SawStop recently introduced a new jobsite table saw, priced at $1500. The tabletop is a little deeper than the current model, the fence has been slightly updated, and the included blade guard has been improved and has built-in dust collection.
SawStop’s original jobsite table saw has been reduced in price by $300, from $1299 to $999. The retailers I checked all charge $100 flat rate shipping, with the saw coming directly from SawStop.
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So, with this older and outgoing portable table saw on sale, should you buy one?
I should note that the following comments are in regard to the older SawStop jobsite table saw vs. the new one. This isn’t about SawStop vs. non-SawStop table saws. Here, I’m just going to talk about the new deal.
For one, a $300 discount is nothing to sneeze at. A year ago, months before the new model was announced, there was no discount – $1299 is what you paid, and that was that – plus shipping.
Second, not only is this model less expensive right now, it’s $400 lower than the new model. If you look at it the other way, stepping up to the new model requires ~36% greater investment.
If you like the idea of a dust port on the blade guard (there’s a larger dust collection port below the table as well), you could always buy one as an optional accessory, but that will diminish the value of this deal.
Older model: Was $1299 + shipping
Older model on sale: $999 + $100 shipping ($1100 total)
New model: $1399 + $100 shipping ($1500 total)
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So it’s $1100 for this older model, vs. $1500 for the newer model.
I have a test sample of the older model, and frankly I don’t think it needs a larger tabletop. A deeper table? Sure – it can’t hurt, but I don’t think this was a big complaint. ALL jobsite table saws could stand to be deeper for greater workpiece feeding and support.
“Active dust collection blade guard?” That’s a good feature. I received a similar guard accessory with my test sample, and that’s the only guard I’ve used it with, and not the stock guard without dust collection. Unfortunately, there’s no on-tool storage for it the way there is for the stock guard on the older model. Presumably, the new model has storage for the new blade guard. I think the new fence might be a small upgrade as well.
It’s somewhat of a toss-up.
In my opinion, if you’re planning to buy a SawStop jobsite table saw, spring for the new model. However, the new $300 discount on the older model is going to make it more attractive to anyone who wanted flesh-detection and injury avoidance tech but couldn’t quite justify the $1299 + shipping price. You save $400 compared to the new model, unless you want the optional dust collection blade guard.
I think the older model is a good deal (for what you get) at $999 + $100 freight, but I don’t know if I would recommend it over the upgrades the new model offers. But, $400 is a big difference.
Were you expecting me to be a more certain and reassuring voice? Okay, here goes:
Yes, this is a good deal IF you wanted a SawStop jobsite table saw and you don’t plan to cut a lot of thin pieces (that’s one of the things the new fence is said to help with), and you don’t care about an active dust collection blade guard.
If you want either of those things, consider the new model. SawStop sometimes throws in bonuses with their saws, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this with their jobsite saws, or any discounting. So, this will probably be your only chance to get a SawStop table saw for just under $1000 (excluding shipping).
Buy the old model and save $400, or consider the new model and there’s less a chance of buyer’s remorse over not springing more for its upgrades.
Price: $999 plus $100 freight
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PETE
Sawstop is never getting any of my money, ever…. If they truly cared for peoples safety they wouldn’t have sued bosch or tired to legislate their product to be mandatory.
Chris
Agreed!
Mark
If you created it I bet you would think differently.
Dilloncorr
As someone who almost lost a finger on a table saw….. amen brother! That being said, if you’re the only game in town you OWN the game…
David Zeller
SawStop is now owned by the same people as Festool. Its not the old dude now.
Aaron
I have not yet lost a finger and am less young and stupid than I used to be. Its kind of like how most people believe themselves to be above average driver’s which is statistically nonsense… But I believe that I will not hurt myself on a table saw and therefore that sawstop is wasted money. I know it’s stupid but I believe it in my core…
Safety squints engaged!
Stuart
A lot of injuries happen because users are too comfortable around table saws and confident of their abilities.
It just takes one mistake to change your life.
That said, I operate at 1000% caution levels near table saws. Even so, I hope to one day buy a SawStop cabinet saw. Right now, a lack of sufficient space to justify the footprint is my biggest obstacle. That’s the same reason I don’t have a jointer yet either.
Dilloncorr
As someone who almost lost a finger on a table saw….. amen brother! That being said, if you’re the only game in town you OWN the game…
Dilloncorr
This somehow jumped sections and replied to the wrong location…. sorry. But yes 1000% caution is great, until it’s not. All it takes is a sneeze, cough, seizure, or other jumpy noise….
Brandon
I have both of the large Sawstop table saws in my shop and for the most part I like them for the safety aspect and ease of adjusting the fence or switching it to left or right side. Two downsides I have noticed over the years that are easily addressed; 1) cover or coat the ruler/scale on the front of the machine as it took only a year of sliding the fence across it to wear off so now I have to use a tape measure (not that big of a deal), and 2) Install a voltage filter/surge suppressor on the saw! A lightning strike a few years ago took out both of the switch boxes on my Sawstops and Powermatic drill press and thank God my CNC router was disconnected at the lockout switch at the time. I could also state a third which would be to have extra brake cartridges and blades on hand for the incident someone does something stupid or cuts treated lumber. Aside from the fancy electronics, I’d rate these saw at slightly to moderately above average for table saws.
Joseph
For the price of a cabinet saw, the sawstop is priced reasonably. The job site saw seems to be priced like a lawsuit.
William McDermott
I never understood this perspective. When the idea was first developed it was offered to the major manufacturers. My understanding was, they said we dont need it.. we can’t add the cost to our saws. A few years later Sawstop then cam out with their own line of saws.
Bosch was told they were infringing on patents and continued anyway. Then lost court battle. I actually thought THAT was obnoxious.
If you don’t want to spend the extra money that is fine. But I wouldn’t knock Sawstop.
Todd
I have a few nics, but am to cheap to pay up.
I give them kudos for suing and the legislation . If big brother cared they would have passed it , If the other cared they would Develop there own or pay up. First thing I do is remove Safety features on saws .