I'm in a quandry, and at the 11th hour so to speak. I'm planning on upgrading my 1.75hp Craftsman hybrid saw, to a 3hp Saw Stop TONIGHT. Unless I shouldnt? I'm a hobbyist, Furniture and small projects, home remodling (so an ocassional cabinet or built in) are what I do. I have a TS55, OF1400, Trion barrel grip, and Domino as far as cutting/joining tools go. I know a shop can go "table saw free". I'm interested in feedback from those that have taken that leap. How did it change your work, for the better? How much a mental hurdle was it to get over? I'd expect I'd need to consider investing in a second MFT/3 (I have one already) and possiabley a TS75 as well for deeper cuts? I tend towards Shaker/Mission/Contemporary styles so repititve cuts are important. This would likely bring the Paralell guides on the list as well.

Paralell guides $252 or $325 depending on which
MFT/3 Basic $505
TS75 $675 Or $1190.50 if I did the MFT/3 (full version) with the saw. about even money for the second protractor/800 rail

Total: $1500 (approx)

Saw Stop Pro/3hp
$2800 (ish)

Let's face it. I'm drinking the cool aid. That means I'll spend the coin for the tool that will last. So, while the difference is $1300 in cash, and yes, that DOES mean something. I'm also going to invest in doing it right for the long term.

PS: My Router table is a table saw extension, so I'd have that in the foot print of the saw, and enjoy the extra table space. Or, I'd need to come up with a stand alone.

I couldn't be without a table saw. It's possibilities and ease of work are unmatched.

I was in your shoes last november.  I decided to invest into a good bandsaw first and see if I could get around not using a table saw, under the advisement of my mentor.  I have to say it was easier than I expected.  I do ripping with track saw or the bandsaw depending on the application.  Edge clean up on the jointer or a hand plane.  The down fall of not having a table saw so far is the lack of a dado set.  Nothing really beats the speed of cutting grooves, dados and rabbets on a table saw but you can easily get around it with a router table. 

You can do most things with the bandsaw.

I prefer a stand alone router table for the table size and mobility.  

Rob, which do you use? I know you're a green monster as much as anyone, are you also a Table Saw owner?

I have a table saw, but not a Saw Stop.  I've researched it a lot, as the safety aspect is a big deal to me (in IT, fingers = typing = my livelihood).
However, I have a Ridgid TS3650 which I've been very happy with for the utility/precision/value.  I have a ProMax router extension on it, which has worked out great in terms of shop space.
And I continue to *try* to practice safe habits... so far so good.

I am a green monster!  *rawr*!!

With a similar dilemma as you, I'm considering a bandsaw first. Biggest issue for me is space ... I'll be investing in CMS when I have the specific needs as that will give me limited table saw, router table and shaping (CARVEX+CMS).

The complication hits when you think about a movable table saw v's a decent bandsaw that would be more of a fixed workshop item (plus serious DC requirements that I probably wouldn't have space for).

He fact tat you ae space is a big decision influencer - I'd probably lean towards a decent table saw for accurate ripping. But the boat aspect ... I'd imagine a good bandsaw would be mandatory too!

Tough decision 

Can't visualize making a boat with nothing but MFT's , but my imagination could be a bit limited.

Table saw...hmmm thinking...  nope don't need one...  but I work on location...

Cheers,
Steve

I got into Festool originally with a TS75 trying to avoid replacing my Craftsman table saw.  I, too, am an amateur furniture maker, and found that the 75 just won't replace a table saw for my needs.  I have all of the Festools you listed plus several sanders, and I love them all.  The 75 is great for sheet goods, but the precision and repeatability and versatiltiy of the table saw is too important for me to give up.  I ended up with a Powermatic 2200, and I love it.  I'm sure you'll be just as happy with the Saw Stop.

If I had it to do over, I would get the TS55 instead of the 75 to go with my table saw.  I don't need the extra depth the 75 provides, and I wouldn't miss the extra weight.

Enjoy your decision.

Steve

I agree that the table saw is still an indispensable part of a shop.  Have you considered the Saw Stop Contractor saw rather than the 3hp cabinet saw?  I am considering that saw beacuse it at least has the option of being portable and should have plenty of power for all but a commercial cabinet shop.

I work wherever it's needed, if I need a TS, I just bring it with me.

+1000 Scott

bandsaw rips are parallel to 0.001".  Not sure if it is my blades or the bandsaw but I have zero drift on my PM1800 with timberwolf blades.

All depends on your needs. I have the TS 55 gparalell guides  2 MFTs etc. I also own a tilt abor table saw (delta contractors). I have used the table saw only a handful of times since I started using festools.

I only use it for  cutting thin strips and face frames.  I think you could get away with buy a bench top saw/ portable contractors.

If you don't work on location, this takes some of the sizzle out of the Festool saw system.....  its mobility is a huge part of its appeal.

OTOH, if your shop is small, and space is VERY important, and you need to use the space for other tasks when not sawing, the Festool saw system gains much appeal again...

But if you break down sheet goods, so you will end up with a TS55/75 and rails,  the incremental cost would only be the MFT.    That makes the cost comparison MFT vs. cabinet saw.    Festool MFT addition much less costly vs. a cabinet saw.   Now a big price differential

I think some have mastered the small work space on this list......band saw for long rips (but not on sheet goods), and a good looong jointer, or jointer hand plane.    The issue is, do you use sheet goods often?   If not, there is other low cost systems that can break them down...

A lot comes down to volume....if you do low volume of work, and time is not a huge issue, than the Festool system can accomplish everything you want with the benefits of hanging it on the wall when not using it...

However, I think most people would agree, if you have the space and the money, its hard to beat a solid cabinet saw for many tasks... it doesn't mean you can't find other ways to make the same cuts...   

+1

For a multitude of reasons, portability the prime reason, I went with the contractors saw, which is powerful enough for my uses.

I bought the saw without a fence, as I wanted to use my existing Incra fence, which, in my opinion, is the finest fence on the market.



However, if you go that route, face the fence with UHMW, so that the fence cannot accidently touch the blade.