Budget vs Professional Table Saw | What’s the Difference??

A close look at some key differences you can expect between a professional cabinet table saw, like the Sawstop PCS, compared to a lower end beginner saw.

[joeladam]

The sawstop is 4x the price of the ridgid, so it makes sense it is much better. Your video did a good job showing what you get for the price difference besides the safety brake which everyone always mentions. Enjoy the new addition to your workshop!

[MrSharper]

I had the same Rigid saw for a few years before upgrading to the saw stop. It is an excellent entry level saw. You can add jigs and put a sleeve on the fence for added height. If I recall the arbor length was shorter than most saws and it would not accommodate a full 3/4in dado stack. I added plywood between the legs to encase the motor and the dust collection was not too shabby.

[charlesgarner]

We have a Ridgid TS3650 saw in our shop. It is 15 years old. It is used ever day 5 days a week. In the 15 years it has been in our shop, with the exception of blades and belts, it has never needed 1 replacement part. The saw has an all cast iron top, not stamped steel. Weights in at 290 lbs. It is powered by 220 VAC. It has an excellent fence, we don't the the original miter gauge. Instead we use an Incra Miter Sled. It has the Herc-U-Lift 4 wheel truck that allows it to be moved around. Although I can't remember the last time it was moved. The Ridgid 4512 is a toy next to the Ridgid TS 3650. The Sawstop is a great saw. You can't cut your finger off with it. We don't have that problem in our shop. Unlike most of the crazy people on YouTube that use saws without blade guards, No one in our shop is allowed it use the saw without the blade guard. To quote Ron White " You can't fix stupid"

[radiokua]

Nice, unbiased comparison--lots of really good points to help folks decide how to spend their hard-earned dollars. Thanks.

[msk]

I’m a DIY not professional woodworker and looked at this saw when i wanted to upgrade a few years but after seeing the price difference i couldn’t justify spending that much. Maybe if i was a pro i would have thought differently but the Rigid has been a fantastic decision for me. I really didn’t need to spend much time dialing it in and couldn’t agree more that i wish it had a better fence but mine makes accurate repeatable cuts. You nailed the dust build up issue with the Rigid but my fix was take off blade plate then with dust collection on use my compressed air blow gun to hit sides with some air, build up no more. Would i like a SS yes but for the amount i use them couldn’t justify the cost. Just went on website to price SS with mobile base @ $4, 500 +delivery vs $750 for the Rigid…that’s a huge difference and if I was going to spend that kind of money I would consider a Powermatic

[StrokeRoll]

Congratulations, man! I received a SawStop 3HP PCS with 52" T-Glide fence and the industrial mobile base as a gift from my wife a few weeks ago. Until then I'd been using a mid-90's Grizzly contractor saw with no riving knife or dust collection of any kind, and only a 1.5HP motor. Quite an upgrade! I'm quite lucky to have found myself an awesome wife!

[haxney]

When you cut through that maple, I actually said "holy shit!" out loud! That was incredible! I've got a Ridgid job site saw, and I'm looking forward to an even bigger difference when I upgrade.

[ucla]

Great video comparison, I have the same Ridgid table saw. As I DIYer and hobby woodworker I have found the Ridgid saw to be sufficient. Obviously, I'd love the Saw Stop or any number of other table saws. In my case does the cost justify the purchase. For anyone who uses it to make a living I totally agree. For the average guy, if you can afford it, I say get the saw and whatever other tools you like. Plus, the safety features are priceless.

[maliboy]

Easy laid back look at both saws yet very informative, Cheers mate!

[nickbild]

Well….there goes the possibility of a Ridgid sponsorship! 😂

[RonMarshallrone]

I learned on the 4512 and loved it for 12 years. Great saw. Actually put sawstop wings on it lol(wasn't easy) but when my business picked up I knew I needed more and ended up buying the same sawstop as you have in the video and no regrets. Does everything I need with ease and after 3 years of owning it not one hardwood has bogged it down and I did set off the brake. Thats a very surreal feeling and not a good one lol. Sold my ridgid to a friend but its kinda funny how you can miss a tool when its gone.

[mramseyISU]

Going from that Rigid saw to a sawstop is definitely in my plans for the future. Once I get my student loans paid off then maybe I can go into debt for a nice table saw.

[plasmac]

For the price and quality that Ridgid table saw is a great deal for a hobby woodworker. I bought mine at Home Depot over a decade ago and it's still the same price now as it was then. Which means it's an even better deal today than when I got mine. It's not perfect but I've made fine furniture using it that came out great. Like John says, you just need a little more setup time when cutting.

[BrettsWoodshop]

Thank you for making this comparison video. Well done!

[MrFFP]

I've had the Rigid RG4512 for about 3 years and for my hobbyist level of work, its a great saw especially for the price. I've cut 8 quarter hard maple and never had it bog down or leave burns. Is yours 120v or 220v? Also mine does not have the issue with the cast iron top that yours does, mine is dead on flat! I got lucky!

[mikem]

I have a Ridgid contractor with the folding, rolling stand. Paid about $200 6 or so years ago. There were many issues with it; some are not correctable like the table top not being completely flat and the fence is not perpendicular (vertically) to the top. Just a couple of months ago is when found out about the fence; never thought about checking that. Made some corrections to the fence to get it close to 90* and went over the saw again. While not perfect, it has never cut this good. I was going thru saw blades. Now I have an 24 tooth bland on it instead of a 40 and it cuts fast. A cabinet saw is something I plan to get at some point.

[markkaes]

Have been building out my shop for several years now… yeah, I may eventually wind up spending twice for the tablesaw. Thanks for the review

[lincolndickerson]

Thanks for sharing the difference. Love the efficiency comparison.

[LJ_AF]

Thanks for the review! What brand/model is the work counter/table in the background with all of the gray drawers? Thanks again.

[drouleau]

I have the newer version of that Ridgid, and it is a great saw if you don't require a flat top or wings. Trying to offload it.