Need a new table saw

[joefromga]

My tried and true craftsman is at the end of its life. I need a new saw but my table is all steel with attached wood/formica top and I don't need a new leg stand. This is a quiet belt drive and I want some equal or better. Here's a pic :


Any suggestions? I'd rather pick one up than order. Like to have it this week.

 

[dickfoster]

I have a contractor saw that I like. It's a bit heavier than a bench top but doesn't cost as much and is not as fancy as a cabinet saw. It's a good trade off unless you're going to do enough to justify a cabinet saw.
What makes a table saw really useful is a good fence while adding a table extension is always a good thing too. The fence that came with my Jet contractor saw was basically junk so I got a Vega aftermarket fence and added a digital readout doodad. Now it's super accurate while the fence locks up square and solid.

 

[Handloader109]

I like my pm2000 that I bought slightly used about 10 yrs ago.

 

[TnAndy]

Powermatic model 66, 5hpSP, with an Excaliber sliding table on the left side. The heart of my shop.

 

[Qapla]

I use a Delta Contractor Saw placed in a 5' x 12' table with a formica top and a Biesemeyer fence

 

[joefromga]

I'm gonna have to take measurements and probably end up ordering one.

Hd/Lowe's only have portables and I'd have to modify too much.

Maybe I can just replace the motor. I'll have to do some checking.

 

[stuckmotor]

Will a contractor saw accept a dado blade?

 

[seaneastok]

I'm gonna have to take measurements and probably end up ordering one.

Hd/Lowe's only have portables and I'd have to modify too much.

Maybe I can just replace the motor. I'll have to do some checking.

If you are happy with the saw that would be my suggestion..Honestly your saw is probably better than anything you would buy new now...

 

[s219]

Maybe I can just replace the motor. I'll have to do some checking.

Yes, if it's belt drive it would be trivial to replace the motor. If that's the only problem, then you're in good shape.

Those old craftsman saws were pretty decent. My dad had two of them at his shop that got heavy use by a crew, and we repaired/rebuilt various parts of them over the years. The motor is easy to replace since it's belt driven. Just look for a motor with similar specs and then see about adapting the mounting bracket.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would agree if the motor is the problem then get a new one. You might consider an increase in hp while you are at it. I have a Delta contractors saw with a 30" Unifence and a small sliding table I bought in 1989 and has been a good economical saw. I also have a sliding table scoring saw I bought in 1997 that I have only used to cut a few boards (SCMI). Hopefully I will get to try it out in retirement.

The smaller Delta has paid for itself time and time again and the older Craftsman was also a good one.