Thread: Table Saw Quandry

I had the original Laguna Fusion which had 2hp compared to the 1.75hp on the Fusion 2. I found that I needed more power to deal with our tough Ozzie HW. Mine had the one-piece 52" rails. In practice I found that the fence flexed more than I'd like and I ultimately didn't need the 52" capacity. I also found the integrated wheels were not maneuverable for my needs and tried a generic mobility base with swivel wheels on each corner but that raised the saw too much and made it a bit unstable. I ended up upgrading to the 3hp SawStop 36" PCS w/T-Glide fence and that's fixed all the things I wasn't happy about the Laguna Fusion. If I'd bought the SS PCS from the outset I would have saved myself a lot of money. The PCS is also quieter, smoother, has best extraction, and is a better quality in terms of fit and finish then even the Laguna Dovetail saw.

That's been my experience and I hope it helps give you a more informed purchasing decision.


Cheers,
Mike

EDIT: IMO the original Fusion sits somewhere between the Fusion 2 and 3.

What about the Harvey:

New 2013 Unknown Harvey HW110LGE-30 Table Saw Table Saws in CONDELL PARK, NSW

Or even the Oltre -
Slider = better and you get a 12" blade:

New oltre 1 6m Sliding Table Panel Saw MJ12-1600II by Oltre Table Saws in MALAGA, WA

I think both are 3HP single phase

Out of your 2 options, and purely just going on the specs only, I would go with the Carbatec for the following reasons:

- cheaper
- has steel rails
- has 3/4 more HP which IMO is significant
- heavier by 80kg. Heavier means thicker steel and cast iron components (trunnions etc) and means more mass to absorb vibrations
- 3mm extra depth of cut @ 90deg
- mitre gauge looks better and comes with a fence and a flip stop

And if you decide on the Carbatec, I would advise against the Hi/Lo fence. It prevents you from using the fence on the left side of the blade or with a router wing, if you decide to add one in the future. I've found I've never needed a low fence, and if in the event I ever needed one, I'd just put a piece of scrap MDF against the regular fence and use that instead. The Hi/Low fence also limits the jigs you can use, e.g I've made a tenoning jig that straddles the table saw fence.


Cheers,
Mike

Thanks for everyone's input, went for the Carbatec with the Beismeyer type fence. Very happy with the purchase, overall quality is good and the cuts are precise. Although I am a bit gutted with myself, after only a couple of weeks I have a couple of rust spots on the top have given it multiple coats of the Carbatec U-Beaut Neutral Traditional Wax.