Best sliding table saws

[Tayler_mann]

So after getting into a heated three when I mentioned to pay the extra money and buy a Hammer sliding saw instead of an American brand cabinet saw I started thinking. I know a lot about the Felders group equipment, however, I don't know what else I can buyin America for a sliding table saw. I want to stick around that $5,000 - $8,000 range, but if it was really worth it I would stretch to $10,000. I really don't want to spend that much, but if it is the saw I have for a lifetime I want it to be the best. One thing that is important to me is a large sliding table. The 79" table is probably the smallest I want. One of the main purposes for the saw will be to straight line my lumber. The next thing is dust collection. I want that saw to catch 99% if it is possible. Another thing is a 4" achievable cut would be nice. Basically I want the Hammer saw but I was just wandering if there are other brands in America with saws that are similar.

 

[Tayler_mann]

I also need to add that single phase is a must.

 

[waho6o9]

http://www.martin-usa.com/products/?type=sawing

Spendy I bet

 

[nickao]

I didn't read anywhere in the other thread that anyone said they thought spending more money on a sliding table saw wasn't worth it. I certainly didn't. You stated a cabinet saw was old tech and you wont buy one based on that.

If you need the benefit of a slider get a Saw Stop,  Rojek(http://www.rojekusa.com/PHP/pk250a.php) which is almost a European hybrid/cabinet saw or any high end cabinet saw with a high end sliding table.

If you want a European saw Hammer, Felder,, or baileigh(http://www.baileigh.com/sliding-table-saw-sts-14120) all seem fantastic.

The Laguna is another high tech cabinet saw that is near a Eurpeoan saw. It has a scoring blade: http://www.amazon.com/Laguna-Tools-TSS-Tablesaw-Scoring/dp/B002UUC4P2/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1439435737&sr=1-2&keywords=Laguna+Tools+TSS

It's not Hammer or Felder of course but nice. This laguna and the Rojek I have always wanted to try.

 

[Tayler_mann]

I didn't read anywhere in the other thread that anyone said they thought spending more money on a sliding table saw wasn't worth it. I certainly didn't. You stated a cabinet saw was old tech and you wont buy one based on that.

If you need the benefit of a slider get a Saw Stop,  Rojek(http://www.rojekusa.com/PHP/pk250a.php) which is almost a European hybrid/cabinet saw or any high end cabinet saw with a high end sliding table.

If you want a European saw Hammer, Felder,, or baileigh(http://www.baileigh.com/sliding-table-saw-sts-14120) all seem fantastic.

The Laguna is another high tech cabinet saw that is near a Eurpeoan saw. It has a scoring blade: http://www.amazon.com/Laguna-Tools-TSS-Tablesaw-Scoring/dp/B002UUC4P2/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1439435737&sr=1-2&keywords=Laguna+Tools+TSS

It's not Hammer or Felder of course but nice. This laguna and the Rojek I have always wanted to try.

I looked into the Baileigh once as well but I just don't know if I can spend $12,000 on my saw. I feel I will be just as happy with a Felders or Hammer. The laguna interests me if it had a larger sliding table and didn't cost as much as one of the better Hammers. The Rojec also appears to have a smaller sliding table as well. With these three options I think I still will go with a Felders or Hammer. I still have a few months to decide so please give me more choices and suggestions to make this purchase even more difficult

 

[Kev]

http://www.minimax-usa.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=3&Itemid=35

 

[jimbouk]

 

[fshanno]

The Concept panel/beam saw is certainly underwhelming.  I guess it's fine in the context of a factory but for a one man shop?  You'd have to be nuts.

I would have to be nuts to invest $10,000 or more in any kind of machine that isn't a CNC router.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Buy a used martin, none of the others will compare.

You will probably have to use a vfd to power this class of saw.

 

[glass1]

Altendorf. Used.

 

[Tayler_mann]

The Concept panel/beam saw is certainly underwhelming.  I guess it's fine in the context of a factory but for a one man shop?  You'd have to be nuts.

I would have to be nuts to invest $10,000 or more in any kind of machine that isn't a CNC router.

I have a CNC already and the volume and class of work I do requires me to get a saw that can perform for 40 more years of service if it can last that long. Also, a good CNC costs sooooooo much more than $10,000.

 

[Tayler_mann]

The Concept panel/beam saw is certainly underwhelming.  I guess it's fine in the context of a factory but for a one man shop?  You'd have to be nuts.

I would have to be nuts to invest $10,000 or more in any kind of machine that isn't a CNC router.

I have a CNC already and the volume and class of work I do requires me to get a saw that can perform for 40 more years of service if it can last that long. Also, a good CNC costs sooooooo much more than $10,000.

I also misread that statement the concept is far to automated for me

 

[Tayler_mann]

http://www.minimax-usa.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=3&Itemid=35

So I am definitely having interest in the minimal elite 8.5' sliding saw. I wish they had more info on them on their website. I gave my info to them so hopefully I get a sales man to call and answer my questions. The only thing I can see from he pictures (which I could be wrong) is they don't seem to have he shoe in the front for dimensional lumber. However, hopefully like the other sliding saws I have seen it is just not shown on he machjne since it's an added accessory. This would be a deal breaker since that is my main purpose for the saw is straight lining dimensional lumber.

 

[Tayler_mann]

Buy a used martin, none of the others will compare.

You will probably have to use a vfd to power this class of saw.

What would be the oldest I would want to go on the Martin? They look once again though very automated. I am looking for a great machine but I feel spending the extra to have he machine do the work is not necessary since I will only ever be using the saw. If I had employees running it that would be different but to keep my high standard of practice I cannot hire employees unless all I let them do was sand with 180 grit.

 

[nickao]

I get the not hiring employees, been there done that. I'll work the rest of my life alone, for shop work anyhow. I can't even find anyone good enough to help me move and reorganize my shop!

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Buy a used martin, none of the others will compare.

You will probably have to use a vfd to power this class of saw.

What would be the oldest I would want to go on the Martin? They look once again though very automated. I am looking for a great machine but I feel spending the extra to have he machine do the work is not necessary since I will only ever be using the saw. If I had employees running it that would be different but to keep my high standard of practice I cannot hire employees unless all I let them do was sand with 180 grit.

Check out the martin product history on their site. 50's and up, I suppose.

T 17 is a solid work horse, that can be found in excellent used condition for very fair prices.

They offered a wide varity of options as well, a little research will help.

If I found one close to home, I doubt I could pass one up.

 

[teocaf]

[member=42383]Tayler_mann[/member] : how about this mini max elite?  don't know much about it but just happened to see it on the sawmill classifieds today and it looks like a super deal.  a bit above your stated budget but you would be getting all kinds of additional capabilities with the combination machines.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?233693-FS-MiniMax-CU410-Elite-(Los-Altos-CA)

 

[polarsea1]

I'm fairly certain a shoe is available for the Minimax.

 

[stvrowe]

So after getting into a heated three when I mentioned to pay the extra money and buy a Hammer sliding saw instead of an American brand cabinet saw I started thinking. I know a lot about the Felders group equipment, however, I don't know what else I can buyin America for a sliding table saw. I want to stick around that $5,000 - $8,000 range, but if it was really worth it I would stretch to $10,000. I really don't want to spend that much, but if it is the saw I have for a lifetime I want it to be the best. One thing that is important to me is a large sliding table. The 79" table is probably the smallest I want. One of the main purposes for the saw will be to straight line my lumber. The next thing is dust collection. I want that saw to catch 99% if it is possible. Another thing is a 4" achievable cut would be nice. Basically I want the Hammer saw but I was just wandering if there are other brands in America with saws that are similar.

For your approximate stated price range I think your best (new) sliders are (first to last):
1) Felder 700 series - the X-roll table is fantastic and IMHO as good as anything on the market (including my Martin).  Build quality is excellent and many accessories are available.
2) Minimax Elite S series (depending on model and sales prices, this may be above what you are willing to spend)  Build quality is not quite up to Felder level but typically is outfitted with accessories that are options with the Felder.  Sliding table is same design as on my Minimax shaper and not near as nice or smooth as the Felder.
3) Hammer - this is a good value machine meant for hobbiest or light duty shop use.  Sliding table about on par with Minimax.

I wouldn't even consider some of the other brands mentioned.  I have had my hands on and pawed over and evaluated many machines before I purchased a Martin (at the time I owned a Felder 741 combo).  The above list is based on my experiences and my personal use of various machines either in my shop or others.  Used is another option which may be good value but could force you to a phase converter.  I highly recommend seeing equipment of this class in person before you purchase (either by visiting a showroom or the shop of an owner).  The sales rep should be able to provide you owners close to your location.

CAUTION!!! - Evaluate each machine individually and do not assume that just because a saw has a table length of 79" that it will get you that much straight lining capability.  Some machines will and some will not. 

Good luck in your search.
Steve

 

[Tayler_mann]

So I started my research with the minimax and was fairly unimpressed. For a lot of thin ripping on the sliding table the sales/technical staff member showed it to me extremely jigged up. This would be ok if it didn't cost just under $10,000. Where as the $5,000 hammer comes quite simply ready to use and at that price I don't care if I need to make a bit of an elaborate jig. Also their warranty did not seem to be vey good for a $10,000 machine. I feel a warranty should be better than 90 days. That is a little bit concerning to me.