Drd-pers – Craftsman TS3650 User Manual
Page 4
DRD-Pers
4.
The blade that comes with the Ridgid looked OK, but we opted to use our tried-and-true Freud “Glueline Rip, 60
tooth crosscut and combination blades because we know what they produce. After installing the Freud Glueline
rip and turning on the saw, we were very impressed with the smooth, very low vibration and overall “tightness”
of the saw. Part of this we deemed was the extra attention Ridgid paid to the pulley and special multi-band belt
that connects the motor to the saw blade. An excellent choice for smooth operation.
5.
If we have any fault with the saw … or really with the accessories, like most saws in this category the mitre
gauges are only OK. If you want or need good cross cutting with your table saw a sled or one of the aftermarket
mitre gauges would be a good choice.
6.
Unknown:
1.
Some the high points of this saw are its quiet (relative to others) low vibration cutting ability, well thought out
adjustment controls, ease of moving it around the shop with it's lift system (this is the best out there), dead-on
accurate fence (this was my main consideration, I hate poorly designed fences and felt this one was as good as
many of the expensive aftermarket ones), and of corse the Ridgid lifetime warrenty
7.
1.
The 3650 is a contractor saw. Contractor saws tend to offer alot of saw for the money, but tend to be more
problematic with dust collection, take up more space b/c of the outboard motor, and can tend to be more
difficult to align that cabinet saw. In Ridgid's case, they've offered a solution to the difficult alignment. Contractor
saws also typically have a splayed leg base that spans a larger footprint than a cabinet saw. Then there's also
weight differences...the 3650 weighs ~ 285#, which isn't bad, but the other two saws weigh 425# and 360#
which offer incredible stability that no contractor saw can. My biggest beef with the 3650 is the aluminum fence
and plastic handle. The fence functions well, but I much prefer the strength of a steel rails and fence in the long
haul. The built in Herculift is a great feature. There's a blade, but not one I'd want to use as a primary. The miter
gauge is pretty generic, and is a good candidate to upgrade. The blade guard is pretty easy to remove and
install, as is the Sear's...not sure about the Griz.
8.
Reviews at the Home Depot product page:
1.
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misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0827823167.1175100825@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccefad
dkidkeelecgelceffdfgidgki.0&MID=9876
2.
[very positive reviews]
9.
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1.
I think the arbor problem was just with a bad run that got through and is no longer a problem.
10.
- searched for ts3650
1.
11.
12.
13.
14.
1.
You can also go to americanwoodworker.com and they have a link to reviews of lots of tools, including the table
saws mentioned.
2.
Craftsman 22124
1.
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Table+Saws&vertical=TOOL&ihtoken=1
1.
1100
2.
880 through March 31st.
3.
Sales can really knock down the price (20-30%). One person bought it in Jan 2006 for $630.
2.
Research:
1.
Review:
2.
1.
This particular Craftsman is made by Orion...a group of former Delta employees. I was often one of those
knocking Craftsman products when deserved, but you really need to evaluate each one independently...this one
is not only a gem IMO, it's head of the class and set some new standards.
2.
This saw addresses some of the biggest problems with contractor saws like DC, blade alignment, and floor
space.
3.
Those cabinet mounted trunnions can be aligned in minutes...you align the table to the blade, not the trunnions
to the table. It also weighs 425#...a full 125# more than a good contractor saw, which makes it incredibly
stable.
4.
Workbench rated the 22124 first over the Jet SS, DW746, and a version of the GI w/aluminum fence.
5.
One exception: The blade guard did not make me happy. When I complained about it, they (Orion) sent me a
new one, but it wasn't any better.
3.
1.
As previously stated, the Leitz blade is very good. It cuts nearly as well as my beloved Forrest WWII....it won't
hold up to as many sharpenings because the teeth are smaller, but for a stock blade it's excellent... most are
junk.
2.
But a 20% off sale, combined with a $100 Craftsman Club member discount, plus a 10% internet coupon, and
free delivery brought a $949 machine to $594 with delivery (plus a little something for the governor).
3.
After 8 months of moderately heavy use, I'm still very pleased with the saw...probably more so than when it was
new. I've experienced no problems, I've adjusted to the cheaper handwheels and the heavier fence, and have
come to really appreciate the leg kick "off" paddle that allows my full attention to remain on the workpiece.
3.
DeWalt DW746X
1.
2.
Pricing:
1.
1.
1100 and free shipping
2.
1.
1321 and store pick-up
3.
Accessories:
1.
52" Precision Fence Rail System - DW7464
4
Printed 18:10 3/31/07