Thread: Carbatec KS-12K

Originally Posted by pommyphil

I'm looking to upgrade from a Triton, have around $1000, hope not to be cutting sheets but would like dados. I see Carbitec have KS-12K on special and the specs look good, has anyone looked at them ? Any pointers would be welcome. Phil.

There are several forum members that have one of these saws, derekcohen sorings to mind.

There have been a few threads on this saw and I'm sure a search will find them for you, that way you find out the pros and cons.

Thanks Fred Found it under Hafco SB-12 which seems to be the same but with a bigger motor. Not much about build quality or useability. If I buy one it will have to be "sight unseen " and that's scary.

The Carbatec KS-12K is a solid, if basic, machine. I bought mine about 12 years ago and it has been a reliable performer.

There are a few things I have changed/upgraded, which is worth keeping in mind as other saws may include these in their price.

The 2 hp motor is solid and reliable. I have just replaced the v-belt with a link belt. This has reduced vibration a smidgeon - but it did not have much to reduce as the saw is pretty smooth anyway. But what the link belt appears to have done is increase connectivity, and this seems to have increased the available power. The saw feels more powerful.

I have just replaced the fence with a Biesemeyer-clone. The saw came with a solid fence that clamps front-and-back. All these fences (even new ones) are just entry level fences, never reliably accurate. The original worked OK but I can;t say that it filled me with comfort. The new one is terrific (extra $350).

I have the sliding saw accessory (which I think is no longer available). This is one of the better sliding saws around, especially for the cost (total saw cost $1500 at the time). One way of looking at this is that a decent sliding saw replaces the cost of a sliding compound mitre saw (a saving of $1000).

There is room to add a router table to the table saw, which I have done (not that I have used it in years!). It is useful to have this option in a tablesaw.

I'd prefer a splitter than the existing antikickback set up, and the adjustment wheels are plastic and a bit small. But adequate.

If I put a lot of value on a tablesaw I might consider upgrading it, but this saw continues to do it well enough to put the thought out of my mind.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by pommyphil

Thanks Fred Found it under Hafco SB-12 which seems to be the same but with a bigger motor. Not much about build quality or useability. If I buy one it will have to be "sight unseen " and that's scary.

Try this search

http://woodworkforums.com/search.php?searchid=3493594

I take it you saw them on special at Carbatec for $849?

Thanks Derek that was just the sort of info I need.

Fred. That link is just coming up "no match found, try another....." I've got to get onto H&F for more on the SB-12 ($899). It looks like another incarnation of the KS-12K but with an extra horse, better switch and maybe a better riving knife but it's hard to tell and H&F are short on detail.
Phil.

Originally Posted by pommyphil

Fred. That link is just coming up "no match found, try another....."

Phil.

Just select Search from the toolbar at the top of this screen and type in KS12K, you will get quite a few links to threads about this saw.

Sorry Fred Search did not like the hyphen, problem solved. Have read them all and I'm leaning strongly away from any contractor saw ,so probably down to MJ2325B, no dado ! TSC10HB. or the CTH110R 1PH on special at $ 1400.

Good deal on the CTH110, there is some info on that saw in this thread.

More here and here.

Bit the bullet ,CTH-110R, emailed Carbatec and they are sold out and not getting any more. So 2nd on the short list is Hafco SB-10H $1049, then SB-12 $899.