Hafco Woodmaster SB-12 SAW BENCH

[johnny_v]

Hi Peoples,

I am after some expert advice.

I really need to buy a table saw and have had my eye on the Hafco SB-12 and the Carbatec 10" HD Contractor's Saw. Weblinks below....


http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=W452

http://www.carbatec.com.au/machinery/table-saws/contractorrsquos-saws/carba-tec-10-hd-contractors-saw

Both come in under the magic $800 mark, both will fit in my limited space and I think both will perform the tasks I will be throwing at it.

The SB-12 is on sale at the moment making it an even more attractive choice.

Has anyone had experience with these machines? How have you found them? What sort of work do you do with them?

Any info would be great.

[Sprog]

I have also been looking at these two.
The Hafco has the superior specifications and looks to be the better buy even without the price difference.
Do you know if Fiora Machinary (http://www.fioramachinery.com.au/Woodsaws.htm) (Hafco agents) have these in stock?

[mac_man_luke]

Im in a similar situation

another to consider is the Jet JWTS 10

http://www.jet-tools.com.au/T/Tablesaws/Specs%20Jwts%2010.html

Iv seen it for as low as $750

[johnny_v]

I have also been looking at these two.
The Hafco has the superior specifications and looks to be the better buy even without the price difference.
Do you know if Fiora Machinary (http://www.fioramachinery.com.au/Woodsaws.htm) (Hafco agents) have these in stock?

I will be buying it through Fiora's if I go down that pathway. No they don't have it in stock which is why I'm on the fence. If I could see it I'm sure the decision would be so much easier.


Im in a similar situation

another to consider is the Jet JWTS 10

http://www.jet-tools.com.au/T/Tablesaws/Specs%20Jwts%2010.html

Iv seen it for as low as $750

It looks a beauty. I'll need to research suppliers in Perth and add it to my list.

[Sprog]

I will be buying it through Fiora's if I go down that pathway. No they don't have it in stock which is why I'm on the fence. If I could see it I'm sure the decision would be so much easier.



It looks a beauty. I'll need to research suppliers in Perth and add it to my list.

Power Tools and Machinery Sales (http://www.ptms.com.au)

The JWTS 10 now has pressed steel wings not cast iron.

[Batpig]

Dear Sprog,

Re. the JWTS 10, you don't really need too much else other than just pressed steel when you're out that wide (ie. cutting sheets). I like that saw a lot for the dollars.

Best Wishes,
Batpig.

[mac_man_luke]

Im going to have a look at the jet on saturday, will let you know what i think

[johnny_v]

Im going to have a look at the jet on saturday, will let you know what i think

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

[Sprog]

Dear Sprog,

Re. the JWTS 10, you don't really need too much else other than just pressed steel when you're out that wide (ie. cutting sheets). I like that saw a lot for the dollars.

Given the choice, I would choose cast iron over pressed steel. No doubt the pressed steel wings will work satisfactorily.

Twelve months ago the saw had cast iron wings and this was one of Jets selling points (cast iron wings over the competitors stamped steel). I don't think it is an improvement, just an exercise in cost reduction. :)

[johnny_v]

OK, impulse took over.

I went to Power Tools and Machinery sales to check out the JET JWTS-10. Price was between $1200-$1300. Out of my range.

However...... There was a second hand one that had just come in as a trade-in. It looked like new only in blue instead of white. Cast iron wings intead of the pressed steel of the new one, still a 1 1/2 hp motor, brnad new 254mm blade etc. $700. I thought it was a pretty good deal and if it wasn't, I don't want to know about it!!!

All I need now is some wheels to cruise it around the workshop with.:U

[Burnsy]

Well done:2tsup: I have the JWTS with cast wings and it is fantastic. Some people think the saw is underpowered but with a ripping blade it will rip through full depth of Jarrah with no problems. Only advice I would give is to get a sheet of magnetic sign material and cut it to best fit the back of the machine so that it is better sealled. I have done so and dust collection is now real efficient from underneath.

[Batpig]

I went to Power Tools and Machinery sales to check out the JET JWTS-10. Price was between $1200-$1300.
Wow! That is just way over the RRP of $890, and even more over the sub-$800-ask that you can pick them up for over here... It wasn't perchance the JPS 10 that you were instead looking at?
http://www.jet-tools.com.au/T/Tablesaws/Specs%20JPS10.html
Best Wishes,
Batpig.

[johnny_v]

Well done:2tsup: I have the JWTS with cast wings and it is fantastic. Some people think the saw is underpowered but with a ripping blade it will rip through full depth of Jarrah with no problems. Only advice I would give is to get a sheet of magnetic sign material and cut it to best fit the back of the machine so that it is better sealled. I have done so and dust collection is now real efficient from underneath.

I picked up some sheet metal to do just that. I'll have to make it easy to remove so it doesn't interfere with the tilting of the blade though.

I tried a piece of 45mm jarrah through it last night. It bogged down a bit but steady as she goes it went through fine.

I'm not happy with gaurd though. Any suggestions on improving it???

[Burnsy]

I tried a piece of 45mm jarrah through it last night. It bogged down a bit but steady as she goes it went through fine.

I'm not happy with gaurd though. Any suggestions on improving it???

I am surprised it bogged down, what blade are you using? I have a dedicated Freud fine kerf 24 tooth ripping blade and it will cut full depth through jarrah no problems.

There is a guy in America making riving knives and guards to fit, called shark guards, I can't find the link at the moment but if I do I will posy it. Try a google search you should have some luck.

[DJ’s Timber]

There is a guy in America making riving knives and guards to fit, called shark guards, I can't find the link at the moment but if I do I will posy it. Try a google search you should have some luck.

This (http://www.leestyron.com/) be the guy you're talking about Burnsy

[johnny_v]

I am surprised it bogged down, what blade are you using? I have a dedicated Freud fine kerf 24 tooth ripping blade and it will cut full depth through jarrah no problems.

I changed blades. I have a 235mm ripping blade that fits the arbour with a spacer. Only gives a 60mm depth of cut at 90 degrees but thats enough for me. I pushed a piece of 45mm thick jarrah though it to see how it goes and you are right, it went through nicely. I even put a bit of extra pressure on it by feeding it a bit faster. It slowed a little but it didn't phase it.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and advice.

[Burnsy]

This (http://www.leestyron.com/) be the guy you're talking about Burnsy

Yep that's him, thanks for posting the link DJ. He does a complete bolt on kit for the JWTS

[Burnsy]

I changed blades. I have a 235mm ripping blade that fits the arbour with a spacer. Only gives a 60mm depth of cut at 90 degrees but thats enough for me. I pushed a piece of 45mm thick jarrah though it to see how it goes and you are right, it went through nicely. I even put a bit of extra pressure on it by feeding it a bit faster. It slowed a little but it didn't phase it.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and advice.

I did the same when I got mine as I had no 10 inch blades. Believe me when I say that if you get a new Freud fine kerf ripping blade you will feel an even bigger improvement. I ordered my blades (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showpost.php?p=749341&postcount=5)from Timberline Tools (http://timberlinetools.com/)and would highly recommend both the blades I purchased and Timberline if you are thinking of buying additional blades. I think they ended up costing around $155 for the two of them delivered to my door.