One of the local box stores had a brand new 10" Rigid table saw on sale for $399. I've been needing a table saw for some time, so grabbed that deal as I think it is pretty good. Thoughts? I'll be opening it and building it during the evenings this week. Unless you guys tell me it sucks, that is (keep in mind I am only needing it for what you guys would consider 'light' jobs). :)
Not much help here. But, I have seen them and they look like alot of saw for the money.
Keep your reciept just in case.
It will be alright as long as accuracy is not an issue. A quality rip fence, if one is available to fit, would be a wise investment. Makes the job easier and reduces the risk of binding and kickback. The second finger on my left hand is slightly shorter than normal due to an encounter with one of those beasts.
I've got an older cast iron Rigid TS from before they sold out and went overseas...would not trade for it...
The newer ones are close to the top of the heap for the "Hobby Saws"
Quote from: zopi on March 01, 2009, 04:09:19 AM
I've got an older cast iron Rigid TS from before they sold out and went overseas...would not trade for it...
The newer ones are close to the top of the heap for the "Hobby Saws"
I have the same older saw and have had no complaints for the price. Table is flat, fence is pretty good, power is okay. Anti-kickback mechanism is a little wonky if you take it off and put it back on much, usually needs a little adjustment. I hear slightly less good things about the newer overseas model, but I think it's about as good as you can do for the price. You're kind of stuck buying zero clearance inserts from Rigid, but that's true for most of the saws in this class.
Jack
Thanks for the input, guys. We are installing new windows next weekend and I'm finally to the finish work (trim, moldings, etc) on the rest of the house. I need a decent table saw but didn't have the $1,000 to buy the one I really wanted (a very nice Delta). Saw this one and figured that for $400 it was a great deal. Normal price was $550.
I'm no pro but I have one of these saws and consider it a very good machine for the money, the fence is accurate and smooth. It's one of the nicest contractor style saws I've used. For $400 I'd say that it is a bargain. By the way, a fine homebuilding mag I have rated this saw "best value" I'd agree.
I have had one for 5 years, it has been abused by employees when i owned my business and carried up and down stairs, the fence has loisened over time and needs to be fussed with to set at the right mark. If i keep a good sharp blade on it it will rip 2X material with our much problem, I was ripping 2 X 6 Locus not to long ago. After 5 years, it still runs pretty well. If i ever need another contractor type portable saw I would buy another one. I'm not sure if the ridgid table saw is made over seas or not, but i know a lot of their tools are still made in the USA, My cousin work's at a ridgid plant in cambridge Ohio as a machinist, and they have another large plant in the cleveland area.
just my 2 cents, I have some other ridgid tools that are pretty good also, beltsander, palm sander, power drill, .....the hole saw kit is really nice for the price...
Steve
Warbird, I saw the sale or rather that they (big box) was discontinuing that saw and looked at a couple of local stores, all sold out. For the $ I think its a good deal. Does your have the casters which lift the saw up for portability?
sawmilllawyer, yup. It has the casters. The portability is a must for my setup. I got the last one they had in the "discount" section at the store. Not sure if they had anymore of 'em in the back.
You might see if they would do a store-to-store transfer. I believe it is done at no cost to you. They do that with regular price items but not certain if they would do it for a discounted item.
I've only read 2 small complaints about the saw... the box it comes in is really heavy and hard to move by yourself, and the saw can take around 4 hours to put together. :)
Thanks for the information, Warbird.
Hey sawmilllawyer, be sure you have a friend over to help you put the thing together. Standing it up after the cast iron table is attached is... challenging. :)
Quote from: howellhandmade on March 01, 2009, 09:54:11 AM
Quote from: zopi on March 01, 2009, 04:09:19 AM
I've got an older cast iron Rigid TS from before they sold out and went overseas...would not trade for it...
The newer ones are close to the top of the heap for the "Hobby Saws"
I have the same older saw and have had no complaints for the price. Table is flat, fence is pretty good, power is okay. Anti-kickback mechanism is a little wonky if you take it off and put it back on much, usually needs a little adjustment. I hear slightly less good things about the newer overseas model, but I think it's about as good as you can do for the price. You're kind of stuck buying zero clearance inserts from Rigid, but that's true for most of the saws in this class.
Jack
you can make inserts for them , just takes a little creative router and bandsaw work...
[/quote]
I have the same older saw and have had no complaints for the price. Table is flat, fence is pretty good, power is okay. Anti-kickback mechanism is a little wonky if you take it off and put it back on much, usually needs a little adjustment. I hear slightly less good things about the newer overseas model, but I think it's about as good as you can do for the price. You're kind of stuck buying zero clearance inserts from Rigid, but that's true for most of the saws in this class.
Jack
[/quote]
you can make inserts for them , just takes a little creative router and bandsaw work...
[/quote]
I'd be interested to see what you've made for the Rigid, and out of what. Did you bother with the clip on one end and the keyhole on the other, or just make them to drop in? That shallow rabbet and thin table casting doesn't give much purchase on the insert.
Jack
Jack