SawStop Professional 3HP/52" rip

[justin waldron]

Received the SawStop about a week ago and have used it enough that I think I can write a review.  First off, I bought this saw due to the safety aspect, my old saw was a 3HP Shop Fox. 

The things I like about the saw:

-Dust collection is better than my previous saw, the blade is encased in a shroud and the overarm collector works; the only dust that doesn't get collected is the through cut at the end.

-Throat inserts are fantastic, easy to level and very secure.

-Easy changes between the riving knife and splitter, tool-free.

-Fence is great on the saw, no movement whatsoever when locked into place.

-The power is what you'd expect from a 3HP motor.

-Blade height adjustment is painless and easy, this is assisted with a piston; you can raise the height of the blade with one finger.

-Cast iron is fantastic.

-Blade that came with the saw is actually pretty good.

-Super quiet/no vibration.

-The owners manual is awesome.  Step by step of any adjustment you want to make is in it and adjustments to anything are super easy.

Things I don't like:

-Had to adjust the limiter to get the blade to 90/45, came 1.5 degrees off (no big deal, just wasn't expecting to have to do that)

-Integrated mobile base moves smoothly, but I wonder about not having the support of the extension table.

-Plastic motor cover.  A minor complaint, but plastic.

-Extension wing is framed with pine, yes pine.

-Miter gauge, typical factory miter gauge.  I gave it a chance, I'm going back to my Incra.

-Would have loved to have seen this saw Made in the U.S.A. and either a Leeson or Baldor motor installed.  There isn't a major manufacturer label on the motor, wonder of the longevity.

The fit and finish on the saw is exactly what you would expect, it's not a Powermatic tank, but it is a user friendly saw and it's a safe saw.  The fit and finish is better than my previous saw for sure and the pros outweigh the cons for me.  Overall I'm very happy with the saw and hopefully this will help others in their decision.

*Here is an update on the Sawstop: miter slot was out of parallel to the blade by almost 1/16", took almost an hour to get right and the I could only get the saw to 43 degrees instead of 45 so I had to adjust the stop on that.  My father just had his Sawstop delivered and after we put his together everything was dead on accurate.  I can only assume mine was built on Friday, before a holiday weekend, on leap year, probably a full moon.  Sawstop customer service was amazing and we think the movement happened during shipping.*

[hank Mayberry]

Nice review...I am so jealous, what a beauty!

[Ken Darga]

Very Nice.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, on this unit.