I don't recall seeing much discussion on this topic and I cannot turn up anything with a search. What I would like to know is, for those of you that have used both 3hp and 5hp 10" tablesaws, how much of an advantage is the 5hp saw? What specifically were you able to do on a 5hp saw that you could not do on a 3hp saw?
There are not any good showrooms close to me so I have been limited to internet shopping and it appears that a 5hp saw can be had for not much more than a 3hp saw. Is there any reason not to go with a 5hp saw? It doesn't seem like power consumption would be that much of a factor.
I started out with a Delta contractor saw many years ago but have been using a tracksaw in the place of a tablesaw for several years now. After using the tracksaw, I find that there are things I miss about the tablesaw so I am presently in the seriously looking stage.
The new, but so far, unavailable Grizzly 1023R's, have my attention due to the fact that they have the riving knife, new dust shroud and available 5hp motor.
If there's a reason why I don't want/need a 5hp I might look more seriously at the 690's and their Leeson motors.
As for what the saw will be used for. My shop is geared mostly toward part-time cabinetmaking right now but I want to get into furniture and individual pieces.
Although I have mentioned Grizzly, lets not turn this into a this brand verses that brand thread. Please look at simply from a power comparison standpoint.