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I have narrowed saw choice to two. Opinions please;

My two choices are close to same price point but while the Dewalt has outstanding reviews the Porter Cable has decent reviews and maybe more versatile features like a wider rip cut.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HXT2N6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?i...

http://www.lowes.com/pd_89913-46069-PCB220TS_4294607762__?productId...|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

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Rick,

Both are nice saws.

Good choices for a beginner or novice.

Many favor the DeWalt. 

I don't think you'll go wrong with either.

They both offer usefull features.

What do you like about each saw?

Make a close comparison---weight the pros & cons.

What accessories are readily available for each saw?

Either will work fine for cutting and making sawdust.

What's the advantage, for you, to purchase it from Amazon?

Anyone locally carry either?

The P-C includes a mobile stand---mobility has benefits.

It can be maneuvered up and down stairs.

The Dewalt can be hand carried up and down stairs.

It can be stored in a closet.

Either can be mounted on a shop-made mobile stand, with base storage.

Peruse the product reviews of each.

Compare the data vs someone's opinion.

Don't take a beginner/novice opinions as"factual".
Many reviewers comments aren't accurate---many lack adequate knowledge and experience.

Some workers use it a couple times and write, "GREAT SAW", but can't fine tune the machine, when it needs it.

Items to consider:

How about service after sale?

Check with your local dealer, talk to a knowledgeable sales rep.

What's their return/exchange policy?

Warrany repairs?

Can the machine be self-serviced?--- (Are you capabile of servicing either machine yourself?)

Can you take it in for service locally, or do you have to send it in for service?

Parts availability?

Obtain a trusted friends comments and observations---what are his/hers experiences with a table saw.

BTW---my preference is the Bosch BTS1031 ($400) (a better designed machine), over either the P-C or Dewalt ($300 machines), you mentioned.  

The Bosch will accommodate a 1/2" wide dado---an advantageous feature.  

(A $100 router can be used to make dado's and rabbets, which in some cases is more desirable---plus you have a router to perform many routing tasks).

I have a decent plunge router and a smaller 7.5 inch miter saw that has proven accurate cutting 45 degree miters in picture frame stock. I like the portability of the P-C and the wider rip as I can see me making some cabinets in the future that could be as deep as 24 inches for the panels.  The Dewalt has what seems to be a great fence design.  Both saws have good reviews by experienced users.  I always discount the novice reviews in anything.  The Bosch is not out of my budget and I will look at them also now.  I use Amazon as a research tool mostly as they seem to have large volume of feedback.  More than likely I will buy local from HD or Lowes. 

Adding the Bosch GTS1031 to the possibles for total of three to choose from.  All input welcome.

Rick I have the dewalt 745 table saw its a great saw ,nice and robust .The rack and pinion fence system is very good ,but the saw is fairly noisey in use hope that helps .The dewalt sells in the uk for £400 = $ 600 .

Rick,

I've seen the Bosch GTS1031 at Menards, for $369.

Home Depot may honor that price.

I prefer the rack and pinion "fence adjusting" feature on the Dewalt, over the Bosch.

I've learned other methods to "fine-tune", to make "accurate" setting on the Bosch fence.

I am leaning toward the Dewalt.  While the P+C has the rolling stand already I can wait for that as an upgrade and purchase the Dewalt.  Yes it was the fence adjustment after a quick trip to HD and Lowes  to check them out.  Probably be bringing one home next weekend. 

I have the Dewalt; very happy with it. Accurate, light, powerful, portable, all the things I wanted in a bench saw.

I went with the DW745 and their stand.  This model of 745 has 20 inch rip capacity.

Good choice rick, you will not regret it .mick.

Rick said:

I went with the DW745 and their stand.  This model of 745 has 20 inch rip capacity.

DO NOT attempt to cut large sheet goods, on this machine.

Check stand for stability/rigidity---

sideways movement or wobble when forces are applied to each side of the table.

Suggest making an easily removable platform,

so as to add weight, (30-40lb bag of sand), to stabilize the table saw during use.

(easily removable defined as "for use without tools")

* locate the platform about 3" up from the base/feet,

Rick said:

I went with the DW745 and their stand.  .../p>


Thanks Ken. I had planned on getting a circular saw-router track guide for larger cuts when needed but most likely will have the place I buy sheet product from bread it down in to manageable size sections..  I may regardless of the stand build a saw station out of one of those large heavy pieces of engineered truss sections I have.  Maybe use it as a floor base and come up with some sort of anchor to mount the stand on when in use.

 


Ken Darga said:

DO NOT attempt to cut large sheet goods, on this machine.

Check stand for stability/rigidity---

sideways movement or wobble when forces are applied to each side of the table.

Suggest making an easily removable platform,

so as to add weight, (30-40lb bag of sand), to stabilize the table saw during use.

(easily removable defined as "for use without tools")

* locate the platform about 3" up from the base/feet,

Rick said:

I went with the DW745 and their stand.  .../p>

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