Woodworking: table saw recommendations (watch, purchase, bullet, shops)

[Shibumi]

I'm looking at a new very accurate table saw with which I can do precise cutting for creating jewelry boxes, furniture-grade cabinets, custom fly rod & gun cases, etc. I have an oldy but a goody; a Sears 10 inch radial arm saw with which I can cut 4X8 panels down to workable sizes, and I have an Hitachi cross-cut saw, which, with a fine-toothed carbide blade, is very accurate to do all sorts of cross-cut bevels, etc.

I need to be able to rip fine wood, with panel sizes up to about 48" long and 10" wide, with a very stable and accurate, easily read and reproducible fence settings. I want to be able to do reproducible cuts to within less than 0.5mm accuracy (≈1/50th of an inch) or better. I might need a backside support table to hold up the pieces I'm cutting. I've looked at the cabinet-grade saw from Grizzly Industrial, and I've also seen ads for Laguna Tools equipment.

Anyone have any ideas, experience or recommendations?

[Robert_J]

Check out magazines like Fine Woodworking as well as any woodworking forum. But Grizzly makes a high quality product.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by Shibumi

I'm looking at a new very accurate table saw with which I can do precise cutting for creating jewelry boxes, furniture-grade cabinets, custom fly rod & gun cases, etc. I have an oldy but a goody; a Sears 10 inch radial arm saw with which I can cut 4X8 panels down to workable sizes, and I have an Hitachi cross-cut saw, which, with a fine-toothed carbide blade, is very accurate to do all sorts of cross-cut bevels, etc.

I need to be able to rip fine wood, with panel sizes up to about 48" long and 10" wide, with a very stable and accurate, easily read and reproducible fence settings. I want to be able to do reproducible cuts to within less than 0.5mm accuracy (≈1/50th of an inch) or better. I might need a backside support table to hold up the pieces I'm cutting. I've looked at the cabinet-grade saw from Grizzly Industrial, and I've also seen ads for Laguna Tools equipment.

Anyone have any ideas, experience or recommendations?

The Grizzly you're looking at is a lot of saw for making jewelry boxes, but I think that (or something similar) is on any handyguy's wish list and I really doubt that you would ever be sorry to have it.

Have you looked at the Festool plunge cut saw? Pretty awesome tool for someone who wants a flexible and precision instrument.

[Hattrick]

I too am going to purchase a new table saw soon. The one that I like is made by a company called Saw Stop. Look them up on the internet. Not only is it a fantastic saw it is the safest saw made period.

[Rob Allen]

A friend of mine works for SawStop. It's a great company and a great product.

[Barking Spider]

I have had many table saws over the years. The last one I bought, will probably be my last one. Its a Unisaw. Very heavy duty, and may be much more saw than you think you need.

I have owned Grizzly tools before. They are not bad for most work, but you will not likely find many of them in professional woodworking shops. The manufacturing tolerances are not as close, so you can get some slop in the parts, such as run out in the saw arbor, or if the mitre slot is square with the blade, etc. I had a Grizzly saw, and replaced the motor with a better US made one, and replaced the fence with a high quality one.

When I bit the bullet and bought the Unisaw, there was a world of difference. EVERYTHING is tighter, and there is virtually no vibration at all. I've had it for almost 20 years, and would never consider anything less.

Laguna tools are very high end and VERY costly.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by Hattrick

I too am going to purchase a new table saw soon. The one that I like is made by a company called Saw Stop. Look them up on the internet. Not only is it a fantastic saw it is the safest saw made period.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3mzhvMgrLE&NR=1

Pretty cool. Pretty ballsy, too, but I guess you have to risk a finger in his position...

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by Barking Spider

I have had many table saws over the years. The last one I bought, will probably be my last one. Its a Unisaw. Very heavy duty, and may be much more saw than you think you need.

I have owned Grizzly tools before. They are not bad for most work, but you will not likely find many of them in professional woodworking shops. The manufacturing tolerances are not as close, so you can get some slop in the parts, such as run out in the saw arbor, or if the mitre slot is square with the blade, etc. I had a Grizzly saw, and replaced the motor with a better US made one, and replaced the fence with a high quality one.

When I bit the bullet and bought the Unisaw, there was a world of difference. EVERYTHING is tighter, and there is virtually no vibration at all. I've had it for almost 20 years, and would never consider anything less.

Laguna tools are very high end and VERY costly.

And all this time I thought Norm used Delta because they were the sponsor...

[Mac_Muz]

I don't know. I hide sins with a jointer and a planer.

[ferretkona]

A moderate saw can be improved with a good fence. I like the Inca brand, they make a great saw as well.