Table saws

[K&MScrollworks]

I have always been told that the only dumb question there is, is the one you don't ask.

So here goes. Am buying a new table saw, mine is almost worn out and has such a small ripping ability. The saws that I am looking at have a option of a left or right tilt, which do I get. Is this a users preference or what? Oh I am looking at a Grizzly or a Ridgid.

Kris

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Kris

Not sure why you would think that is a dumb question. It has been said here many times and it is so true there is no such thing. There are people that do not even know there is that option. First let us touch on the saw brand. Now I won't go into telling you which saw to buy or anything like that. I will leave that for you. But you did not mention what type saw you are looking at---table top, contractor,or cabinet,or hybrid. These are huge factors when looking for what I think is the heart and soul of any wood shop. You must ask yourself what type cutting will I be doing with it and will it be able to handle the size stock I am cuting and any jigs i want to use on it. How easy is it to tune because tablesaws are like scrollsaws that need tuning from time to time. How often am I going to be using this tool?? If you could tell us a little more maybe we can tell you what to look for more specifically.

To your question about right tilt and left tilt it does come down to preferance. More and more saws are going to left tilt because of a safety factor. The safety factor is people like to use their fence when ripping angled pieces. Most people are comfortable with the fence to the right of the blade but with a right tilt saw you need to put the fence of the left side of the blade and either use your left hand to push the piece or awkwardly use your right with the blade getting out of your vision for a split second as your arm passes in front of your eyes. You do not want to use the fence on the right side of the right tilting blade because your hand is now closer to the blade and you are now asking fro kickback because the piece is between the blade and the fence and with your hand as close to the blade it is asking for trouble. Of course if you are lefthanded then this works out in your favor. You always want the cut piece to fall away from the blade. Now if using a miter gauge then this is the perfect setup and the guage is on the left where you are used to it. All this changes when you go to a left tilt blade. Now the fence is in the proper spot and the miter gauge has to be moved to the odd side. I grew up with a right tilt and that is the way I will always stay because my habits are trained for this and if I switched then I would be afraid I would forget myself and get hurt. Hope this helps a little.

[pops-shop]

Is this a users preference or what?

In my humble opinion - YES
It is also, as JT said, a matter of safety for the user.
Another thing to consider is the fence and sled. My saw has a cheap fence and I have paid for it. Had to re-inforce in order to make straight cuts.
Let us know what you come up with.

[wisconsinwoodch]

In my personal opp. I think the fence makes the saw.I went from a contractors md. 1&1/2 hp. to three hp. cabnit saw with a 350.00 dollar fox fence, and have never been sorry. Right or left, good ?. The saw I got I can run the fence to the left of the blade about 4 inches havent needed it any more than that. Good luck. :) :) :) :)
thewisconsinwoodchuck
_________________________
www.wisconsinwoodchuck.com

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

A good fence is a must for accurate cutting. I upgraded my contractor saw fence to a vega fence and haven't looked back. Chuck ~ I am surprised all you can take your fence to the left is 4". Usually on upgraded fences the bars go all the way to the end of a extention table.

[K&MScrollworks]

John and all thanks for your inputs. The saw I plan to get would be a contractors type.

Kris

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

With contractor saws you won't get all the bells and whistles as a cabinet saw but will do just great in any shop. I have had mine for over 22 years. I have a Delta and always recomend them highly because of the motors. The Rigid has been getting good reviews. Factors other than the left and right tilt thing is a good fence, a good miter gauge, and if it comes with extension leafs they should be solid and not open like that on Sears. Makes for sure finger mashsing. On a contractor saw the trunions are mounted to the top so adjusting is a little tougher to get at but check to see these and the ease because you will be moving them. Whenever and whichever saw you get check for arbor runout and return if it is too much. Check for smooth operation of both blade lift and tilting, Check for fit and finish on the top and that the top is flat with a good straight edge. The motor has to be at least a 1-1/2HP. Add a good link belt and you are good to go. A good thing to have is an easy on and off of the blade guard with a spliter, not cauls. Some come with both. You want a good on off switch. Look at warrenty. I am of the notion when I am buying large pieces of machinery I want to be able to see and touch before I buy so I will not order over the net. It may cost a little more but that person is always there if there is a problem. The only thing I did buy that was shipped was one of my RBI saws but that is a whole different ballgame. Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to shout them out.

[wisconsinwoodch]

JT. It mite go further but I never had to go any further, so I never really checked it to see how far it will go, I know the rails go the full with of the table. Also mine has a stop on each end that can be removed to gain a little more.I dont like to take them off because the fence moves so easy it can run off the track with a little bump, had that happen when I set it up. so I put the stops on. :) :) :) :)
thewisconsinwoodchuck
_________________________
www.wisconsinwoodchuck.com

[Gunny]

I have to agree with Fred that it's a personal preference influenced by safety concerns I would hope.
I also agree about the fence. The bigger and the sturdier the better. The Rigid is nice... I've used it myself.
Couldn't say about the Grizzley...

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Kris

I noticed you posted you are very allergic to dust or have some issues. If looking for a tablesaw may I highly suggest the middle of the road between a contractor saw and cabinet saw and that is a hybrid saw. The contractor saw is very tough to add dust collection to but a hybrid is very easy and is sort of a cabinet saw but with contractor style innerds and is not much difference price at all. The Delta hybrid gets good reviews and is the one I suggest. Just thinking out loud.

[K&MScrollworks]

John thanks for the good comment, I will check out the Delta for sure now.

Thanks Kris