not another PCS vs ICS table saw thread

[Clay Fails]

ICS owner here. I felt the larger size and weight justified the extra cost. No regrets here. But I also think you would be completely happy with the PCS. Either way you can't go wrong.

[Prashun Patel]

I know enough to know that with saws, bigger is almost always better. So, if your budget allows it, get the ICS.

That being said, I have a PCS and I have not wished yet for more power. The larger surface issues can be solved with shop build tables.

[Kevin Womer]

Either saw is top notch. I would recommend getting the industrial mobile base and over the table dust collection with the saw you choose. I have a 3 HP PCS and it is very well built, packaged and more than enough HP for a hobbyist. The saw you choose between these two will make you extremely pleased.

[Peter Hawser]

I would think that as a hobbit your projects would be smaller and therefore the table size wouldn't be as much an issue.

Plus, the ICS table iron is dwarf forged, "Made in Moria" so that might mean something to you.

[Ray Newman]

"Made in Moria" -- Peter Hawser


But will it fit in a Hobbit hole workshop??....

[Peter Hawser]

Okay, I am really tempted to continue the Hobbit jokes, but I will try to stay on topic. I don't have a Saw Stop, but have used both quite a bit at friends shops. They are both great saws. My friend with the ICS added a sliding rig, router table extension and occasionally lands his F-18 on it. Would the extra table depth help there? I don't know. However, I have learned over and over - if I am ever torn between buying the two versions or models and the vacillating shows no sign of ending, just do it. Spend more and be done with it. If you don't there is a risk you will find yourself second guessing it for years. However, you will NEVER find yourself in the shop thinking, "Gosh darn it, this tool is just too awesome for me, I wish I would have gone cheaper."

[Jeff Smi]

Thanks for all the replies. I think i'm going to go with the ICS, I know if I purchased the PCS i'd wish I had gotten the ICS the entire time.

[David Kumm]

Thanks for all the replies. I think i'm going to go with the ICS, I know if I purchased the PCS i'd wish I had gotten the ICS the entire time.

That's what always happens to me. Dave

[mreza Salav]

I have learned over the years that when I buy the best tool within my budget I soon forget the price tag and enjoy using it forever and never regret getting it.
Whenever I have bought a lower priced item between my options chances are I have second thought myself later numerous times.
I have an ICS and it's a joy to use it each time. I have opened it to its pieces to move to my basement (by myself) and put it back all together. It is very well designed/engineered.