Sgt Beavis
03-15-2009, 09:20 AM
I've been into woodworking ever since I was 5 years old. As will most other carpenters, you come to learn that there is one power tool that every carpenter should have. That tool is the Table saw.
Back in 2002 I bought a Ridgid TS3660 Contractor type table saw. I got it at Home Depot for about $400. Over the last few years, this saw has consistently been rated as one of the top Contractor Table Saw's in the business. It is affordable, has a ton of features, and is very well built. Mine is pictured below. Ridgid has started to gain a reputation for tools that are affordable but have good quality.
Today I learned that Ridgid has expanded their Table Saw lineup and IMO this one looks like another winner. The R4511 is "Hybrid" Table Saw. It combines the qualities of a Contractor Table Saw with those of a more expensive "Cabinet Saw". Here is a little information about the types of tables saws.
Bench Top Table Saw: A table saw that can be fitted on top of a work bench. It's main characteristic is that the saw blade's mounting is directly attached to the drive shaft of the motor. In most cases, these are cheap saws.
Contractor Saw: Usually mounted on open legs (like the one pictured below). The blade is belt driven. The motor mounts (trunions) are connected to the underside of the table top. The motor usually hangs out on the back side of the saw. These saws can range from cheap to moderately expensive (up to $1000).
Cabinet Saw: Not mounted on legs. The table top is on a completely closed cabinet. Much heavier than either Bench top or Contractor Saws. The motor trunions are mounted to the cabinet instead of the table. The blade is belt driven. This makes it very easy to adjust the blade alignment. This setup (and the extra weight) also goes a long way to reducing vibration. The motor is inside the cabinet which makes it easier to manipulate the saw for storage. The "cheap" saws usually start at around $1000 but can easily go over $5000.
In the case of the Ridgid Hybrid, the motor trunion is mounted to the cabinet, just like in a cabinet saw. However, the lower half of the cabinet has open legs. Craftsman has a saw that is similar in appearance but the motor trunions are still attached to the table top. This saw has two features that are unique. The table top is made of Granite instead of cast iron. This provides the heavy weight of cast iron but prevents any risk of rusting (cast iron tables require regular care). The downside is that granite can crack and break so Ridgid has a sturdy support system built under the table. Another major feature is a RIVING KNIFE. Riving Knives are very common among European built table saws but very rare in the US. The knife is situated directly behind the blade and prevents the wood material from binding and causing a kickback. A kick back can kill you. Most saws sold in the US have a "splitter" that does the same job but you have to remove a splitter if you are cutting thick material. Riving knives are never removed. This feature is going to save a lot of lives.
So now I'm thinking about selling my TS3660 and upgrading to this saw. IMO this might be a really friggin good Table Saw. I haven't confirmed it yet but you should be able to order one at Home Depot for $599.00. IMO that is a great price. I'll just wait until I get a 10% off coupon :)
Here is my current table saw with the router table that I added to it.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3355765787_1b10c35204_b.jpg
Here is the new Ridgid R4511 Hybrid Table saw.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3356645082_2106c5e70e_o.jpg
Back in 2002 I bought a Ridgid TS3660 Contractor type table saw. I got it at Home Depot for about $400. Over the last few years, this saw has consistently been rated as one of the top Contractor Table Saw's in the business. It is affordable, has a ton of features, and is very well built. Mine is pictured below. Ridgid has started to gain a reputation for tools that are affordable but have good quality.
Today I learned that Ridgid has expanded their Table Saw lineup and IMO this one looks like another winner. The R4511 is "Hybrid" Table Saw. It combines the qualities of a Contractor Table Saw with those of a more expensive "Cabinet Saw". Here is a little information about the types of tables saws.
Bench Top Table Saw: A table saw that can be fitted on top of a work bench. It's main characteristic is that the saw blade's mounting is directly attached to the drive shaft of the motor. In most cases, these are cheap saws.
Contractor Saw: Usually mounted on open legs (like the one pictured below). The blade is belt driven. The motor mounts (trunions) are connected to the underside of the table top. The motor usually hangs out on the back side of the saw. These saws can range from cheap to moderately expensive (up to $1000).
Cabinet Saw: Not mounted on legs. The table top is on a completely closed cabinet. Much heavier than either Bench top or Contractor Saws. The motor trunions are mounted to the cabinet instead of the table. The blade is belt driven. This makes it very easy to adjust the blade alignment. This setup (and the extra weight) also goes a long way to reducing vibration. The motor is inside the cabinet which makes it easier to manipulate the saw for storage. The "cheap" saws usually start at around $1000 but can easily go over $5000.
In the case of the Ridgid Hybrid, the motor trunion is mounted to the cabinet, just like in a cabinet saw. However, the lower half of the cabinet has open legs. Craftsman has a saw that is similar in appearance but the motor trunions are still attached to the table top. This saw has two features that are unique. The table top is made of Granite instead of cast iron. This provides the heavy weight of cast iron but prevents any risk of rusting (cast iron tables require regular care). The downside is that granite can crack and break so Ridgid has a sturdy support system built under the table. Another major feature is a RIVING KNIFE. Riving Knives are very common among European built table saws but very rare in the US. The knife is situated directly behind the blade and prevents the wood material from binding and causing a kickback. A kick back can kill you. Most saws sold in the US have a "splitter" that does the same job but you have to remove a splitter if you are cutting thick material. Riving knives are never removed. This feature is going to save a lot of lives.
So now I'm thinking about selling my TS3660 and upgrading to this saw. IMO this might be a really friggin good Table Saw. I haven't confirmed it yet but you should be able to order one at Home Depot for $599.00. IMO that is a great price. I'll just wait until I get a 10% off coupon :)
Here is my current table saw with the router table that I added to it.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3355765787_1b10c35204_b.jpg
Here is the new Ridgid R4511 Hybrid Table saw.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3356645082_2106c5e70e_o.jpg