Inca 259 v. SawStop?

[Jon Middleton]

I had one of those Incas a long time ago. The table supports galled, which made tilting the table difficult. It's a very small saw, so is limited in what you can do with it. I'm better off with my Powermatic 66.

[Rick Potter]

Maybe you should get a ShopSmith. It does a lot of stuff in a small space. It is another niche product you could buy, and sell later if you don't like it.

Rick Potter

[Jim Matthews]

There's an INCA tools group on Yahoo.

You might want to browse the values posted there.
In my opinion, the little tables saw is the least useful of their tools.

The advantage of lightweight construction is mobility.

I found the top to be too small to offer much utility.
More can be done, on smaller stock with hand tools.

More can be done, on larger panels with a circular saw and edge guide.

There are some Big Dogs that still use theirs for fine work, but this can be an expensive piece of shop jewelry.

(I've got one in my garage, so that I can set it up as an upright mortiser - someday.)

FYI - The little two wheel bandsaw made by INCA? That's an excellent tool.
The TERSA head version of their Jointer/Planer? Exquisite but finnicky.

[Evan Patton]

Maybe you should get a ShopSmith. It does a lot of stuff in a small space. It is another niche product you could buy, and sell later if you don't like it.

Rick Potter

Is Shopsmith even in close to the Inca in precision/quality? My previous table saw was a 1929 12" Davis and Wells, so I got used to no vibration and a smooth running machine. Don't think I'd like a Shopsmith at all (not sure I'll like the Inca for that matter).

[Evan Patton]

There's an INCA tools group on Yahoo.

You might want to browse the values posted there.
In my opinion, the little tables saw is the least useful of their tools.

I just applied to join the Yahoo group. Not sure I'll get access before I look at the saw this morning.

[Evan Patton]

Well I'm now the proud owner of an Inca 259. Thanks to all you enablers and voices of reason.

I did not get a screaming deal, but didn't get fleeced (at least not as far as Bay Area prices go). I think it will meet my needs for a while, and am actually pretty excited to try out the mortiser. Worst case I get tired/frustrated and send it on its Craigslist way. Forest 10" blade and a Leeway splitter are on their way.