Well, I bought one... the newly released Ridgid R4512 table saw.
Cast iron top, cast iron table mounted trunions, 13 AMP. Currently $499 at Home Depot. I think it will be fine for what I'm doing as a new beginning woodworker. As long as it cuts straight, can be aligned properly and stay there, that's all I really need for now.
I'll post pictures of unpacking and assembly, for those that are curious. I've started unpacking it, but might not get to start assembling it until later this week or this weekend. I'll update this thread at that time.
The box fit fine into the back of my 2010 Subaru Outback. It took several HD employees to lift it up and slide it in, though. I think they were cursing the non-skid rubber liner in the cargo area. I know I was when trying to slide the saw back out again!
Top view of the box when you open it and removed the cardboard sheet: The smaller parts tray. I removed the fence, lifted the entire tray out, and set it aside.
View after removing the tray:
Looking inside the saw body. Note the casters wrapped up and placed inside.
Photo of an area another poster had issue. His saw shifted in transport, and this knob shaft damaged the fence rail that sits very close to it. Not a great packaging idea. Mine was fine, all packaging perfect, no damage that I've found yet.
Inside saw, looking at part of the trunions and the little drive belt.
Guts of the saw again, showing table mounted trunions, motor, etc.
Instructions: "Lift saw out of box..." Yeah, right! I'm alone, and that's NOT happening. Tilt the box carefully onto its side...
...carefully walk the saw out of the packaging and lay your boards onto the floor as directed by the instructions (raises the saw off the floor and protects the table top)...
...and carefully tilt the saw down into the assembly position. It's HEAVY. I believe it will definitely require two people (at least) to safely lift it upright once assembled. That will come later, though.
That's all for now. More to come later in the week or this weekend.

I'll post pictures of unpacking and assembly, for those that are curious. I've started unpacking it, but might not get to start assembling it until later this week or this weekend. I'll update this thread at that time.
The box fit fine into the back of my 2010 Subaru Outback. It took several HD employees to lift it up and slide it in, though. I think they were cursing the non-skid rubber liner in the cargo area. I know I was when trying to slide the saw back out again!
Top view of the box when you open it and removed the cardboard sheet: The smaller parts tray. I removed the fence, lifted the entire tray out, and set it aside.
View after removing the tray:
Looking inside the saw body. Note the casters wrapped up and placed inside.
Photo of an area another poster had issue. His saw shifted in transport, and this knob shaft damaged the fence rail that sits very close to it. Not a great packaging idea. Mine was fine, all packaging perfect, no damage that I've found yet.
Inside saw, looking at part of the trunions and the little drive belt.
Guts of the saw again, showing table mounted trunions, motor, etc.
Instructions: "Lift saw out of box..." Yeah, right! I'm alone, and that's NOT happening. Tilt the box carefully onto its side...
...carefully walk the saw out of the packaging and lay your boards onto the floor as directed by the instructions (raises the saw off the floor and protects the table top)...
...and carefully tilt the saw down into the assembly position. It's HEAVY. I believe it will definitely require two people (at least) to safely lift it upright once assembled. That will come later, though.
That's all for now. More to come later in the week or this weekend.
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