Author Topic: Sawstop Compact Saw (Read 3082 times)

MarcV · « **on:** September 16, 2022, 11:29 PM »

I just picked up the sawstop compact saw. Its basically the size of the dewalt saw with a rack and pinion also. The stand was good quality but I opted to put it on the dewalt rolling stand. For my needs this is the perfect saw. It has enough power for my needs, very accurate with the rack and pinion, and it is small enough that it can be easily put in and out of the back of my truck. I previously had the sawstop Jobsite Pro and although i think its a good saw, I didn't like the fence over the rack and pinion and It was just big enough to be a pain to move in and out of my truck. As a bonus its compact enough that it fits under a table in my garage.

luvmytoolz · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2022, 11:46 PM »

I'm really curious on this one, how noisy is it as it's a brushed motor, and is the top cast iron or aluminium?

I also wonder if it is as accurate long term as a standard table saw.

MarcV · « **Reply #2 on:** September 16, 2022, 11:56 PM »

Its about the same DB as the dewalt saw. It didn't bother me but im used to the noise of little saws with universal motors. If I was coming from a induction motor it might seem noisy. The top is aluminum. Due to the rack and pinion I am very happy with the accuracy and I sure it will stay that for a very long time. a benefit of sawstops is that they make it very easy to order parts if needed. I already order a front rail and rear rail for about $50. The rails are aluminum extrusion so with a connection piece I can make the rails longer when needed and make the saw capable of cutting up to 36" or longer, which is awesome for something so portable.

luvmytoolz · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2022, 01:02 AM »

Man I wish they'd have released this or one like with an induction motor. They really spoil you for universal motors.

I like that the top is aluminium, from what I can tell this is sort of like a beefed up contractors saw that almost bridges the gap between that and a cabinet saw.

I'm after something exactly like this that has a small footprint, but would be accurate and repeatable enough long term like a cabinet saw to use with a sled for box making. The motor kind of kills me for it though, wouldn't be fun to use hours on end I think.

Packard · « **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2022, 09:45 AM »

My most used table saw accessory is a Magswitch feather board. I use it for virtually all my rip cuts. Before I got the Magswitch unit, I rarely used my miter slot based feather board.

An aluminum surface would be a deal killer for me.

Vondawg · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2022, 10:39 AM »

How many portable TS’s have cast iron tops ? This saw is going to be a very nice fit for many who need a compact/portable TS with the finger saving safety feature

mattgam · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2022, 01:57 PM »

Quote from: MarcV on September 16, 2022, 11:56 PM

Its about the same DB as the dewalt saw. It didn't bother me but im used to the noise of little saws with universal motors. If I was coming from a induction motor it might seem noisy. The top is aluminum. Due to the rack and pinion I am very happy with the accuracy and I sure it will stay that for a very long time. a benefit of sawstops is that they make it very easy to order parts if needed. I already order a front rail and rear rail for about $50. The rails are aluminum extrusion so with a connection piece I can make the rails longer when needed and make the saw capable of cutting up to 36" or longer, which is awesome for something so portable.

@MarkV Could you explain this more? I've got one of these on order and had no idea you could expand capacity? Also, any chance you have the part numbers you ordered?

MarcV · « **Reply #7 on:** September 17, 2022, 03:05 PM »

I got the idea from a instagram video I saw of someone that did this to their Dewalt tablesaw. If you look at the end of the rails you will see two opening. One of them I'm going to cut down some wood to stick in that will actually hold the weight of the rail. Then using the connector piece with screws I will connect the rails together so that they move together as one. Then you put in the screws for the fence to sit on. It should be easily removable. I will use it for making cabinets and when having a 34" rip capacity is needed. When I get everything and verify that it works I will post pictures. The connector piece might not fit but it was cheap to purchase and try. If it doesn't fit I'll figure out what does.

bobtskutter · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2022, 03:15 PM »

I wish this was available in the UK.

Bob

Birdhunter · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2022, 06:12 PM »

We had massive water damage to our house. The contractor did a fantastic job of rebuilding the damaged part of the house and replacing a 20’ by 8’ window. Their saw was a DeWalt contractor saw. No safety features and no dust collection. They also used a DeWalt skill saw and a DeWalt vibratory saw. Amazing skill.

MarcV · « **Reply #10 on:** September 17, 2022, 07:26 PM »

Quote from: Birdhunter on September 17, 2022, 06:12 PM

We had massive water damage to our house. The contractor did a fantastic job of rebuilding the damaged part of the house and replacing a 20’ by 8’ window. Their saw was a DeWalt contractor saw. No safety features and no dust collection. They also used a DeWalt skill saw and a DeWalt vibratory saw. Amazing skill.

Yeah they are amazing saws. The rack and pinion keeps everything very accurate.

rst · « **Reply #11 on:** September 17, 2022, 08:48 PM »

I have the Metabo HPT 36v table saw, it has a brushless motor and can run on batteries or the transformer that plugs. It has a fence virtually identical to the De Walt and has the larges table and cross cutting capacity (35") of all the portables. I put mine on the DeWalt rolling stand also.

HinksonHomeRepair · « **Reply #12 on:** September 18, 2022, 09:59 AM »

Quote from: rst on September 17, 2022, 08:48 PM

I have the Metabo HPT 36v table saw, it has a brushless motor and can run on batteries or the transformer that plugs. It has a fence virtually identical to the De Walt and has the larges table and cross cutting capacity (35") of all the portables. I put mine on the DeWalt rolling stand also.

I was planning on purchasing this a few days before the Sawstop CTS was announced. I’ve had great luck with my Metabo HPT tools and loved that this had the rack and pinion fence, and cordless/AC Adapter options. Unfortunately sawstop tech wins out over cordless for me.

Bencan · « **Reply #13 on:** September 18, 2022, 07:28 PM »

How do you find the power compared to the jobsite pro? I was looking at the weight difference isn’t actually that much? I am going to buy one or the other, I’m on the tools everyday. Will the compact saw rip through 2x material easily? I’m 17 years in and the older I get the more underrated I think safety is. Maybe just getting a bit smarter as I get older maybe just more reckless with my money instead of my body

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ironchefboyardee · « **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2022, 06:23 AM »

This is promising feedback. I had a preorder but cancelled it so I could see some reviews before buying.

Are you using the blade that came with it or something else? I would assume a thin-kerf blade is a given for this size of saw.

mattgam · « **Reply #15 on:** September 25, 2022, 06:58 PM »

Quote from: MarcV on September 16, 2022, 11:29 PM

I just picked up the sawstop compact saw. Its basically the size of the dewalt saw with a rack and pinion also. The stand was good quality but I opted to put it on the dewalt rolling stand. For my needs this is the perfect saw. It has enough power for my needs, very accurate with the rack and pinion, and it is small enough that it can be easily put in and out of the back of my truck. I previously had the sawstop Jobsite Pro and although i think its a good saw, I didn't like the fence over the rack and pinion and It was just big enough to be a pain to move in and out of my truck. As a bonus its compact enough that it fits under a table in my garage.

@MarkV did you drill 4 holes in the legs to mount it to the dewalt stand?

HinksonHomeRepair · « **Reply #16 on:** September 26, 2022, 06:36 PM »

Quote from: ironchefboyardee on September 19, 2022, 06:23 AM

This is promising feedback. I had a preorder but cancelled it so I could see some reviews before buying.

Are you using the blade that came with it or something else? I would assume a thin-kerf blade is a given for this size of saw.

@ironchefboyardee it comes with a ripping blade. I replaced mine immediately with a thin kerf Freud general purpose blade because I cut lots of plywood. Been a good saw so far, I need to build an outfeed table.

jobsworth · « **Reply #17 on:** **Yesterday** at 08:21 PM »

how is the quality of cut?

Thats a issue Ive had with small portable saws

ChuckS · « **Reply #18 on:** **Yesterday** at 08:38 PM »

One recent review:

DynaGlide · « **Reply #19 on:** **Today** at 10:51 AM »

I saw one at Woodcraft over the weekend. I'm not too worried about the flesh saving tech I have a very healthy fear of table saws which leads me to plan out each cut with an abundance of safety. But what did catch my eye is the sawstop has a very nice amount of infeed before the blade. It looked quite a bit longer than my Dewalt 745. Not sure if that was mentioned already.