If you’ve searched the Internet for top rated Contractor Saws you already know that the Ridgid TS3650 Table Saw makes almost all lists, either as best value or best high end features.  You also know the model has been discontinued in favor of the 3660, and even that model will be tough to find.

With increasing competition and technological advantages more and more manufacturers are discontinuing well regarded older models in favor of upgraded offerings. 

Ridgid has chosen to concentrate on its higher end portable model, the TS2410LS, and its entry into the Hybrid Table Saw market, the R4511.  Their Hybrid Table Saw features the latest advance in table saw surface construction – a granite table top.







But the TS3650/3660 is still out there and with such universal acceptance as a saw that offers more high end features than any other at an excellent price point, it may be worth the search.  Let’s look at some of the features that set the Ridgid TS3650 and TS3660 apart from the competition.

Construction

Ridgid didn’t spare the cast iron in the design of this saw.  The table surface, the extensions, and a uniquely designed single piece trunion cradle are all made of cast iron.  Many competitive models have cast iron tables, with lesser materials used in the extension wings and the trunion assembly.  The overall heft of the design and construction of the saw contributes to the low-vibration and smooth-running quality of the saw’s motor.

The TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) 1.5 hp induction motor keeps dust and debris out and yields a hefty 3,450 rotations per minute (Rpms).  A TEFC induction motor will last a very long time, so you should be able to find used TS 3650/3660 models out there with years of life left in them.  As a contractor saw the motor is mounted on the outside of the table, a negative in the eyes of many reviewers.  The newer R4511 – as a true hybrid saw – has the motor mounted underneath the table.  The drive system uses a poly V-belt – a huge advantage over cheaper direct drive systems.

The controls are well positioned in the front of the saw and easily accessible.  An excellent safety feature is the ease with which the operator can cut the power to the saw simply by touching the on/off switch with the knee.   The splitter/blade guard will need tools to be removed and reattached, which is a safety drawback.  The newer R4511 uses the much safer riving knife design, where the knife is not a part of the blade guard assembly and rises and lowers with the blade itself.

Accessories

The miter gauge is a T-style and the fence is self-aligning and is easily locked to the front and rear rails.  The fence also features a micro-adjust knob.  The included blade is a 40 tooth, carbide-tipped, thin kerf blade, suitable for both ripping and cross-cutting.

The Herc-U-Lift mobile base allows the operator to simply push down on a foot pedal, which raises the entire saw which can then be rolled around on caster style, heavy duty wheels.  This feature also enables some contractors to actually take this saw along to job sites, although lifting it is definitely a two person job.

Assembly

Reviewers have found the assembly instructions very clear and easy to follow.  Estimates for total time needed to assemble the TS 3650/3660 range from four to eight hours.  Everything you need comes in one large, heavy box and you would be well advised to have someone with you during assembly.  The saw gets high marks for the ease of initial alignment as well.

This model is well worth an extended search, but if you are not having much luck or you really don’t want to invest the time and effort into hunting for it, you might want to consider the Hybrid R4511.  Although a few units were recalled in the late summer of 2009, Ridgid still features them on their website and they were selling at selected Home Depots in mid-January of 2010 at clearance discounts.  Perhaps yet another new and improved model is coming!