An Underpowered Table Saw? Advice, please

[Emily P]

I'm currently in the process of setting up and equipping my first workshop and I'm about to purchase a Table Saw. I worked on a Delta Unisaw during my apprenticeship and LOVED it but, of course cost is a big issue. I'm a full-time woodworker but I make mostly smaller items (jewelry boxes, clocks etc..). Still, I know how necessary a high quality table saw, is but 1,800 bucks is a little steep for my budget! I've been looking seriously at Dewalt's 746 cabinet saw and at less than 1/2 the price it's the most likely candidate. However, I do have a few reservations.

My question is this:

Will the 1 3/4 HP of the 746 have enough muscle to do the work I need it to?

(I do work with a lot of Hard exotic woods and figured domestic hardwoods)

I've read a number of good reviews on this saw. The fence is supposed to be on of the most accurate in it's price range and this is a big plus to me because Accuracy is VERY important for the detailed small-scale pieces I make.

Does anyone have experience with this saw / advice to pass on to me? It would be greatly appreciated! I'd sure hate to buy this thing only to find out it's too weak to get the job done!

[Ken]

Em:

I'm no authority Em but here are a few of my thoughts on the subject.

1. Aren't electric motor ratings given in no load conditions?

2. There must be a bazillion 1 3/4 horse tablesaws in use out here. Surely it will handle the work you do.

3. I use a Delta Contractors saw with no complaints. True you can overload it with 8/4 oak. But for the most part, Does all I ask of it.

Personally, I doubt that you'll have a problem with the 1 3/4 horse saw. Especially the DeWalt you are looking at.

Ken

[Lou]

AS a full time woodworking I would strongly recomend a cabinet saw, not an underpowered unit. I have a very modified contractors saw (2hp Belden motor) and find it is not quite enough for some of my jobs.

You should be able to find a used Delta or Powermatic for the same price. There is not much that can go wrong with one of the comercial units. You would be very happy with it and not second guess if you made the right descision.

Check out. www.woodquip.com

Good luck

[George]

I have a Ryobi BT3000 with a 15 AMP. motor and am very pleased with it. It was very accurate out of the box so much so I used it a year before I had to make any adjustments, it is also light enough that it can be portable. I recomend you look at this site http://170.181.72.27/ryobi/ and read why you should buy a BT 3000.

George

[Jerry]

Emily~

At the risk of being trounced by the "BUY AMERICAN" boys (and girls), I would tell you to look hard at Grizzly's saws. They have a 3-horse cabinet model (#G1023S), that has the all the power you will need for the work you have described and it comes with a GOOD fence system (FOX), also. It is listed at $775.00 in their 2000 catalog.

Jerry

[MadMark]

Don't just look at the power of the saw. If you're making small stuff, power shouldn't be as much of an issue as the accuracy of the fence. If you're doing detailed work and you need to be *dead on* with your cuts toss the factory fence and put on an Incra TS-III fence and Miter-1000 or 2000 miter gauge. You simply cannot do repeatable work with a conventional fence system because they don't set exactly the same every time. The Incra uses a toothed rack that will return to a setting to within .002" (!) in seconds. If you need to make lots of small pieces to specific dimensions the Incra is what you need. The hp of the saw will only be a factor if you're cutting railroad ties or other large pieces.

M

Visit: http://www.netexperts.cc/~lambertm/Wood/wood.html

[Bill]

I just recently purchased the DeWalt, after a long search. I have a Unisaw at work and it is great, but my combination of funds(or lack thereof) and space in my shop area led me in the direction of the DeWalt. I love the cabinet style inboard motor, which means I can move this thing against a wall when not in use. The shrouded blade collects 90% of the dust and delivers it into an integrated chute, so this coupled with my collector is very efficient. The fence is great, and always stays parallel to the blade when moving it, and you really can adjust it every 1/64 th of an inch like they claim. This was a little more expensive than the Delta/Jet contractors saws, but the one piece steel body is stout and sturdy. I have had no problems ripping an 8/4 piece of oak, save for a very minor bit of burn, although I admit I haven't worked with many exotics. Good luck with your decision!

Bill

[john b ulrich]

one of the ways to increase the power of ur table saw is to convert it to 220 volts if u have a 220 hook up u will notice a difference not in speed but powert most of my equipment is set up on 220

[pat]

You didn't mention how thick the wood you are using. I'm not sure if a thin kerf blade comes with the Dewalt, if it doesn't put one on. The Dewalt should be just fine for the work your doing. Or if your still not sure look into the Grizzly cabinet saw or a used Unisawcor Jet good luck.

[Jeff Lord]

I've had this saw for about six months and it is fabulous. The fence, foot print (because motor location), and ability to stay in tune are first rate. Never have had any problem with power. I use a regular cerf Woodworker II blade and yesterday ripped three inch mahogany with no problem at all. The saw is worth the money. Merry Christmas.