I'm considering a SawStop for Father's Day, and I'm torn between a 36" cabinet saw and a contractor saw. I don't plan on starting a business; I'll mainly use it for home projects. The cabinet version is about $800 more. Is that extra cost worth it? Plus, I'm worried about my garage floor not being perfectly level and how that might affect things. Growing up, I only used cheap tools, so I'm unsure if the cabinet saw is really a better investment for my needs. If I get the contractor saw, I plan on building a workbench around it.
3 Answers
Honestly, it really depends on your goals. For serious, accurate work, a cabinet saw is the best choice due to its stability. However, if you’re just doing casual projects and not moving it around much, a contractor saw is perfectly fine. Just make sure to invest in a quality fence, that’s a key upgrade that can elevate the performance significantly!
If you're mainly working in your garage, I'd lean towards the cabinet saw. It holds value better and offers a more stable work surface, plus it can be a long-term investment. But, if you're doing occasional DIY stuff, a contractor saw will still be a solid choice. Just remember, a good fence is critical!
I hear you! The fence and stability will make a huge difference in your cuts. Plus, for the price difference, it can feel worth the investment for future work!
In my experience, a cabinet saw definitely outperforms a contractor saw in pretty much every aspect. If you're looking for stability and precision, the cabinet model is the way to go. Plus, it has better dust collection and often comes with more power options, which is great for those times you want to rip thicker wood. But if it’s just DIY projects around the house you're after, a contractor saw will do the trick for most tasks without breaking the bank!
I completely agree! I’ve used both and the cabinet saw just offers more flexibility for future projects where you might want heavier materials.
Good point! I've had success with my contractor saw and a quality fence makes it feel like a whole different machine. It’s all about what fits your needs!