Table Saw Opinions - Metabo TS254

[pntlindsay]

Hi,
I know there have been many threads on this topic but I have a specific comparison about which I would like comment.
Currently I have a Festool CMS with TS55 saw.  It has served me well and provides great quality cuts.  I now have a requirement for a more powerful saw with better cut capacity. I was looking to upgrade to a TS75 but I can't justify the cost and I have decided that I would like a dedicated small table saw.  I also have a router insert for the CMS and it would be good to have it permanently setup in the CMS.  I have narrowed my options to a Dewalt DWE7491-XE, a BOSCH GTS10XC and a Metabo TS254 - (this is about it, in NZ).  I would probably go for the new BOSCH REAXX but it is not available in New Zealand and it appears that Bosch has no plans to bring it in. There is little to choose between the Bosch and Dewalt, both look good. I am drawn to the Metabo. It includes a brilliant built in stand system and has a compact footprint despite a good size table.  The European reviews appear to be very positive regarding the quality of its cuts and its feature set.  However I have not seen one and would need to order, sight unseen. (There is no 30 days right of return in NZ!).   I would really appreciate any comments on the Metabo including comparison with the other 2 saws. This may be more a question for Europeans and Australians.  Thanks.

[Holmz]

Well if you are near a port then it is ~250 Eu to get a saw shipped from Europe, and that is for a decent sized one.
That may make the REAXx remain on your list?
Europe uses 230v/50-Hz, but any warranty could become a nightmare.

[bobfog]

The Metabo and Bosch aren't bad. However, the Dewalt has a rack and pinion fence. With fence accuracy being one of the major downfalls of these site saws, I'd have a second look at the Dewalt.

[Kev]

The Metabo appears to be good value for the money and is solid and well featured. I've only played with it in a show room, so I can't given you a solid opinion.

If I was in the market for a compact site saw right now I would try the Metabo.

[JimH2]

The DeWalt is your play. Rack-and-pinion fence outshines any features the other saws may have. It's a brilliant design that guarantees the fence is always parallel to the blade and stops any deflection that you will have with the other saws fences. In addition it is very easy to dial in the measurement you want without have to bump the fence to get it to the exact measurement you want.

[MAK]

I'm in the same position, trying to decide between these 3 table saws.
They all have good points.
I like the portability of the metabo and built in legs.
The bosch has a useful sliding carriage, but heavy.
The dewalt has a rack and pinion fence and bigger cutting capacity , also lightest.
I have read two bad reviews of the metabo on amazon complaining of faulty motors.
I would like to see them before but nobody seems to stock them locally.
I am swinging towards the dewalt, most people have no complaints. But it the most expensive in UK at over £700.

[Kev]

Just having a peek online at the Dewalt ... I can see why it's light, not much more than a frame, table top and motor (nothing particularly wrong with that if it's solid and stable).

The two mitre fence slots could be handy and a decent aftermarket adjustable mitre fence will give you some joy with a good blade as long as the table is nice and flat.

The stand looks like rubbish, but you wouldn't expect anything amazing at the saw's price point anyway. It's good that they make the compromises on the parts that you have some after market choice.

After being a long time yellow tool "hater", I must say that the few recent Dewalts I've acquired have been a pleasant surprise ... and I am seriously considering a DW735 + spiral head until I have space for the "real thing".

To me the Metabo is more innovative on features, but if the bare Dewalt + fence meets your needs, on paper it may well be a better way to go.

[Paul G]

Is the sawstop jobsite not available in NZ? I've been happy with mine once dialed in

[Kev]

Is the sawstop jobsite not available in NZ? I've been happy with mine once dialed in

@Paul G it's VERY expensive to make donations to the Steve Gass Foundation from down under ... then you've got to have the inclination to contribute.

[Paul G]

Is the sawstop jobsite not available in NZ? I've been happy with mine once dialed in

@Paul G it's VERY expensive to make donations to the Steve Gass Foundation from down under ... then you've got to have the inclination to contribute.

All I care about here is the options available to pntlindsay, I'll refrain from the sawstop shouting fest. The sawstop jobsite is a good saw, and at least here costs less than the reaxx which pntlindsay expressed an interest in.

[pntlindsay]

Hi,
Thanks for the responses. The Sawstop is not available in NZ.  I have narrowed the options down by eliminating the Bosch.  The Bosch has a sliding table function, which if it was well done is great option.  I have this on my Festool CMS.  However on the Bosch it is poorly done with lots of reports indicating that it is slightly above the table height, leading to problems getting square cuts.  I note that the REAXX does not include this feature.  So its the Dewalt, which looks very good and I agree with the comments regarding the fence or the Metabo.  The Metabo attraction is that it includes the stand built in and is very compact when packed up. The Dewalt stands are big and would be a nuisance in a small workshop. I would really like to hear from anyone who has the Metabo regarding their experiences with this saw. Thanks.

[dutchie]

I'm also curious about this saw, looks like a similar saw as the Bosch GTS 10XC but with a stand built in. Couldn't find too much info about it but did notice the saw only has negative reviews on Amazon UK. So that's something to take into consideration.

[simonb]

hey pntlindsay,
Mitre 10 are stocking those metabo TS254 saws as standard items now. check them out in there and have a play.
I had one, spend 6 months fighting to get my money back.
Not sure if its ok to have my first post slating a tool.... but ...

in a nut shell..
some brilliant features, but..
Really cheap finish.
Light, poor quality casted top and mitre slots.
renders the mitre gauge useless.
faulty switch.

worst part though, the break on my saw was so good that it actually spun the blade loose when it halted the machine.
this wasn't a one off. it happened about 5 or six times in the space of a month of pretty light use.

really disappointed,
some brilliant features on this saw.

i am using a really old cheap and nasty home brand saw at the minute.
I am in Christchurch, as you say, there is a choice of 3 saws.

I am looking at importing something rather than make do with whats on offer here..

Carbatec in Auckland stock Saw stop, i think they only hold the cabinet saws but they may be able to get the job site? At least covered under warranty if they brought it in.

[Holmz]

Buying a daggy ol saw and putting a nice fence on it seems an option.
Or a good new saw, and a good fence.

[pntlindsay]

Thanks Simonb - I was just about to order the Metabo!!
I had read other reports of the break spinning off the blade.
Clearly the build quality is very variable, which is a real pity as the saw has some stand out features.
Looks like a Dewalt.

[tigger]

Hi Guys

Please note, I work for the company that imports Metabo, so please hear me out on this before you tar and feather me and drag me into the street to set on fire :-)

Some interesting comments regarding the Metabo TS254. I've owned one for almost 5 years now and it is truly one of the best value for money saws if you are a tradie here in NZ.
I was a tradie before I asked them for a job as I was so impressed with what these tools could do for the money I spend. I've used Festool almost all my life and still do. But I found it hard to justify spending the $$'s when I could get similar tools from Metabo that did the same job at a way cheaper price.

Metabo TS 254

It's a great saw, BUT, it is not perfect. I have had the odd unit come back with exactly the faults described on this page. It happens. Even with my beloved Festool. However, the after sales service I received from Metabo (when I was still a customer) was really good. They sorted any isue out within days and their 3 year warranty is no joke. If you are using Metabo tools for their intended application, then they don't mess around, they get you sorted, and quickly.
Having said that, let me add that I like it because it was easy to set up. Compared to other job site saws, it performed better under load and I never had the blade stall on me when ripping 2x4's. I've tried most brands and the Metabo performed better FOR ME! It's personal with every user.
We are all passionate about the tools and the brand, so if you have any issues, please contact us immediately. You can go back to where you bought it and if you feel the need, you can contact directly. Just go to the Metabo web page.

Please let me know if anyone wants me to comment on individual faults mentioned here. I know that these issues have been addressed and sorted. But I will say that the mitre gauge groove is not the most accurate. This is a job site saw.

[Bob D.]

Glancing at the Metabo web page about this saw I noticed that it has a feature that I think should be on ALL table saws, portable or not. That is restart protection which will prevent an unintentional start-up after power supply interruption as anyone who has worked on a jobsite can tell you happens more often than we'd like.

That's not enough to make me choose the Metabo over another saw but it is a nice feature to have. There are adapters (at least here in the USA) that you can put inline with your tool that perform the same function for any corded power tool and they are not too expensive, about $25US IIRC.