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Sawstop vs. Powermatic vs. Grizzly Table Saw

Posted on 9/3/20 at 3:20 pm
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
1676 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 3:20 pm
Plan on upgrading to a cabinet/hybrid saw soon. Wondering what people's experiences with these brands are. Really dove into woodworking and getting into making some furniture. I'm a perfectionist and can drive myself insane trying to get my jobsite saw aligned.

I know Sawstop is a great saw. Pricing is just very high. And to get the nice fence system, you have to get the 36" fence which is a bit large to fit in the bay of the garage I work in. Doable, but not ideal. I don't need much rip capacity as I have a really nice track saw for those cuts. Would also probably end up with the 1.75 HP professional cabinet saw

Also interested in the Powermatic PM1000. Another 1.75 HP saw. Know it's a great brand, but again, on the high end of what I'd like to spend.

The big question is Grizzly. I can get a 3HP 240V saw for about 400 less than either of the other 2. On paper it seems to be pretty nice. But with an online only distribution, I can't really put my hands on it to see.



Posted by LSUfreak1459
Member since Feb 2008
858 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 3:36 pm to
I have had a grizzly G1023 and now have the Sawstop PCS. The grizzly is a good saw. Dust collection isn’t great. The fit and finish on it is ok. Overall it was a good saw. Had a near accident and sold it for the 3hp PCS. The sawstop’s fit and finish are superior. Everything went together perfectly. With the blade guard you get near 100% dust collection on rip cuts. And it’s still pretty good without the blade guard. Both will get the job done and do it well. I’m really happy I made the switch to sawstop but if it was out of my budget I wouldn’t have a problem with the grizzly.
This post was edited on 9/3/20 at 3:53 pm
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
1676 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 3:59 pm to
The G1023 is what I'm looking at. I believe at $1675, you get the G1023 with a router table insert. For the Sawstop, it's $2650 for the 1.75 HP and ~$3100 for the 3 HP. And you have to pay for every little accessory.a On top of all of this I'm having to pay around $2500 for a sub panel for my garage with 240 service (long run from the main breaker). I never mind spending good money on things for a hobby. I typically keep good care of things and can resell later if I am not using it much anymore. But with the Sawstop, I'd likely have to cut the rail down to a 30" rip capacity for walk around space. Really don't want to modify the saw. Otherwise I'd almost completely be sold on the PCS.
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
25071 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 4:08 pm to
Of those 3 it's the saw stop and it really isn't close in my mind.

Another thing to think about is a used saw. I have an old Delta Unisaw with a 36" table. It's on rollers so I can put it where ever I want it.
Posted by LSUfreak1459
Member since Feb 2008
858 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 4:44 pm to
I have a smaller shop and looked at the footprint difference between my G1023 and the PCS. I believe it was only 3” wider with the 36” rail. It’s not much wider. Even if I had to cut my rail, I’d cut the rail to get the PCS over the grizzly. Like I said the grizzly will do the job but you go to one ER visit and possible surgeries and you’ve spent more than the saw. Aside from that it’s just a better, more thought out saw. It’s in another class. Even the blade guard isn’t a pain to use and the DC when it’s on is near perfect which is one of the things I like most about it. If you can swing it get the PCS and don’t look back. If not get the grizzly.
This post was edited on 9/3/20 at 4:46 pm
Posted by LSUDAN1
Member since Oct 2010
9004 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 6:32 pm to
I have the Grizzly Cabinet Saw. If you can get 240V and run a dedicated line. I have 240 for Saw, Planner, Jointer, and Dust Collector.
Posted by SurfOrYak
BR/MsDelta
Member since Jul 2015
404 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 7:22 pm to
SawStop Professional cabinet also has a pretty good integrated dust collection system. That was another feature than sold me on SawStop. Been using for several years now and still haven't set off a cartridge. The only downside is having to change to a different cartridge when using a dado blade.
Posted by Metariemobtiger
Mobile
Member since Aug 2019
420 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 8:13 pm to
1 3/4 hp is really under powered imo.
3 would be my minimum if I was looking at a cabinet type saw.
5hp is ideal.
Might be worth it to look around On fb marketplace and find an older 3hp powermatic 66 and maybe upgrade to a biesmeyer fence.
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
1676 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 8:17 pm to
Plan to run 2 dedicated 20 amp 120V circuits and one 240V. Currently have one 15 amp circuit that shares some lighting in the house. Can barely run my shop vac dust collection setup while ripping hardwood without tripping something. Even if I end up with a 1.75 HP saw, I plan to run on 240V line to share with a dust collection system in the future. If I end up with a 3 HP saw, will probably have to dedicate a 120 circuit to that.

I guess I need to start saving up for the Sawstop.
Posted by mingoswamp
St. Louis
Member since Aug 2017
968 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 9:16 pm to
Don't know if you have any travel plans that take you thru Springfield MO, but Grizzly has a big showroom there and they have some really good deals on floor models.
Posted by Ppro
natchez
Member since Dec 2013
416 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 10:31 pm to
I went to springfield this spring and stocked up. They usually run a scratch and dent sale at Grizzly put the corona thing stopped all that. I bought some serious "hobby" equipment for bargain prices. I got a 12 inch 5 hp tablesaw for $2000.00. That thing sounds like a smooth jet ripping timber. If you are around Natchez come over and see what I picked up. I am totally sold on Grizzly but the other 2 that you mention are outstanding tool companies. But for the the price you can't beat Grizzly.
Posted by TomSpanks
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2005
1029 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 5:20 am to
I would definitely go with the 3 HP Grizzly over 1.75 HP options of the others, but if I were you, I'd save and get the 3 HP Sawstop. I've got a 5 HP Grizzly and it's a great saw, cuts straight, plenty of power for anything I'd throw at it, but the dust collection isn't all that great. I've been considering selling it for a Sawstop just to have the nice fit and finish and better dust collection, the safety feature is an a great bonus too.
Powermatic would be last on the list for me, the fit and finish may be a bit better than a Grizzly, but not worth the cost IMO, now an older Powermatic may get me interested, but not a new one.
Posted by gumbo2176
Member since May 2018
15250 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 7:25 am to
I've got a friend that started his own cabinetmaking business many years ago and he bought just about all Grizzly tools for his shop and he had nothing but good things to say about them.

I have bought many shaper and router bits/cutters from Grizzly and they are excellent in my opinion. At my age I'm probably not going to buy any more large shop tools unless one gives out, but if I do, it will be Grizzly.
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
1676 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 7:53 am to
Crazy timing. I have yet to come across a used Sawstop PCS in my area. Just found a 4 year old 3hp for 2400. May try to take a look at it soon.
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
25071 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 9:24 am to
quote:

ust found a 4 year old 3hp for 2400


would buy that in a heartbeat but offer 2000 or 2250 1st
This post was edited on 9/4/20 at 9:25 am
Posted by fishfighter
RIP
Member since Apr 2008
40026 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 9:56 am to
quote:

I'm probably not going to buy any more large shop tools unless one gives out, but if I do, it will be Grizzly.


This.
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
1676 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 10:29 am to
quote:

but offer 2000 or 2250 1st


Only fear is that Sawstops apparently go fast. Like I mentioned, I've been looking for ~ 6 months. Not specifically for Sawstop, but just in general for table saws, etc.. I have never seen a Sawstop. Guy said he has a few people interested. Going to try to go see him today. I just have no clue how I'm going to get this bad boy moved
Posted by LSUfreak1459
Member since Feb 2008
858 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 10:39 am to
If you try and take a look at it soon it will be gone. They don't stay up for sale long. Like others have said, offer a little less but go get it.
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
1676 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 10:51 am to
going today. he's just got to call me when he's available.
Posted by aTmTexas Dillo
East Texas Lake
Member since Sep 2018
15216 posts
Posted on 9/4/20 at 6:18 pm to
I have an old Unisaw with a Beisemeyer fence. It works great. But safety is up to me and I don't use any blade guard. I just have to concentrate. I don't know if Delta makes a good cabinet saw anymore. I loved the Powermatic at the time but those things are pricey. I'm not any help to you as I have no experience with any of the three brands. I've had Grizzly stuff before. I try to stay away from it now.
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