Thread: Cheap Panel saw vs Hybrid cabinet saw

You should have a look at this thread - Leda MJ-2325F 1300 Sliding Table Panel Saw - it might help your decision. The price you've noted would appear to be pretty attractive. The H & F ST-254PT - Just a moment... - has its roots from the same MJ2325 base, but the Leda would appear to be a much better package IMO. The problem with the rise and fall mechanism noted by Fuzzie is common in all these saws. It's because the mating gears are straight cut, not helical. When winding the blade height up to full cutting height, stop winding when you feel the slightest resistance, it'll chew the gears out otherwise.

Both these machines have 3hp motors and require a 15amp circuit. All of the derivatives of the MJ2325 (there's a lot) are hybrid saws - the mechanisms hang off the table top, so they're not true cabinet saws.

Just a note - the new Carbatec 10 inch saw is normally $2.5k. On EOFY at $1999 at the moment, and runs off a 10amp socket. Looks appropriate for your specs, albeit not a slider. 2.5 HP, Dado capable, integrated wheels for moving.

Worth a look.

After several years of using both the Sawstop Professional at the men's shed and my 'hobby' slider at home, if I could have only one saw it would hands down be the slider. The sawstop is way more solid and accurate but the flexibility and inherent way to use the slider safely make it my choice for what I make which is mainly using solid wood in pieces not much longer than the slider.