SawStop Table Saw || WASTE of money?

Is SawStop Table Saw worth the price for DIY Woodworking? There are so many great Table Saw manufacturers to choose from. Let’s take a look at how I ended up with a SawStop that can’t cut wet boards or aluminum because of the SawStop Safety System.
I mean, that’s what I keep reading on the internet, anyways. Lets compare Laguna vs Harvey vs Powermatic vs SawStop. The Best Table Saw can be a little subjective, but I have a pretty open mind about these 4 brands.
I believe the safety factor was well worth $500 more than the most comparable saw without it, but that assumes you are already in the market for a $2,500 Cabinet Style Table Saw.
I read ALL COMMENTS, so please let me know what you think! Thank you for watching and STAY SAFE in the workshop.
This is NOT a sponsored video, but we may receive a small commission for purchases through these affiliate links. It is a great way to support the channel at NO COST to you!
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PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO
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amzn.to/39agt1J - Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter
amzn.to/3kUM0aG - SAWSTOP 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw, 1.75-HP, 36-Inch Professional TGlide Fence System (PCS175-TGP236)
#diy #woodworking #sawstop

[@HuntsWorkshop]

What Table Saw do you have? Do you think SawStop is worth it?

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Mention on TikTok you have a KZbin, this video was super helpful for making this decision with the high end saws

[@gregghernandez2714]

I have the DeWalt jobsite saw which is a beast. Pretty loud, but very accurate, and it folds up nicely. I recently sold a car to a friend of mine who I am allowing to make payments. By the time the car is paid off, I should have enough to get a Sawstop. Can't wait. The Sawstop is absolutely worth it in my opinion.

[@snaplash]

I'm currently running a 30+ year old 5HP Unisaw with a Paralok fence. I'd like to replace it, but in reality, I don't use it often enough to justify the hassle of getting rid of the old one and getting the new one delivered with my steep driveway.

[@peterszutu555]

I had a Grizzly contractor table saw for 20+ years while I worked full time as a healthcare executive. Now I’m retired and spending a few hours everyday instead of every few weeks in my shop. The SawStop 3hp PCS was my first upgrade and I’m really happy as I can make cuts that were simply not possible on my Grizzly. I think other cabinet saws could match SawStop in accuracy and convenience and cost less. But for me, I’m willing to pay more for my fingers. Kickbacks are still possible but amputations are far worse generally speaking.

[@fcschoenthal]

Probably the best explanation on the SawStop difference that I've seen. Even without the safety feature, SawStop quality is among the best. - Chris

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@kwilliams2239]

"Among the best" doesn't say much. There are only a small handful of contractor/cabiner table saw makers. Harvey is really good as is Powermatic. I haven't seen a Grizzly in quite a while. I doubt they're anything close to any of these but they run about half the price.

[@user-lc4bo3ic3g]

Thats right its just a ( look at me I fit in too piece) Norm used a Delta unisaw for years and kept all his fingers. Dose anyone remember when everyone had 😢to have a Delta like Norm to be considered a REAL woodworker. So stop with the GUILT TRIP

[@peterszutu555]

I bought a SawStop 3hp PCS this year. I’ve been using table saws for about 50 years. Still have all my fingers. Like to keep all of my fingers. Now I’m retired and will be doing more project, spending more hours on the table saw and getting creative. Like you, I know it’s a quality table saw and the safety feature is worth the entire price.

[@AnonymousUser1776]

I got my PCS175 assembled yesterday. Not only is it safer for me as the user, but for anyone else who is around the saw. No exposed motor or belt hanging out the back. If someone ever turns it on by accident…. It’s just the safest option. And on top of that it’s amazing at doing what table saws do.

[@michaelmustered7536]

I thank you for your input and what you to know I absolutely agree!

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

With SawStop’s current promotion, the 1.75 hp cabinet saw 36” T-glide is around $2200 but you can get the free 60 tooth blade and incra miter gauge upgrade, the overarm dust collection, or the dado blade stack. I am getting the miter gauge as it seems like a no-brainer.

[@rs9510]

thanks for the review and the common sense you've brought to the table and how you made so much sense. table saws are no joke and there is no dollar amount you can put on missing parts of the body; I've been ready to upgrade my job site Dewalt and now I know what my next table saw will be. thanks for your time and effort and caring for other wood workers.

[@cathylopez4004]

Thanks for the content!! Explained awesomely!!

[@ValiRossi]

Beautiful saw and totally worth the money.

[@midnightsun2483]

I have a Harvey 4hp 36 inch with router table. I love it. Top shelf

[@HuntsWorkshop]

That’s a fantastic saw, stumpy nubs has a nice Harvey. Can’t go wrong!

[@godisgoodwoodworks4801]

I have been looking at SawStop saws for a while now. I've known about them for a long time, but always assumed they were out of my budget. However, I had a near miss with my table saw a few months ago, where I got complacent with a cut and nicked the tip of one finger. That was enough to convince me to start considering a SawStop purchase more seriously. I hadn't thought of the angle you brought up, which is that the safety feature only adds $500 to the cost of the new saw, when compared to similar models by other manufacturers. I doubt anyone would willingly give up one finger, or even part of one finger, for $500. So to me, that added cost is a no brainer if someone is in the market for a new saw anyway.

[@BrenQ99]

Worth it. Yes.

[@theproblemis2158]

Actually made that decision last week ordered the 5HP industrial Sawstop saw. Should take delivery at about the end of next week. Something that a lot of people don't mention. While the Sawstop will do minimum damage to your appendages it doesn't do anything for kickback, so don't get complacent. :)

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Very true and congrats on a beautiful and powerful saw!

[@vaughnhatch]

Yes!

[@styleawaits7557]

Great information!

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Thank You so much!

[@walterwright507]

I bought one for the same reason , thanks

[@WM-ln4dz]

Personally, I am waiting to save up for a SawStop before I buy ANY table saw for my home. Honestly, I think it should be permitted to use FSA/HSA funds to buy replacement brake cartridges, and to pay for the difference in cost between another similar model and a saw with SawStop technology.

[@larrycurran7005]

Being primarily a track saw fan, Festool MFT table set up, Kreg Adaptive Cutting System and Triton's track saw so I have little need for a cabinet saw. I realize though that there are some cuts that work easier, nicer, better, faster on a table saw. So I went looking but knowing I have a small shop size and a cabinet saw would chew all my floor space up I looked at contractor saws. Most were nice but not that accurate with their fence or table flatness. I decided to look at a Sawstop contractor model. The dealer showed it to me and it was sweet but lots of floor space. Then I saw the Sawstop jobsite saw. Looked it over, the quality was excellent for that type of saw. Bought it and right out of the box with about 15 minutes of setup it was dead on. From all my looking Sawstop is a very high quality unit. Doesn't matter the model.plus the safety features. I was raised with powermatic and they are great. Perhaps the only one as good or better than Sawstop. You will never go wrong with your purchase. Two years later and I love my jobsite saw.. fold it up when not in use to save space, back to cutting in a minute with great quality. The model you get is a personal decision but the quality and customer service are second to none. While not for everyone they are outstanding saws. Good purchase.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

I appreciate the feedback! I have always been curious about the other models, so I'm glad you mentioned how good that saw has been for you!

[@wj8108]

That’s saws great. I have the 4hp Harvey she’s a beast and the rail guide and fence are both steel. The only aluminum is the high low fence.

[@wj8108]

The cabinet door is steel too

[@portlandtwowheels1872]

Not a waste of money from what I've seen and heard. I'd be ok with spending a few extra hundred dollars for safety-related gear. Like you said, that portion of it is worth it alone. I have a Ridgid r4514 and even though I built it into a plywood/2x4 cabinet for sturdiness....its still under-powered and the blade is impossible (yes, impossible) to get it parallel to the miterslots and therefor the fence. I even had it taken in to a repair person under their lifetime warranty coverage. Didn't fix anything. Should have started with a Dewalt as they're usually amazing.

[@lisamihm3642]

Clearly a great investment!

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@rexseven93]

If you never touch your blade, it isn't worth it. I have a PCS and also a Delta 36-725T2. The Delta costs about the same as the mobile base, an extra cartridge, a dado set and the cartridge for the Saw Stop. Aligned and cared for properly, there is no difference in how the two cut. I was also sent the wrong instructions for the Saw Stop and the allen wrench that came with the miter gauge doesn't fit the screws. There is nothing wrong with the Saw Stop, it's a good saw, but I'm disappointed in it if I'm honest.

[@georgewilmore7599]

I have a delta unisaw 5hp it’s a great saw. I used the saw stop at my woodworking club shop and it’s been repaired a few times because of problems. I use my guard on the unisaw so no chance of cutting my fingers off. Thin rips are done on my bandsaw.

[@kwilliams2239]

I have a Unisaw, as well. I don't have a guard on it (can't even find it) but I did put a riving knife on it. I do a fair amount of dados so both are useless but the riving knife just clips off.

[@mynonameyt]

I’m 67, still love woodworking,DIY stuff. I’m getting a saw stop, end of question. I’ve owned a delta contractor saw for 35years, never had any issues, but …… One thing I don’t want to do is be a FOOL. If you’re in the business of woodworking, and consider saving money over safety, well, that’s the definition of a FOOL. Very good video.

[@tonyborzumato8510]

Your comment about knowing it's a table saw and knowing where your hands are is an over simplification. If you're unfortunate enough to experience a bad kickback, the work piece can pull your hand into the spinning blade SO fast, you won't even be aware of what's happening until it's far too late. (look at some KZbin videos on kickback, and you'll likely have nightmares for a while). Other than that, your rationale is on target; nice video - got a like from me.😮. Ps... I'm picking up the SawStop PCS 1.75 in the very near future.

[@travisedwards9983]

The sawstop feature is not something that appeals to me, so the Harvey is the one that im going to upgrade to. Plus they have upgraded to a new fence system

[@ProjectAnubisUSA]

If you could afford a saw in this price point, $500 is a no brainer. If you can’t afford this saw, they have a cheaper option to help you eventually upgrade. If you still can’t afford that, stop doing extra activities that cost $$$ like eating out and you could afford it. For kickback, they need to design something that’s not an afterthought design. For now, use the aftermarket attachments available. I think any safety features that are not cumbersome are worth thinking about making the investment if you’re risking your abilities.

[@thomasemberson8021]

I got a unisaw, right before that saw was available. In a heartbeat I would have gotten it, for all the reasons you mentioned. I had an oopsie on my old contractors, the root causes: 1) I was an idiot and force a 2x4 between the blade and the fence 2) The iron top had warped, causing the slight narrowing between the blade and fence. Luckily all I have is a scar on the end of my first finger, and did not have any nerve damage. But .... Never powered that saw on again. Really wish I had a picture of a straight edge on that table top though.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

I'm glad you got away with just the scar! That is quite a scare. It happens to the best of the best, you are far from alone on this one.

[@jimfeaster4837]

Ive lost part of thumb Saw stop is the one!

[@pieces94]

100% worth it in my opinion. About a year ago I had an incident with a jobsite table saw. Basically took a kerf width of flesh out of my thumb. Didn’t hit the nail bed or bone and didn’t need physical therapy. All things said I was very fortunate. Took a while to heal to the point I could use my thumb to tie my shoes and start a bolt, but again, very fortunate. That one ER visit and removing the stitches 2 weeks later cost me $2,800. My situation was far better than other people and it still makes financial sense. I’m about to buy a saw stop and am in between the 1.75hp and 3hp.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

You got super lucky! It’s a great investment in safety and the saw itself is just about on par with Powermatic (steel tube fence rail, cast iron trunnion, etc). I have the 1.75 and it works great, but the 3HP is lower production time if you do hardwood rips constantly. I do a lot of plywood and maybe 25% hardwoods. Thank you for your feedback!

[@pieces94]

@@HuntsWorkshop I truly did get lucky. The saw stop itself is well made and a great competitor to the others saws you’ve/I’ve checked out. Add the safety feature and for me it’s a no brainer. In fact before the accident I knew I wanted to upgrade from the jobsite saw to a cabinet saw and was considering the saw stop. I figured “it would never happen to me” as I’m very careful but like you said, a pro driver can get into an accident too. I don’t do much thick hardwood rips but would run a new electrical circuit to the saw and my panel is in the garage. It’s one of those most likely don’t need it but nice to have situations. Everyone I know with a 1.75hp is pleased with it. Just in my own head as to whether to get the 3hp or possibly upgrade in the future.

[@mikeoxmaul3849]

I would and I have the same saw

[@JM-sz4oi]

Well done. The only thing I'd add is that an acquaintance almost severed a thumb. By the time he was back to (almost) normal, the cost approached $100K.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

WOW! That escalates quickly with surgery, etc. I hope he's recovered as well as possible!!

[@cristianvel619]

I have a Dewalt job site saw (7491) and I’m ready for an update. I looked at laguna and Harvey, but ultimately decided to go sawstop. I’m an office worker and DIYer, so I need my hands. I’m waiting for their spring promo to get the 3hp PCS 36 t glide.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

You’re going to love it!

[@mychannel7921]

Spring promo?? What does that involve?

[@janisdurwael269]

5,ooo plus in Canada!!!

[@ricardoferreyra4199]

New subscriber. So? How about that pocket hole jig for Ricardo?

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Comment on the TikTok please so I can DM the winner. More secure.

[@ShayVidas]

i would pay more. saw stop have great tables, resnoable prices and this safety is worth every penny

[@michaelcantu1766]

Yes I would pay the price for me right no is what to do with my Delta Contractor saw😢

[@janisdurwael269]

3hp professional in Canada at the moment is $5000.00 plus 11% tax. Hard to justify. Make sure you have a riving knife , watch a million how to videos on learing to use a table saw. You could buy a track saw to help reduce the use of a table saw.

[@gregghernandez2714]

Recently there were some guys in my neighborhood complex installing new fencing. I was leaving to go and get some lunch and I noticed one of the guys working so I went to say hi. He had a DeWalt jobsite saw setting on the driveway which I thought was not the safest thing to be doing. What really shocked me however was the fact that he was cutting the wood freehand! He wasn't using a miter gauge or a sled, he was cutting freehand, and his fingers were just inches from the blade. I didn't say anything to him because I didn't want to distract him, but I thought to myself as I was leaving "there is an accident just waiting to happen."

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Yeah, even the luckiest people only get away with that for so long!

[@kennethholmes9315]

Yes it is worth every penny.

[@johnrice6793]

Five hundred dollars over years - the SawStop is the best deal in power tool bargains since power tools have been made. Look back - remember the wringer washer? No? Lost scalps, mangled hands and arms - thank god for technology. I mean when all tablesaws have the right to use the SawStop technology you know sure as sure is they’ll all use it or by god they’d better. Best damned power tool choice you’ve made and I’ll bet you’ve made some good ones. I say, good on yuh!

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Thank You! It will be interesting to see the competition. It won’t be long!

[@michaelshelnutt3534]

I am not sure wet wood trips the brake- many videos showing it doesn’t

[@HuntsWorkshop]

If the red light flashes during your test, put it in bypass mode.

[@raymondbunkofske4702]

Something I’ve never seen mentioned is that as far as I can tell the Sawstop is the only saw that preserves the accuracy of the fence mounted measuring tape at both 90 and 45 degrees. The others do not read correctly at 45 degrees. Not important for everyone, but a key differentiator for me.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

That’s true, but I never rely on the fence measurement myself. I always go by the marking knife mark and the blade edge.

[@kwilliams2239]

@@HuntsWorkshop The fence measurement is good for hacking up 2x4s.😁

[@tommegan6500]

Why buy new? There are lots of great older cabinet saws available used for less than $1k, sometimes way less. They may be 50 years old, but these are not wear-out items. At most some fresh bearings and a modern fence system, and it will still serve your grandchildren just fine.

[@rtt2634]

Yes there a a lot of very good and cheaper saws around , but would I let my grandkids near one , no way Very much worth the extra cost to ensure as much as possible that all users of the saw walk away with all there fingers still attached you there hands Also .to anyone looking at the smaller motor , get the bigger motor ,worth the extra money

[@ChristianN-]

The whole "debate" on sawstop is, to be, absurd. The only saw I can get here in Norway with sawstop tech is the festool tks 80 - while it's apparently an amazing saw, I want cast iron. So when / if I upgrade my small, cast iron 8" table saw it'll probably be to the Harvey which is available here but if these saws where available I wouldn't have any doubt at all, I'd get a sawstop. Like you said, accidents happen. Cars crashes into houses, water mains burst, there's just so many unforseen events that could happen at any given time that adding safety to the saw is a great idea.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Appreciate your feedback! I naively assumed with TTS owning SawStop they would be distributed globally just like the Festool.

[@ChristianN-]

@@HuntsWorkshop Not really naively I think, but the market for these heavy cast iron saws in europe is a lot smaller then in the US, only a few specialty shops here do import them. The job-site saws are what most hobbyists run and the pros run panel saws like Felder, SCM etc. We also have a lot smaller houses and garages so there's less space for these big behemoths, my basement shop is sub 300 sqare feet hehe. But yeah, hopefully one day they'll increase distribution and I'd somehow make it fit =)

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Interesting, I learn something everyday! Funny how that works though on the space, when something cool shows up we make room somehow haha. I had to get rid of 2 workbenches and put the new saw and outfeed table in the middle so it's also my bench now. Not ideal, but it works.

[@ChristianN-]

@@HuntsWorkshop yea space is always at a premium no matter how big the shop I think but your tradeoff seems very much so worthwhile!

[@SeamlessFab]

@@ChristianN-I’ve been through Europe. Saying an entire continent on planet earth quote “has smaller houses and garages” is wild 😂

[@71sixpak]

The person who is going to try and justify saving 500-1000 over safety is the same person who thinks nothing will ever happen to them, they may also be the person who argues seat belts don't help. At the minimum a trip the the ER is going to pay for that saw.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Absolutely! I agree with you 100%. Thank you for your feedback!

[@fjpapp7952]

Nice review except you left out some pretty important information. The Harvey table saw is a 4HP and sells for $2500 . That's $400 less than the 1.75HP from SawStop and $1000 less than a 3P from SawStop. And a 4HP is a huge upgrade from a 1.75. Just my opinion

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Ask Harvey what the actual output HP is on that motor ;)

[@JoeAlbrecht71]

@@HuntsWorkshop What is it?

[@eriklarsson3188]

3rd generation handyman? That sounded funny.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

It’s not in everyone’s dna to be a welder, woodworker, mechanic and be able to fix everything, some people just pay someone else and accept whatever quality they get.

[@brucegibson8053]

As far the the safety feature alone, then no I wouldn't spend the extra money. There again, I've used a table saw all my working life and continue to do so in my personal wood shop. I have a very high regard of ALL the machines in my shop and have never had a accident involving any of them, but I've had (what I would consider) the very best in training throughout my 45+ years of using these machines. I do, however see a NEED for one with the new breed of home wood shop owners where most of their training is from the internet. Due to our "sue happy" society and insurance premiums as high as they are, this saw makes sense to the new generation of wood workers. The big question is. How well does it preform? The other brands you mentioned have either priced themselves out of the homeowner market or have gone the way of $$$ over quality. I.M.O. Saw stop's contractor (job site) saw would be a good alternative for a homeowner type shop. They have the safety feature and from I've heard, the quality needed to make them semi-safe. Best advice I can give is to learn everything their is to learn about ALL the tools you acquire for your shop and above all, LEARN HOW TO USE THEM SAFELY!!!

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Yeah I remember my shop teacher always saying “it’s a table saw (or jointer), WHERE ARE YOUR HANDS” haha never been able to unhear that in 28 years.

[@kwilliams2239]

@@HuntsWorkshop Not only "where are you hands?" but "where are your eyes?" Never push and take your eyes off the blade.

[@kwilliams2239]

Learning from the Internet is not all bad (we're both here😁). If I'd had as many kickbacks as I've seen in KZbin videos (and exactly what was done wrong), I'd hang up the shop apron for good. One of the problems with each generation is that the hobby seems to be disappearing with each generation. Those who wish to take it up don't really have a mentor (I didn't, really). It is a a dangerous sport if you just dive into the deep end.

[@kwilliams2239]

​@@lukemontgomery40 I'd put it a little differently. I know driving is dangerous, and I know that perhaps there are safer cars, but I drive anyway because life is a risk. More accurately, life is all about balancing risk and reward. As Mike Rowe says, "safety third".

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Hi! Please mention on your TikTok that you have a KZbin! This video was super good. I have been looking at sawstop/Harvey/ Laguna for a year, this was a great video. I am still undecided, but that’s my fault. Harvey can be 4hp and has a deeper table, the Laguna goes on sales… it’s a tough Decision that might take me another year for all I know. In the end the safety feature is what reigns supreme in the big picture

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Thank you for watching, I will keep that in mind!

[@moguga6357]

Are you ready to sell a finger for 500? Most likely not. Get that safety feature then.

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

I don't believe in magnets, therefore I prefer the Chinese saws that are cheeeeeep.

[@user-lc4bo3ic3g]

Not everyone can afford 4 thousand dollars on a saw . And i can't stand the big guilt trip put on people who can't afford it. I won't even watch anyone using a sawstop. And yes i care about my safety as much as any of you. But im not going to let the guilt trip from people who can afford it to stop me from woodworking period

[@midnightsun2483]

You can’t be on you tube unless you have a sawstop

[@HuntsWorkshop]

I see a lot of other brands on here, it’s all preference. Any well timed cabinet saw is going to be pretty amazing!

[@kwilliams2239]

I think you're onto something here. ...and a Domino (though I have one of these).

[@NBGTFO]

No. No it's not.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Thank you for your feedback! What kind of Table Saw are you using? I am curious what everyone has!

[@waynebooker498]

I've been woodworking for 15 years and I bought a sawstop pcs 3 years ago. I would have paid that $500 difference. If I had cut off a finger before I bought it I would have paid 10 times that or more to prevent the pain and cost of an injury. Unfortunately, safety lessons are written in blood for those who don't learn from others' mistakes.

[@HuntsWorkshop]

Appreciate your feedback, so true!