Recently while researching I got replies like this from Sawstop Naysayers “You don’t need to buy that expensive saw for safety, you just have to be more careful while operating the saw”. However, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 67,000 workers and DIY'ers are injured by table saws each year. An accident is an accident and you must have something that safeguards you. And, according to me, SawStop is the safest table saw till now.
Which Sawstop To Buy?
The Ideal Sawstop to purchase is the SawStop PCS 3HP 36". Its powerful 3HP motor gives you enough power to cut through most hardwoods while the 36" accurate and sturdy t-glide fence is perfect for most fine woodworking jobs.
Sawstop Table Saw Comparison
SawStop Table Saws | Specifications | Recommended | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
2. SawStop ICS   | Motor: 3HP/5Hp; 1Phase, 230V Fence: 36", 52" T-Glide fence | If you need large workspace | |
3. SawStop PCS   | Motor: 3HP; 1Phase,220 V Fence: 30", 36", 52" T-Glide fence | The ideal one | |
4. SawStop Contractor Saw   | Motor: 1.75HP; 1Phase Fence: 36" T-Glide fence | If you are working with softer woods and don't cut wood extensively. | |
5. SawStop Portable Jobsite Saw   | Motor: 1.5HP; 1Phase Fence: 36" T-Glide fence | For small job site work |
Table Of Contents
Choosing A SawStop
1. The Horsepower: Sawstop 1.75HP V/S 3HP V/S 5HP
Most people assume higher horsepower translates to better saw.
Is that always the case?
Let us take a look.
If you are going to be cutting hardwood slabs of about 2-3 inches, a 1.75HP-powered SawStop definitely won’t satisfy your needs. Although it is capable of making cuts through this thickness, the cuts won’t come out clean.
With a 3HP-powered SawStop, though, you can make clean cuts through varying depths of hardwood. As a plus, it comes with a dust collection blade guard.
For a hobbyist, the 1.75HP option should be sufficient for all your jobs. However, if you will be cutting through higher thicknesses, nothing would make your job easier and cleaner than a 3HP or 5HP- powered SawStop.
2. The SawStop Fence Dilemma: 30” V/S 36” V/S 52”
When it comes to SawStop, one of the fiercest debates remains what the best fence option is.
If you have a lot of space in your workshop, we recommend the 52-inch rails option. Otherwise, consider any of the 30” and 36” rip capacity fences.
The 30” rip capacity comes with the premium fence while the 36” rip capacity comes with the T-glide fence. While the premium fence is okay and functional, the T-glide is much better.
The latter produces accurate results after alignment and set up. In fact, it might not need any re-adjustments for a long time to come.
The 36” and 52” fences both come with 3HP and are both more functional and pricier than the 30” variant.
If you have the right budget and space, the 52” option might just be the best for you. If not, your 36” fence is good to go.
3. In Terms of Dust Collection
It is common knowledge that sawdust doesn’t only make your workshop look messy but poses a serious health hazard to you. SawStop saws are fitted with dust collection systems to combat this issue.
They come with a dust collection guard – save for the 1.75hp option – that you could use to enhance the efficiency of your dust collection system.
Other dust collection tools that come with the SawStop include dust ports and dust collection panels.
SawStop Professional V/S Industrial
To help you make a decision, you have to consider the following metrics – cost, weight, and table size difference.
Table size difference:
You can get an extra space of 3” with the industrial option. However, you can make up for this space in the professional option by fitting a sliding crosscut attachment.
Cost:
The ICs cost about $1400 more than the professional option. You should, therefore, consider the latter if you are working on a budget.
Weight:
With the ICS come extra 200pounds over the professional option. Although stability comes with the additional weight, you may consider it a tad too heavy for you.
Table Comparing their specification
SawStop Contractor V/S Professional
Let’s cut to the chase.
The Professional option is better than the contractor variant.
The gulf in price gives a clear indication of the difference in quality. PCS comes with an efficient dust collection system that saves you the hassles of dealing with dust while you work. They also cut better.
Table Comparing their specification
SawStop Jobsite V/S Contractor
The contractor saw is hands down the better of the two.
However, the JSS should be your pick if you are particular about portability.
With the contractor saw, you get a T-glide fence, induction motor, and expansion wings. It is for these reasons that it remains the favorite for many woodwork professionals.
Table Comparing their specification
A Quick Look At All The SawStop Table Saw
1.SAWSTOP PCS, 3-HP, 36-Inch Professional TGlide Fence System - Editors Choice
With an in-built 3hp motor and a 36-inch glide fence system, you cannot but love this cabinet saw.
The table’s surface is entirely smooth and improves your cabinet-making experience. When unused, you can fold its legs and extension wings.
This makes it a very portable saw.
Heavy gauge steel was used in making the 36-inch T-glide fence. This steel cabinet is resistant to flaking or chipping. It is also unaffected by flying debris.
The table saw is compatible with an 8-inch dado. It also sports a 10-inch blade. Another exciting feature is its left-tilting design.
This unique design keeps the blade from making any contact with the fence and rail pieces.
One of its biggest drawbacks is its weight. However, it comes with two casters. Both casters make it easier to carry the table saw.
2. If You Have Smaller Space Then SawStop CNS175-TGP36
With an in-built 3hp motor and a 36-inch glide fence system, you cannot but love this cabinet saw.
The table’s surface is entirely smooth and improves your cabinet-making experience.
When unused, you can fold its legs and extension wings. This makes it a very portable cabinet saw.
Heavy gauge steel was used in making the 36-inch T-glide fence. This steel cabinet is resistant to flaking or chipping. It is also unaffected by flying debris.
The table saw is compatible with an 8-inch dado. It also sports a 10-inch blade. Another exciting feature is its left-tilting design.
This unique design keeps the blade from making any contact with the fence and rail pieces.
One of its biggest drawbacks is its weight. However, it comes with two casters. Both casters make it easier to carry the table saw.
3. For Industrial Large Projects: SawStop CNS175-TGP36
This contractor saw has all the features you might need for regular wood cutting. If you love re-arranging your workshop’s layout once in a while, you will find this contractor saw quite appealing.
This is because it is compatible with mobile bases made by SawStop.
The T-glide fence system improves accuracy in cutting. It does this by easing the running of boards through the blade of the saw.
The T-glide fence system also has a handle that can be used to lock the system in a particular position.
Since it is compatible with most saw blades and dado saw blades, it will come in handy for most of your cutting and woodwork operations.
The blades can be easily removed or changed should they turn bad. It also comes with a four-inch dust collection port that makes it easy to collect fine dust that accumulates while using the saw.
This table saw is a good option if you do not have the luxury of space for huge table saws or need to cut hardwood very often.
4. For Jobsite Or When You Need to Go Mobile: SawStop JSS-120A60
The advantage this jobsite saw has over all other table saws on this list is its mobility.
It comes with a mobile cart that makes it easy to move from one location to another. The attached cart with two wheels and handlebars makes it more mobile.
The height of the cart is also adjustable using the attached pegs. In summary, it has a portable design.
In fact, you would prefer this saw over all others if you have a small workshop or spend more time outdoors working on construction sites.
Like a few others, it comes with a basic switch that you can use to turn its motor on or off.
However, its advantage over these select few is the location of the switch. It is placed in front, where it is easily accessible by the user.
Its safety features are also top-notch.
Take, for example, its blade guard. It is transparent. Hence, you can watch the blade and your hands while working.
This makes it easier to avoid accidents common with the use of table saws.
Its T-fence system glides smoothly across the table and can be easily locked in position.
FAQ On Sawstop Table Saw -
Where to buy a SawStop table saw?
The SawStop table saw, and its accessories are available on e-commerce stores like Amazon, among others. You can also buy via SawStop’s official website.
Is SawStop worth it?
It is definitely worth it. Although it costs quite a lot, it is worth the investment. Its safety technology is unrivaled and would save you from costly accidents such as chopping off your finger. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 67,000 workers and DIYers get injured by table saws. Getting one can save you from adding to that number.
Is a rail upgrade after the fact feasible?
The rails that come with SawStop saws are usually of good build quality and will not get damaged easily. However, it is pleasing and satisfying to know that they are upgradable. You can easily change them should they need an upgrade or replacement.
Should a beginner buy a SawStop PCS?
Why not?
If you have the money and are looking to get profits in the long-run, you’ll find it worth the buy. In addition, it has good resell value. So, you can sell it off for a good price, if you no longer continue with woodwork operations.
Final Take!
Table saws are an important part of any woodworker’s operation.
However, they can be very dangerous even for the most careful woodwork professionals. SawStop's table saws is the safest table saw you can have till date..
The SawStop 36-Inch Professional T-Glide Fence System towers well above all other saws produced by the brand.
The build quality of the T-glide fence is one reason why. It is made of heavy gauge steel that is solid and resistant to damages like flaking or chipping. It also has a left-tilting design absent in others on this list.
This design prevents the fence from making any contact with the blade.