Sawstop Review After Three Years of Use

This is my review of my 1.75 horsepower SawStop after three years of using it. Should you buy a SawStop? What model should you buy? Overall I think it is a good choice and here's why I think so.
It combines old school quality with a high tech safety feature.

[@RonAday]

Who would down vote this? This is one of the better sawstop reviews I have seen, and I have seen almost all of them (100's). Most reviews aren't really reviews at all. They are just unboxing and reading the spec sheet in front of a camera. Bob has real world, long term experience with the tool. This is a REAL tool review. Excellent job! :)

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thanks for the shout out.

[@MrSugarchops]

Agree!!

[@xXtylenana3443Xx]

I wholeheartedly agree! See lots of reviews but really liked the down to brass tax, honest review. Its hard to muddle thru all the bs on the web so its refreshing to see. Thanks Bob!

[@timjerome8942]

nothing better than experienced honest woodworkers!

[@SeamlessFab]

Never understood the comments about downvoting. I mean who Gives AF?

[@sttraveler2593]

I really enjoyed your 3 yr review. Wow, I did not know they were owned by Festool. I have the 3hp sawstop PCS and yes it is extremely smooth and maintains its accuracy over time. Once adjusted after set up it pretty much stays that way. I thoroughly love my sawstop and would definately buy again if the need ever arose.

[@OldFashionedDude123]

Thanks for your review. Very helpful and thoughtful. I appreciate your no-nonsense approach and it seems you don't fault Saw Stop for some of the short comings but learn how to adapt and move forward. Thanks and great job.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thank you

[@rjtumble]

I've had the same saw for 1.5 to 2 years and I agree with everything you said, good and bad. I'd buy it again as well.

[@JenEricRalston]

Super helpful. Thank you. Love your idea for replacing the legs.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thanks, glad to be helpful.

[@LarryTait1]

Yes, I have the 3 HP professional, and I observed the same thing with the legs. The cAbinet is a Great Idea

[@kennethholmes9315]

This is one of the reviews that led me to buy my Sawstop. Thanks love the ending of the video.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guybowers9094]

Great review looking to get one after I have completed my shop addition

[@sttraveler2593]

You will love it, I suggest the 3hp model for just a few extra bucks. at full power you can put a nickle on edge on the cast iron top and it does'nt fall over.

[@cuttheknot4781]

The general build of the machine is very similar the Grizzly Brand from what I can discern. Apart from the safety system, of course. Excellent review from Bob. Very concise and coherent.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thanks

[@johnherman3171]

Really enjoyed your observations...I have the same model and every time when I use it I feel like I’m driving the Rolls Royce of table saws. I noticed something in the video which I hoped you’d commented on in your reflections: the red power on-off paddle mounting wiggled when you used it. I have tried several times to secure mine, as it progresses, even using blue lock-tite, no no avail. Getting to the hex-bolts to tighten the box is a gymnastic exercise. This is small potatoes compared to my pride of ownership of this beauty. Thanks again for your video!

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Yes I noticed that wiggle too. Hasn’t caused problems or gotten worse but a little more solidity would make it feel more like a “Rolls.”

[@snail5341]

Thanks for the honest review

[@jfsauer42]

Another point I want to make...I upgraded from a Grizzly 1023RL table saw when I got the opportunity to get a preowned sawstop (3HP pro model). The SS is a much better saw. The table is bigger, the body of the machine is more solid and the fence is better. When running it is less noisy, I assume due to the more solid construction. The blade insert is better and the table adjustments are more precise.

[@homesculptor]

Cool review. I had this old video blow up a few weeks ago when I cut, well nicked, my middle finger with this same SawStop. I got 2.5 million views in two weeks all of sudden. Blew me away. I'm a general contractor, and been using saws for decades. This is awesome. Yeah those legs suck they way they attach. I need to do the cabinet!

[@kelvinpraises]

Saw the video thank God no serious injury

[@s9plus20]

Great review, thanks!

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelconroy8060]

Thanks for reminding people that a sawstop will not prevent kickback or other accidents! I see people on KZbin use these tools as if they are safe and they are not! I have one and it's still the most dangerous tool in my shop. Just like the table saw before it..... I always tell people that when it comes to a table saw, it will bite you if it can, like a tiger at the zoo......but if you are diligent in your methods and know how to gauge the danger of the material you are up against, you'll choose the best saw first and follow up with the beast! And always treat each cut with serious respect.

[@Shotsmoky]

Got the three hp model Bob. Could npot agree more with you about the legs. Love you solution.

[@richardpyburn3849]

Like your style man

[@jimfeaster4837]

Great review !

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thanks.

[@KRWoodworks]

I’ve had my Sawstop for (edit) 13 years and love it and It’s the 3hp professional model. Best saw I’ve ever used.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Great choice

[@renobtankit6019]

Great vid Bob thanks I was injured two days ago on my table saw, I had turned it off and got distracted long story short put my hand on the moving blade got very luck it impacted 3 fingers only needed stitches on one... I will be getting this saw but after seeing your vid I will bump it up to the 3HP motor... oh and GREAT proverb.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Ouch! I always remind myself it only takes a moment of distraction., Thanks.

[@jamesbenenati1039]

Renob Tankit Do you think the sawstop would have saved you from injury in your case.

[@renobtankit6019]

@@jamesbenenati1039 My guess is the SawStop safety feature is active until the blade stops spinning if that's the case then yes it would have prevented the injury.

[@TheRPhelps24]

@@jamesbenenati1039 , even just the quick braking that this saw has after normal switching off that he describes would help minimize. Same thing happened to me last year with my cheap harbor freight miter saw as it was spinning down. I didn't notice the blade guard had stuck open and was rushing. My new makita 36v miter saw has a super fast brake that lets me know that specific injury can't happen again.

[@ForestWoodworks]

Thank you! It was an honest review after real-world home use. This was perfect for a DIY dude. I'll check out your other content. Cheers!

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thanks

[@ForestWoodworks]

@@BobsTwoCarGarage watching the table build now. Pretty cool! You have an old-school, gung-ho style.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

@@ForestWoodworksha, never heard it put that way you’re probably right.

[@thegreatgazoo]

I've had my SawStop for about 2 years. I agree with everything that was said here. I really like the the fence mechanism - once you dial it in, it is very accurate. I blew my safety mechanism when I cut a 45 degree angle right into my aluminum Kreg miter gauge -DOH! Scared the crap out of me but now I know it works!

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

The Great Gazoo lol, yes it’s scary. Thanks for your feed back.

[@steveharmon9000]

I did the very same thing Gazoo.

[@scottc0510]

Great, informative video. I'm currently using a jobsite saw, but saving for a SawStop saw. I'm planning to save until I can get EXACTLY what I want and also considering my potential future needs. Gonna just go for broke. I don't want to disaapoint myself by not getting what I truly WANT, and compromising in what I buy just to "have something better." I'm also going to get the highest horsepower saw. HOPEFULLY, this will be my first and ONLY cabinet saw purchase. Again, thanks for this video! :-)

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Scott Climer glad I could be helpful. The 3 horse will serve you well.

[@nofacemtb9481]

Scott, I did as you said.......I purchased the ICS 3HP and am very happy with it. What's really cool is the fact that I can upgrade the motor if I wanted to.

[@ST3yo]

Great review and bonus proverb at the end! Doesn't get much better than that

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

thanks.

[@jeffgoldsmith1679]

Nice review. I think I'll wait for the Patent to run out this year and see what innovations or price changes competition brings.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Didn’t know that was happening . Good news.

[@handytbutler7380]

i think i will stick with the origional instead of some chinese ripoffs

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

How about a German ripoff?

[@PAPSROYALAPIARY]

I am one of those guys that bit the bullet and got two of these beauties, a 5hp Industrial and a 3hp Professional; I have them stacked back to back with a 3' table divider between the two, one acts as the extension for the one I use a the time; the 5hp is my rip saw and the 3hp is my permanent dado station; I have a 7hp clearview dust collection that serve both, they can be seen in some of my channel episodes, only difference I speak in a different language to a different audience but one ca see the setup I got; I was a powermatic addict for a long time, still have some of their equipment, but made the right choice in having the sawstop units. good choice on your part. not once my cartrigde went off, but I am aware when I cut treated wood or moist wood and switch in bypass mode for the time being. Dan

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Very cool, wish I had room for two.

[@PAPSROYALAPIARY]

@@BobsTwoCarGarage I really don't have much room myself, but I pushed them to the side of my pole barn/garage; in my previous career I had a regular shop with quite a few more "toys" that I worked with. I got the two of them just for the convenience of not having to change blades as often; I build a lot of beehive bodies and do a lot of finger joint assembly, hence the dado station has to be somewhat permanent. Dan

[@David-hm9ic]

My saw is not a Saw Stop but I agree with the horsepower evaluation. I'm seriously considering a SS but that would mean buying another expensive incremental fence (similar to an Incra) to have the same setup that I have now. I seldom cut hardwoods more than 4/4 thick but cut plenty of Southern yellow pine and sheet goods up to 3/4" thick. My blades are all high quality and I have no trouble with the power that's available. The only thin kerf blade in the collection is a Forrest Woodworker II; everything else is 1/8" kerf.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I’d be interested in why you like the incra fence. I’ve never used one.

[@rogeranderson8763]

If you happen to play guitar, Sawstop is the way to go. Kinda like my dentist says....only brush the ones you want to keep. I have been present when it was demonstrated.....it is damn impressive....and only put a tiny nick in the hot dog

[@jfsauer42]

I was told by another SawStop owner that you should not leave the saw in "go mode" (blade stopped but the green light on and ready to turn on) for long periods of time. I have forgotten to turn it off overnight - bad idea! He said the saw has a capacitor that will burn out. A replacement runs $350 or so - he learned that the hard way.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Never heard about the “go mode” caution . I’ll investigate that

[@johnherman3171]

I mentioned in an earlier comment that several years in and having left switch constantly on I have had no problem...I guess I should reconsider that practice? Interested if Bob found out something in his investigation?

[@jeannettesauer8936]

@@johnherman3171 SawStop calls this "ready mode" - green light on, ready to start the blade spinning. I don't know this problem first hand since I've only had my saw a few months. My friend had problems with the saw starting and had to replace a component in the switch. He said SS told him to completely turn off the saw when it would not be in use for long periods of time. I struggle to remember this but will keep try to do it since I don't want the delays and cost of the repair.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Leaving it on in the “go mode” will do no harm ( first I’ve heard about the capacitor thing) but it’s just a bad habit and good safety habits are important regardless of the safety tech that protects us from ourselves. I recommend turning it off when you leave and when you’re changing blades. When I change blades, I actually unplug.

[@markkulyas2418]

Now that's how everyone should make a video review, direct and right to the point without any endless rambling👍

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thank you I try nothing t to ramble a lot

[@rw7532]

I just flip the little power up switch before I set the fence. It’s always done doing it’s check when it’s time to cut. I Leave it on until I am done for the day, then I flip it off. Love this saw. It was a b€£\h getting the cast iron wings level with the cast iron center piece. I never could get it even the whole length of the wing but it’s barely noticeable to the touch.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Had the same issue with assembly .

[@johnherman3171]

I just leave the power switch on...several years in and there’s been no issue...am I missing something?

[@rw7532]

@@johnherman3171 no you’re not missing anything. I just power off because I am not sure about surge protection and even though my kids know not to touch the tools I am not sure about their friends.

[@Mrdubomb]

I need to make a correction, they are now owned by the company that owns festool, and I wonder what kind of royalty Gass is getting from them Im gunning for one myself, I love how the underdog rose to victory story of sawstop, however I want the ICS over the PCS because of the beefier innards and at least 3hp to replace my 3hp PM66 5hp may be a bit too much for the extra price and I dont think its necessary, but I would love to hear others opinions on that. Good review, and you cant put a price on fingers, especially if they are your bread and butter.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Three hp is plenty. I use a 3 hp at my other shop and it never bogs down and I cut 2" inch oak with ease. Pretty sure you'll need to wire for 220 but that's not a big deal. Well worth it.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I'd say the 5 hp is for shops that cut heavy stock all day long. For cabinets and furniture making the 3 hp is ideal and more than adequate.

[@DUSTEATER2]

I kept my old delta contractors saw for cutting dados and molding work. Just wondered why you went from a 3 hp cabinet saw to a 1.75 hp cabinet saw ? I was going to get the 5 hp SS until I saw the Rob Cosman video and got the 3 hp.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I kept mine too and did the same. 1.75 was a mistake but not a “terrible” one it’s adequate. I could upgrade but it’s working out for my garage. 5 horse is probably overkill.

[@josb4161]

Bob, nice review. Does the 1.75 hp bog down when ripping a 2x4 ,ripping plywood or white oak?

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Plywoods not a problem. Need a good sharp blade for hardwoods. I’m now recommending the 3 h.

[@andwolfe]

Any chance you’ve done a walkthrough of the side table for under the saw? I’d like to know your thoughts on the different drawer sizes and open holes. I’ll be replacing my under cabinet setup with this one in the near future.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Did you see the video I did on that?. It’s in my channel.

[@andwolfe]

@@BobsTwoCarGarage I haven’t been able to find it. I’ll keep looking.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I don’t like all the little drawers that some make for their blades etc. kept mine pretty generic to fit anything. I like flexibility.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ6tqXilqLCrY7c

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

@@andwolfe Here it is, kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ6tqXilqLCrY7c

[@larrygoad2141]

I was just about to click off the video near the end when you read from Proverbs…what a refreshing surprise! Great video, God bless!

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Thanks for watching to the end.

[@hazelbelle9499]

My eye spies StarWars memorabilia...way cool man...

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Oh yea, big fan.

[@bobl634]

Hi bob, have you had to clean the table surface and if so, how did you do it?

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I"m not really a purist so I use whatever I have it usually involves steel wood and some kind of solvent. I"ve even used my random orbital sander.. Sometimes even WD40. I think this guy does it right. www.finewoodworking.com/2000/11/01/removing-and-preventing-rust-on-machinery

[@briarfox637]

There is a product called "Barricade" meant for firearms but works wonders for any metal top. It acts as a protective against rusting. I've never had a problem with rust and live in a very humid climate most of the year. It works fantastic for firearms as well.

[@patmatt975]

Once and a while I hit a staple or nail sawing rough lumber, would this set off the brake?

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

It’s not necessarily supposed to. I’ve never had that experience but I am more careful now. My only “false brake “ was when I was cutting real wet wood. Remember you can turn the safety feature off.

[@tylercousins7779]

So my question to Bob and anyone else that has one, while i understand it it a good saw, is it really necessary to spend the extra for the safety feature? Bob seems to have all his digits and i would guess is skilled at using the saw so what good does the safety feature do? I have been wood working for 40+ years and never come close to having an accident. If i had a business and had newbies using the saw then i get it. But as a seasoned and skilled user, do you believe it is worth it?

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Ha, good point. Probably why all the school shops have them now. Statistically speaking most people don’t cut a finger off. Maybe it’s analogous to wearing a mask during COVID .

[@tylercousins7779]

@@BobsTwoCarGarage I have always really liked their product and have followed their progress since its inception. But as you probably know, we often do quick single cuts. Having to wait for the saw to reanalyze every time would probably make me sell it on day 2. Can you turn the saw on and use the big stop button as its on off button so you don't have to wait? I know the basic rule is better to have the safety than not to. But i prefer to rely on me being smart and safe rather than relying on someone else to keep me safe.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

@@tylercousins7779 you can leave the main switch on and just use the “big stop button.” So it doesn’t need to boot up every time. Just as fast as any saw after it boots up. I usually turn the main switch off at the end of the day. Usually😀!

[@errolpereira8292]

I am seriously considering this saw but have a one car garage (very little space). I’d prefer to stick with the nice HEPA rated shop vac I have but would that be adequate for this cabinet saw?

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I'm not familiar with that shop vac but generally speaking shop vacs are adequate. You know "Saw Stop" makes a roll away version, right?

[@errolpereira8292]

@@BobsTwoCarGarage thanks for the response. I have a job site already and would like to upgrade to the contractor or PSC model. Having a larger and flatter cast iron top would be great :)

[@bijan4727]

Hi very well presented. What is the foot print of the saw ? How much space do I need?

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

You can get all that information on their website (www.sawstop.com) but it depends primarily on the model and fence length you buy.

[@bijan4727]

Thanks for quick response. I loved your set up. If you would give me your measurements I highly appreciate. Thanks again.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

33” x 69”

[@robee4039]

Is that a Cal State Long Beach hat?

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Yep my alma mater.

[@johnfrederickson3082]

What school did you teach at?

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Rancho San joaquin

[@siriosstar4789]

Festool is not high end just high priced . they have had a lot of motor failures in the sliding compound saws and they use a lot of plastic on their tools . i live in germany where Festool originated and i see very few contractors using their tools. the dewalt twelve inch slider is waay more popular . festool is a prestige company with a good warranty but arent any better than the likes of makita , dewalt , bosch etc. also as you said saw stop is no substitute for good safety habits . i had machine safety drilled into my head in high school in the sixties . i still use what they taught me today and i still have all of my fingers . age and slow reaction time is my enemy now .

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I agree with all that. Makita and Metabo are my go to brands

[@danthechippie4439]

Festool have their own version of this saw, it is nothing like what you have, it's more a job site saw. Shame really because I really want the 3 horse power version of yours but they don't supply to Europe

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I didn’t know that, good info. Sawstop has the market cornered here. Hold out maybe things will change.

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Festool owns sawstop so it’s strange they’ve created a new euro version.

[@danthechippie4439]

@@BobsTwoCarGarage if you Google it its nothing like the saw stop. Not in the same league

[@mbanda4260]

Not the video it the commercials that don’t load properly and stop from watching the full video

[@casual257]

if the the blade guard goes off for no good reason, it should be a warranty!

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Well, you could argue that but nothing is perfect. I don't mind paying $70 once in a while for the peace of mind. It's a great saw and I don't get paid for saying that.

[@claytonlemieux4090]

I am a engineer ànd they tell you no way to use a molding cutter because it dose not can make a safety cartridge but you can just trun off the safety ànd Saw Stop two safety patents run out this summer they arks for 3 year extended it will be interesting to see what others table saw company's what will Saw Stop do end it only safety table saw holding or every table saw will come out with they own electric safety

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

I've rarely used a molding head anyway so not a big deal. Yes, it will be interesting to see what comes next but I don't think these saws are overpriced.

[@mitchellfamily7840]

They are owned by Festool’s parent co.

[@jessielacson]

Damn do you have dust collection system those dust on the floor will make you slip and bang your head on table saw. Do your self a favor at least vacuum it

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

Ha😊just a shop vac on my table saw. It works well enough for me.

[@kevinb6102]

Go dirtbags

[@BobsTwoCarGarage]

How cool! you noticed.

[@kevinb6102]

@@BobsTwoCarGarage :) great vid!