ChuckM said:
Someone pointed out that many table saw users struggled with the blade/fence alignment issue.
I was one of them, but also pointed out that it's an issue of convenience, not accuracy. If you work around the limitations, you can make pretty much any crappy fence system as accurate as you'll ever need. You'll just be pissed off the whole time. [mad]
Jeremy- if you haven't put hands on a Dewalt yet, I'd recommend trying that out before you write them off. The "top of the line" DW7941 is under $600, takes a dado, has B+ dust collection, and folds up about the size of a large suitcase. It's the best cheap fence I've ever used (rack n' pinion), and can be reinforced if you're still not happy with it. An hour of dialing in, and it's just as accurate as the dialed-in Craftsman I used to have (cast iron, 1980's built, belt drive). Seriously, the ONLY thing this one can't do is magnetic jigs. It's also about 100lbs, so don't lean too hard on it.
**OK, so TWO things it can't do- if you include power feeders. But I never used one of those anyway.