XShop Convertible Workshop

[CNCRob]

I was wondering if anyone owns or has used the new XShop™ Convertible Workshop by Skil. If you have what do you think about it? I have been considering this saw due to lack of space but would like some other oppions about it. Thanks-Robbie

[trilect]

Its a nice looking machine, I can't find it for sale anywhere. Has it been released for market?

[CNCRob]

Hey trilect,
I seen it for sale at Lowes the other day.

[ger21]

What do you plan on doing with it? If you plan on using it a lot, I wouldn't go that route. Buy a good quality contractors saw, with a mobile base. It will have more power, it's not so small that it's hard to work with, and it will last a lot longer. Jmo.

[CNCRob]

Hey Gerry,
Thanks for your reply. I plan on using it for all types of projects around the house and also to cut large pieces of wood to fit on my cnc machine. So I would probably want to go with the one that will last. Are there any particular brand or model you would suggest? Thanks- Robbie

[ger21]

If it's not going to see a lot of use, then the benchtop would probably be OK. If you want to have a saw that will last 20 years, then go the contractor route. When you say projects around the house, I take that to mean very light use. Do you mean cutting parts to build your CNC, or cutting up large sheets for stock to be CNC machined? Cutting 4 x 8 sheets on a small table saw can be difficult. Even with a contractors saw.

Another thing is that benchtop saws are usually direct drive, and are noisier and tend to have more vibration. A contractor saw will be belt driven, and usually smoother running.

I did some research, and these are supposedly 2 of the best.
General 50-185M1
Jet JWTS-10CW2-JF

I'd also recommend Delta, but not the cheapest ones. The ones priced similarly to the 2 above should be of similar quality.

These are all probably more than you wanted to spend, though.