saw in the $1300-$2000 range for our shop. We are a residential and commercial remodelor who does some cabinet work/laminate work as well as a lot of interior and exterior wood trim work. We've been looking at the Deltas that Tool Crib has. One question we have is what is the difference between the Delta Unifence and the beisemeyer T-square fence? Also, is there another brand we should look at? Should we go with 3hp or 5hp.