Thread: SORRY but need advice on table saws

Hi Skippy
I to am a novice when it comes to table saws having put up with a Triton for years.
Finally decided to go for a table saw and like you found it rather confusing.
I set myself a budget of $2000 for a saw and wanted to ensure I got value and a saw that would last.
I narrowed my choices down to three saws after hours of mulling through the forums and reading the thoughts of so many others.
Choices were,1 Carbatec MJ2325CT, 2 HAFCO ST250 and 3 JetJPS10.
1 and 2 are full cabinet 3 has half cabinet.All were similarly priced at around $1600 which would allow some change to purchase decent blades.
All have similar base faetures, 1 & 2 seemed almost identical but the Hafco came standard with a 1250mm slide table. The Carbatec has an optional table for $900 or you could possibly made one and the Jet has similar .
The thing that helped me make my choice more than any feature was the hands on experiance with the fence set up. The fences on the Hafco and Carbatec lacked a secure feel. It seemed as though they just rattled around in their track and i felt it would be difficult to obtain the same set up position if I had to move the fence. The jet has a positive slide and easy to read indicator.
Like you, I have never had the need to dado but given the similar cost of each of these saws I could see the advantage of having this option later on.
As you may have gathered the Jet got my vote based on what appears to be better quality of finish and oportunity to deversify with the dado option.
Delivery is in a couple of weeks so I can only offer you the solution that best suited my reqiurements without actual use.
Hope this helps ...

Hi Skippy,

I bought the 10HB saw about 18 months ago and I haven’t looked back. It’s been absolutely fantastic. Before the table saw I had a expensive Radial Arm saw and compared to the 10HB, I’ll never get a Radial Arm saw again. The 10HB is just so much more accurate and easier to setup. I still shake my head in amazement in how accurate the cuts are.

The only gripe I have with the 10HB is the riving knife. It’s too hard to precisely line up especially if you’re using a thin blade saw. As a result, most of the (careful) cutting I do is without the blade guard. Hopefully somebody will see an opportunity here and manufacture an aftermarket riving knife for it.

Good luck in finding the right saw for your workshop and don’t forget to get yourself a dust extractor as well for your health sake.

Thanks for your input mate.
The jet outfits do get a pretty good rave, i will have to look at them a bit harder going from what you had to say,
Good luck with your new baby and keep us up to date with how it is going.

Skippy

Originally Posted by beach_seeker

Hi Skippy,

I bought the 10HB saw about 18 months ago and I haven’t looked back. It’s been absolutely fantastic. Before the table saw I had a expensive Radial Arm saw and compared to the 10HB, I’ll never get a Radial Arm saw again. The 10HB is just so much more accurate and easier to setup. I still shake my head in amazement in how accurate the cuts are.

The only gripe I have with the 10HB is the riving knife. It’s too hard to precisely line up especially if you’re using a thin blade saw. As a result, most of the (careful) cutting I do is without the blade guard. Hopefully somebody will see an opportunity here and manufacture an aftermarket riving knife for it.

Good luck in finding the right saw for your workshop and don’t forget to get yourself a dust extractor as well for your health sake.

Thanks for your sharing your experience with the 10 hb
Sounds as though you are more than happy with your choice. The riving knife is a subject that keeps coming up. Excuse my ignorance but couldnt you take it to a decent engineering place and they could use it as a template to make a smaller one? I wouldn't imagine it would be hugely expensive.....but the again i could be totally wrong.

Skippy

Jet JPS10 v TS10HB = Holden v Ford.

Toss a coin

i really dont want to wait til bathhurst to make a decision!!
Thanks for that. That is the impression i am getting. Who ever thought it would be this hard to make decision on a saw.

Skippy

G'day Skippy

I am in same boat as you. I am now 90% decided on buying a replacement for my Triton saw and it will be the Jet.

An important factor for me is assembly. From what you read on these forums, the Carbatec etc machines have fairly poor assembly instructions whereas the Jet instructions seem to be pretty clear. I need all the help I can get when it comes to using spanners and assembling things!!

Good luck and remember - no matter what you buy you will be outlaying a lot of money so make sure you get something that you really like.

Geoff

Hi Skippy,

Have you had a look at the MBS 300?
Its has been around for years and is solid and well built by mikiway.
I have one so am probably biased, however look at all the specs and you may change your mind.
By the way it is the only saw that carbatec has constantly sold for as lond as i remember.
I can still get any part i want for the saw, not sure about others in 10 years?

12"
Sliding table
Enormous motor
very large table
Biesemeyer clone fence ( photocopy )
30 mm arbour
Cast iron throat plate! - i laugh at all the crapy aluminium ones that are not flat.
smooth running
heavy

This saw will be handed to the grand children.

Regards
Steve

Thanks sailor.
No i haven't had a look at these saws YET. But i will now.
Sounds as thought this is another good saw and seems to be along the lines of what i am after. I have not heard alot about it but will do a search on the forum for more info.
Thanks for your suggestion

Skippy

Originally Posted by geoffo

G'day Skippy

I am in same boat as you. I am now 90% decided on buying a replacement for my Triton saw and it will be the Jet.

An important factor for me is assembly. From what you read on these forums, the Carbatec etc machines have fairly poor assembly instructions whereas the Jet instructions seem to be pretty clear. I need all the help I can get when it comes to using spanners and assembling things!!

Good luck and remember - no matter what you buy you will be outlaying a lot of money so make sure you get something that you really like.

Geoff

Another vote for Jet.
I had a laugh about the needing as much help as i can bit as i am exactly the same .

Skippy

Originally Posted by Lignum

Jet JPS10 v TS10HB = Holden v Ford.

Toss a coin

Hi All,

Same boat here too - more of a liner than a canoe it seems. I'm waiting for the WA wood show for some more research. I got the impression that Jet was more of a Toyota tho.

I would go for the 10HB over the Jet. (I own the Jet) But the Jet prices have gone through the roof big time and the quality is heading south.

The 10HB is 3hp over the 1.75 Jet and accepts a dado blade. And the Jets rise and fall is via a toothed belt that snaps once a year (I use the rise and fall a dozen times a day every day though) and is a PITA to replace. That’s enough for me to wish I had bought the 10HB the first place.

Aaahhh a wood show
I am never home to be able to get to any. I either get in a week after or before them. I keep reading about the deals that people have made at these shows and i start chewing my arm off. Most of the outfits i have contacted wont duplicate the price after the show either. But i can understand that.
It would be great to see the saws and stuff i am interested in all in one place and then make a more informed decision.

Skippy

I have a Carbatec 10HB and am very happy with it.

For cross cutting I use a Kreg precision mitre gauge and a Freud saw blade. I continue to surprise myself with the accurate and clean cuts that I can now achieve with ease – hardwood or softwood.

The mitre gauge that comes with the 10HB is basic and I only use it for “rough” work.

Yes I would like a sliding table too, but use a table sled for wider cuts.

Good luck with your decision

Therapy