Table Saw 12" v's 10"

[blindbambi]

I am now looking for a good quality table saw, and have found two which meet my budget (about AU$1700). A 12" saw (ST-12H) from Hare and forbes or the 10" saw (TSC-10HB) from Carbatec. Both come in at abot 175kg with 3hp single phase motor and heavy duty rip fence.

Has anyone used either of these? are they worth the money? should I go 12" or 10"?

Any comment appriciated:)

Thanks Blindbambi

[Pantherx]

I've got the same dilemma & budget

Cost vs Quality. Carbatec vs Hafco vs ???

Will you be ripping large pieces of timber ??

75mm vs 100mm

Cost of replacement blades
Quality of fence
Std mitre guide width for tenoning jigs(see www.Timbecon.com.au)

I'm leaning towards the 12" mainly because if I need the extra depth I'll have it & you can always put in 10" blades.

Maybe we should team up & purchase at the same time to negotiate best price.

Email me directly: [email protected]

Regards

[DarrylF]

I don't think it's even close to possible to actually use the full depth of cut on a 12" TS in this range - unless you're cutting balsawood or something of course :) They just don't have the power or accuracy, so they either bog down, stall and/or kick back. Even if you take progressive cuts, say 1/2" at a time, it's still likely to be a very scary experience on anything thicker than 2". That sort of work should be done on a bandsaw IMHO.

Go for quality, and buy it from a good specialist vendor - Major Woodworking Equipment, Carbatec or the like. My next saw is going to be a Jet or a Delta.

Good tip - if the fence doesn't lock in one place (ie it has lockdown points front & back), or you can move the fence sideways by pushing on the opposite end from the lockdown point, even slightly, then give it a miss. You need reasonable power (2-3hp), multiple belt drive (preferably), a dead flat cast top, standard mitre slots, and most of all the best quality fence you can find.

[soundman]

I wouldn't worry too much about the blade size unless you are particularly looking for depth of cut.

I have gone from a 10" machine to a 12" machine and it dosn't make any diference most of the time.

I purchase the MBS300 about a year ago & I'm verry happy with it but its a bit dearer than you are planning.

I looked arround quite extensively when I was considering the purchase & considered that carbatec had the edge on hare & forbes on most models. The machine you are mentioning at carbatec is a straight knock off of the unisaw in every respect & seemed prety good. That model has improved in the last few years in a couple of areas also.

as far as the capacity.
If you are using a ripping blade you should have no problem pushing hardwood thru at full depth of cut on one of those machines as long as you keep the feed rete steady.

If you can find the extra cash the MBS I recon is the best bang for buck bench under 3 grand a solid piece of gear

If you havn't looked in carbatec in the last few weeks look again ther is a whole lot of new stuff.

cheers

[blindbambi]

Thanks for the input guys. I dont think that I would use the extra depth often. And from your coments and exprience from previous purchases from carbatec I will go with them.

Once again Thanks Blindbambi:D

[blindbambi]

I recieved my brand new 10" Table saw from Carbatec. Got a nice discount. Thanks for the advice.
Regards Blindbambi