After doing some research, I’ve come back with some information and some current prices on various saws. First, I’ve decided what things I think are a “must have” for me right out of the box and some things I’d “like” to have and an item I need more information on, though in most cases, I picked left tilt to be representative across the board pricewise. Here are the issues as I see them. Please let me know if I’ve missed anything
Must have:
Magnetic switch
Beisemeyer or Beis-clone fence
Rip capacity of ~50".
Motor cover-what it is made of doesn’t matter to me, though metal would be nice.
Dust port with slanted cabinet interior to enhance dust collection.
Accepts standard accessories from most all aftermarket vendors.
Would like to have:
A table “kit” including long rails, table and legs
Mobile base with long table accommodation
3HP, 220V, single-phase motor
Genuine cabinet saw trunions, regardless of motor size installed.
Not sure about:
Right or left tilt arbor-not sure about this, I need more information, are there any issues with left tilt vs. right tilt to consider?
What is the “t-slot” miter slot that Grizzly pushes? Does Shop Fox also have this?
Here is the pricing “to me” list with some vendors eliminated and some added with a brief overview of what I get for the money. All motors are 3HP and all are ~50” rip unless otherwise stated. This includes motor covers and miter gauges, but not necessarily a saw blade or table:
General International 50-260 M1, ~50” cut, Left tilt, Beismeyer clone fence, no table, no mobile base: $1299.00 + tax, local dealer
Grizzly 1023S, Beismeyer clone fence, Right tilt, 7’ rails, table kit, motor cover, mobile base. $1413.90 delivered
Grizzly 1023SLX Beise-clone fencepackage with mobile base, left tilt. $1511.00 delivered
Shop Fox W1677EXT1, Beise-clone fence, left tilt, 7’ rails with table kit, no mobile base. $1199.00 delivered. (I can get the mobile base with the saw from another dealer for $1383.00 delivered. The first dealer didn’t charge freight.)
Jet 708663MBK, Jetfence(?), left tilt, 7’ rails, table kit and mobile base. $1474.00 delivered
Bridgewood BW10LTS, (Beise-clone fence?) with table and legs, no mobile base. $1499.00 +shipping.
(Sadly, the guy I talked to at Wilke today seemed uninterested in talking to me about working up a deal where I bought three units. I wonder if there is someone who’d be willing to work with me there. If not, I might be rethinking the Yorkcraft jointer and planer, due to other folks being willing to make me a better deal on three machines.)
Woodtek 114-761, Beise-clone, with mobile base, no table or legs, $1128.00 delivered and dealer may have a 10% off for first time buyers. Would have to repaint that awful yellow trim though, whew.
Delta 36-L3B Unisaw (older model, 2 yr. Warranty) table kit, 1 cast iron wing, no mobile base. $1499.00 delivered (Again, a possibility of getting 10% off for first time buyer.)
Sunhill CT-250T, camlock fence, 2HP motor, built in mobile base, odd 2 belt motor arrangement (I don’t think this is a true cabinet saw, but some sort of hybrid.) $795.00 delivered.
I got rid of the Delta Industrial model and the Harbor Freight, because of items I’d read about them. Though I’d like to hear from someone who owns either or both of these saws.
Right now I’m looking hard at the Shop Fox, the Jet and the Woodtek. I am not positive, but I think they represent the “most for your money” out of the bunch. What do you guys think?