[wade clark]

Kenny and All,
You're right. Buy what you want to buy. My table saw, in particular, gets used and abused. I rarely change a blade...never for a different cut, occasionally due to dullness. I hope to get smarter about all of this as I approach semi-retirement at 57. I'm just tired of learning the hard way, by my personal mistakes!
I really appreciate all the replies and input from everyone! The Laguna and the Grizzly are at the top of my list right now. The Laguna sales-rep warned me about their cost, and he's sending a catalog anyway.
One of my Auction customers who's spent his life building custom cabinets said he's always had Rockwells and loves them. I've only had one cheap rockwell tool in my life and wasn't impressed.
thanks again for all your help!
Wade

[Paul_Guraedy]

Wade, in this life, you almost always "get what you pay for". As in carving tools, purchase the best you can for the money you got to spend. The higher price tools do not stay there by competing with lower price ones on the same level. They offer something extra. Even if it is only "all the bells and whistles."

We are building a house and I noticed that the contractor"s new equipment was all Grizzley. He said, "I have used or have friends who have used, almost everything. For the money I am willing to spend, Grizzley offers me the best return."

If you use the saw enough, or just have the money available, I would go for the Laguna.

[Ashbys]

Laguna , makes some nice equipment . Grizzly I have never seen any of thiers.

The real problem is Wade, almost all the equipt. is made in China, and as such they can vary greatly and still be sold as different brands. Jet has been doing that for years , as has craftsman, chavalier, powermatic, dewalt.. ect.

Buyer beware , today exist in all equip. Good luck on what ever one you get .

Ash

[Thor]

I have an old (really old, it was my father's 23 years ago) Craftman that will still saw a house in two... it's on a 220 circuit. I also have a portable Ryobi that was a gift from my husband a couple of years ago for Valentines day....a woman can never have too many table saws.
But, when I have to do some real smooth joining, I go visit my brother about an hour's drive from here to use his Delta. IT's a wonderful machine. It was in the $1800.00 dollar range when he bought it years ago, but it is a dream and worth it if you can afford one.
Thor

[Kenny_S]

Ash, I have to agree on most if not all are being made over seas. When looking at bandsaws a couple of years ago I compared most name brands and Grizzly bandsaws. Most were identical except for the paint job. When Blake was looking foa bandsaw last year and asked about Rikon, sold at WoodCrafts, It was identical to the Grizzly,Craftman except for the paint. Blake bought it and I believe he is happy with it. I am happy with my GrizzlyUltimate 14.
O do believe you pay for what you get and while own several Craftman tools, I ended up with a RBI Hawk 220 scroll saw. Pricey but then You pay for what you get.

[wade clark]

Well, I have catalogs on the way from both Laguna and Grizzly. Laguna is out of California, Grizzly has 3 showrooms, PA, WA and Springfield, MO, less than a day's drive from here. I think the MO showroom is 150,000 sq. ft., the second largest power tool showroom in the world...the largest is their PA showroom at 300,000 sq.ft. If I decide to go with Griz I may drive up to MO so they can show me what I really need...dangerous! I may come away with more saw than common sense!
I think I'd be happy with either brand...both have pretty paint jobs! And I have heard right here they're both great! I did see that Grizzly is made in Taiwan. Don't know about the Laguna.
If I'd kept the first (1980's) Craftsman I'd probably still be happy with it, other than the fence system, which could have been replaced.
The Laguna Rep on the phone asked me 40 questions to prepare me for sticker shock! He wanted to make sure I wasn't looking for their $100 model, I guess!
Looking forward to my next saw!
Wade

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Grizzly has a dent and scratch sale, not sure when, but have heard if you can go to their stores, you can walk away with some real "steals"!

[wade clark]

C O O L !!!!!!

[DarrellA]

I would have to agree that Grizzly is probably the best bang for the buck. If you are interested in safety here is a saw that you may want to consider http://www.sawstop.com/ Watch the video it is really cool. Several of the older and more experienced woodworkers that I know are missing fingers or parts of them. This saw looks like it can keep your fingers where they belong, attached to your hand. Good luck in choosing your saw

Darrell

[squbrigg]

Laguna is made in Europe, "well" made too. Yes, they are pricey, but I have no regrets. It was an investment. You'll not find a better piece of equipment anywhere!!! The frames are cast iron, motors and bearings massive. No give to these things. My bandsaw will certainly out last me!!!

Bob