Is the SawStop Contractor Saw Worth $2000? SawStop Contractor Saw Review

I have been using the sawstop contractor saw for well over a year now, and I have some pretty big thoughts on it. There are quite a few good things, and quite a few not-so-good things, so this brings up the question, is it worth the hefty price tag of two grand? The saw I have been using is a sawstop CNS175, with the 36" fence.

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[seanmellon]

Great review I appreciate you actually pointing out cons/drawbacks. It seems like most other reviewers only want to give positives

[CreativeDesigns]

Dude! Great video and very informative

[shanefairchild]

Nice review, thanks for the run through. As someone who does a lot of resawing on a contractor saw I will give a little advice. Take little bites at a time. A quarter to a half inch at a time. You won't bog down and/or burn your wood. That was a HUGE slice you tried taking all at once.

[nofacemtb]

I was going to say to upgrade the wings on your contractor saw. But then you show your cabinet saw. Well, now you don't have to upgrade!!!! Nice review man!

[jonwikan]

Great video!, I am getting the contractor saw and will get the better fence and probably cut the rails for a smaller side to side profile in a small shop. Will also get the 240V conversion, dust collection panel and castors. I know a lot of you all think 120 V is the same but it's not. Yes same HP motor potential, Higher voltage, lower resistance means less bog down on thicker material, faster start up and bog down recovery and just better for the life of your motor(less resistance=less heat. There is a reason they offer the 240V (okay, in real life often 250V). I am not sure why you mentioned vibration, although minimal, since you also said it was the most accurate saw assembly you have used. I am still glad you mention the drawbacks. It's reviews like this that shaped my decision. I must say, I have been using a second hand Sears aluminum top contractor saw and it was kind of a piece of junk but have been able to produce great work on it. It is rated 3 hp potential but I think the 3 hp is some kind of BS marketing wizardry at 120V. So my conclusion is that all horse Power is not labeled accurately because this saw (at both voltages) seems to be strong according to reviews.

[mattro]

After I just tried to cut my fingers off with my Bosch jobsite saw, I've been eyeing one of the Sawstop contractor saws. This was helpful. Thank you.

[Ross-]

Awesome review, didn’t realize how bad that dust collection is and even worse is that vibration. This saw is definitely a hard pass for me, hopefully now with saw stop letting other companies use their technology for free we will get some better designs from competitors

[droneforfun]

Very good review, thumbs up. I got a Bosch GTS10XC and looking for an upgrade. The vibrations and bad dust collection that you showcased on this sawstop made me reconsider. It is very annoying when the blade is not possible to lower below the table due to dust. Thank you.

[ZedEh]

Ahhh man Apad, this video is going to premiere a little too late for me to watch live, but I'll check it as soon as I get home tonight!

[paulgreene]

I almost amputated 3 fingers on a DeWalt jobsite saw. Just the operating room charge for the repair of my fingers was $12k. Do the math - $2k for a saw that won't cut your fingers off vs $12k in the operating room. $2k is a great bargain. 🤔

[JonKaye]

Thanks for the great video. You’re an impressive guy. Please tell me you’re gonna become a mechanical engineer. Lol

[shotparrot]

btw those screws on top of the table are not to adjust the table for square. They're for the tilt of the blade. But I saw (haha) you also mentioned the bolts underneath the table adjust it too. Overall great review thanks! Love the outfeed table.

I agree about the dust collection. I'm annoyed about the saw not being able to retract all the way without digging out the compressed sawdust on mine, and the signature "whine" the crank makes.

[SaintFredrocks]

I have had one of these for about 8 years now. I boxed in the lower section and back of the saw for dust collection, and it works great. I wish I had opted for the cast iron wings, as I think that would really help with vibration. I love the saw, but one of their cabinet saws is my dream.

[bijan]

Hi very well presented. What is the foot print of the saw ?

[ericliddle]

Appreciate the video. I'm torn between spending the extra $$ or going with the contractor. Either will be an upgrade over my DeWalt jobsite and Ridgid 4512.

[craighurst]

Thanks for the comparison! I was looking at the Contractor's vs. the PCS. How well did the contractor's do with dado cuts in terms of power? I use mostly plywood and construction-grade lumber.

[comfortablynumb]

I like my Saw Stop contractor saw. But the elevation requires constant lubrication and cleaning. I'm not sure if the higher priced models are quieter. Mine sounds as noisey as yours.

[crchrdsn]

Trying to decide between this and a China saw (Laguna/Harvey) with the 36" fence. I like the accessories of the SawStop and the fact that they are made in Taiwan, but I think I would like the 2HP of the Laguna/Havey saws. These SS saws are pricey too. I think I can manage not to cut my fingers off and maybe use the extra money for a jointer/planer or dust collector. SS might have better customer service though... tough choices.

[xristm]

Good review but let me tell you is very important to use the right blade for cutting wood regardless that anyone said. You can’t drive a F1 car with tractor 🚜 o bicycles 🚲 wheels if you want win a race or even finish it

[KyleBruns]

Would you suggest upgrading to the cast iron wings on the contract saw?