Question about table saws,...

tribaloverkill · 01-28-2007, 08:32 AM

I'm looking a to get a table saw. I stopped by a local home improvement store(Lowes) and saw two table saw thats caought my eye. Now,... I do not plan on using this table saw for home improvement. It's actually going to be used in my little fab shop I have going on. So,... I plan on using it to cut acrylic, wood, and thin sheets of aluminum(1/16" - 1/8"). This shop is fairly small but we are groing so,... here's my question, well kind of. First,... table saw #1, has a NICE thick big table. It's heavy as hell and literally looks bomb proof. The stand loks pretty much permanent. I mean it's on wheels but they are just to move it around a bit. The motor on it is only 1.5HP though. It belt drives the blade too. The brand is Delta. Now,... table saw #2 is a very portable saw made by Ryobi. The saw is literally on a tube frame stand with Nice big wheels, it folds down and away if need be. You can literally jog with this thing. It has an ok table top but it is a LOT thinner then the other one. A lot thinner. This table top slides. It extends out to a total of 25". When closed is a lot smaller, i dont know how small but whatever. The saw itself is cover mostly with plastic but the motor is 4.4HP! BUT! It does NOT belt drive the blade. The blade is right on the motor shank. Now,... Why does the better table, #1, have a motor with a lot less horse the table #2? Is it because it's belt driven? I was told that belt driven machines are the way to go. Im thinking because its belt driven but it still doesnt make sense seeing that the sprocket or whatever it's called is the same size on both ends. So its kind of like having the blade right on the motor shank. Right? I like saw number #2 but im not sure about motor horse? I dont really care about the portability of #2 because this thing aint going anywhere anyways, atleast I dont think it is. So whats up?

slickshift · 01-28-2007, 10:17 AM

I have #2
It's crap
I can't wait until it breaks and I can replace it
Well, breaks enough to warrant replacement
Pieces started falling off the first day I used it

It took a few hours and massive modification (removal of safety stuff, elongating adjustment slots) to get it even close to square
Which it still isn't btw, just closer
The measurements on it are a total joke, nothings within 1/2" or 5* of being correct

If it wasn't for the money, it'd have a little "accident" and fall off the truck tomorrow
...along with the Ryobi palm sander I used a few times
That thing stinks too

Am I being too subtle?

Just in case you missed it, I don't particularly care much for the saw

yummy mummy · 01-28-2007, 10:19 AM

You're funny...............

slickshift · 01-28-2007, 01:57 PM

...it's funny only because it's true yummy

Oh, by the way, have I mentioned how bad that table saw is?
It technically does cut, but so badly it actually creates more work for you
Wait, I think the word "cut" is not accurate
"Chews" would be much more accurate

It's not so much a tool as it is a loud, sawdust flinging, frustration machine

**joasis** · 01-28-2007, 02:10 PM

So I guess slick, that you are recommending the Ryobi? I just want to be clear that you would buy another one!

tribaloverkill · 01-28-2007, 02:19 PM

Ok,... so the ryobi saw sucks but still,... my question isnt answered. Why would one have more HP then the other and is it because of the belt drive?

slickshift · 01-28-2007, 02:43 PM

Although I suspect in the Ryboi's case, HP stands for something other than horsepower, it could be that the one manufacturer is listing peak hp, and the other operating hp
Don't know for sure with these two, but I have run into that many times

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 01-28-2007, 05:53 PM

Let's just say that in the 'industry' ... Ryobi is not considered to be a maker of 'heavy duty' tools.
If you visit any woodworking tool/equipement stores or building supply warehouses...you won't find any Ryobi's....

**joasis** · 01-28-2007, 07:46 PM

If you want good value, and a great saw for the buck, check out Grizzly tools....if you have to have it now, the Delta is good also. But remember, the home centers do not neccessarily carry contractor grade saws...Delta has a cheap line they sell in the box stores....and they are cheap.

Darylh · 01-28-2007, 11:46 PM

If I had a choice between the Ryobi and Delta I would take the Delta Hands down. A 1.5 hp on 220 will serve you well.

Brik · 01-31-2007, 11:33 AM

You may want to swing by woodnet, http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php in their power tools forum. Do a few searches. The collective knowledge there is more than anyone could absorb in a lifetime. Good advice here too. And, do NOT rule out Grizzly. At least get their catalog, its **** for tools.
See http://grizzly.com/ and http://www.grizzly.com/catalog_requests.aspx for a catalog.

I have this table saw from them.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G1023S
It kicks but!

Remodeling · 01-31-2007, 09:17 PM

Check out this cool saw.

http://www.sawstop.com

Brik · 01-31-2007, 09:27 PM

ha! The hot dog saw! I hear its well built although at over 4 times the price of mine I'll just learn not to touch a spinning blade! Oh, I already did learn that.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 02-01-2007, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brik

ha! The hot dog saw! I hear its well built although at over 4 times the price of mine I'll just learn not to touch a spinning blade! Oh, I already did learn that.

I clicked the link and read about how the sfety system works, then watched the video...

...

WOW

.... THAT IS SO KEWL....

As soon as I saw it use it's safety system in the video, I thought = $$$$$$$$$

krazy johnni · 04-10-2007, 05:58 AM

DON'T buy the crapobi what ever you do and it drives me nuts that they advertise saw's as having 4 or 5 horse power on a 15amp 120 breaker simple math tells us that 1.5 real horse power is all that you can have. A good saw with an induction motor should last you a life time unlike portable throw away saw's.