Before I buy the SawStop???
I have all but decided on the Sawstop. The dealer actually tried to talk me into the PM2000 last night, saying that the SawStop was way overkill for a home shop. I think it is well designed saw aside from the brake mechanism. I agree with him that PM2000 would be a lifetime tool to be enjoyed and offer years of trouble free woodcutting. But I like the SawStop for first the obvious reason. But also the design of the table top for adjustment and I really do like that the hand wheel for the blade tilt is outboard. I have some concern for the life expectancy of the electronics in a dust and vibration envirment. SawStop assures me it hasn't been an issue in 2 years. I would like to hear from all the Home Shop SawStop owners on your experiences. Do you look back and say I could have saved some money and bought another saw? I don't like the time it takes for the initial start up? What ever you tell me would be helpfull. I had another thread when I was trying decide between three models but I really want to hone in on this purchase, a no regrets decision.
happy with my black beauty tablesaw ...
Hi Ted,
Having spent this summer shopping cabinet saws, I know how this decision
can be trying. I am thrilled with the SawStop cabinet saw, even if it did
not have the brake system. I went with the 50" SS rip fence as well.
The 3hp single phase runs so quiet, I can speak over it, while standing at it. Comparing actual cuts with my previous contractor saw is quite revealing. The new cuts are so smooth, I wonder how I ever got by 23yrs
with my old saw. The riving knife is unobtrusive, and a great help.
It is a joy to spin the wheels for height and bevel adjustment.
Start-up is just a few moments per session. I don't mind watching the lights settle on green for ready. It confirms I have everything set-up
properly, and that the system is active. Subsequent starts are quick with
the red paddle switch, which offers handy bump off with your knee.
I timed a regular blade to dado stack swap this week. If I have things
handy, and do not need to search for them, I can swap to dado in about
8 min. I can swap back to regular blade, brake cartridge and table insert
in about 7ish min. I have improved alot over my earlier fumbling and
hesitation. (these times incl gap adj and saw running again)
In fairness, minor downsides would be that the Bies style fence must
be adj parallel to miter slots and blade while removed from the rail.
I know all Bies type rip fences do this, but my old Unifence adjusted
while mounted to the rail, so you can moniter as you go.
The big cast iron top seems particularly scratch-prone, perhaps
available metal and casting are not what they once were ...
In the event of a brake trigger, the tighter the blade to brake gap, the
quicker the stop. May mean the difference between a band-aid and
stitches, so it is important. I do not feel confident yet, to make this
critical adjustment from up top through the table insert. Instead, I
shine a light in the right side cabinet,(has interlock) and check the gap
from a side view, rather than a top view.
Caution: you may want to move the rip fence aside before ducking under
the extension table ... DAMHIKT !
Another quibble is the table insert retaining screw is shared between
the regular insert, and the walnut dado insert. These 4MM screws
with allen key head are proving hard to locate, as I would like back-up.
(don't ask me how I know this either!)
The blade and arbour have a dust collection shroud which is great for
sawdust pickup, but also hungry for the arbour nut.(ya, DAMHIKT)
Overall, this saw is amazing! It offers a dizzying array of adjustment
options, and is built like a brick outhouse. As the cornerstone of my little
shop, it is super functional and a joy to own.
Please allow me to offer you fair warning. The mere mention of Sawstop
invokes heated passions for many reasons. The key is to learn to
brace yourself after mentioning it in any online forums!
Best luck with your major shop purchase,
Walt
ps when I power up this fine machine, I realize that the inventor has
given us pure genius, and has earned his rewards ...
(braces himself for verbal onslaught)
:)
Watch out for salesmen...
First, as others have mentioned, salesmen are motivated by money. Indirect or direct, ALWAYS remember that some of the advice comes from their interest in making the most money. For example, the PM2000 may provide the dealer with a better margin (profit), or they may have a dealer or sales rep spiff to promote a specific brand.
Second, regarding "...way overkill for a home shop", I think that's complete xxxxxxxxx! IMO, safety is important anywhere. It is not limited to a production environment. I think it is reprehensible for the salesman to tell you that.
I believe everyone should choose what they are comfortable with. If someone doesn't believe in the SawStop safety feature, that's fine; it's their money. But it sounds like SawStop safety is important to you. Go with your gut feeling.
Dan.