Great video. Bought the JSP two weeks ago on your recommendation. I agree with everything you said about that saw, especially the fence. You got me thinking about buying the CTS too!
I had seen your CTS video when you opened the box... it inspired me to purchase one - as I could not decide which one to buy. I have been very happy with my CTS; and used the same decision tree: if dado cutting is the deciding factor - I would rather make those cuts with a router. I have since packed up the cabinet saw for good. Frees up amazing amount of floor space on a cradle. Quite happy with moving in this direction. Thank you so much.
I have a JobSite Pro and love it. I cut a bunch of dados for green treated fencing. I had to disable the brake on each cut due to wet wood. First thing I did was construct a wide push stick the night before. Thanks for your great video Ron, I won’t be switching saws but I see why you made your choice.
Thanks Ron, this is the comparison I’ve been waiting for. Dust collection is a major reason for choosing Festool. I too would be most interested in improving CTS top dust collection by adapting the JSP blade guide to the CTS.
For me, a hobbyist working in a garage that gets shared with a car, I need to roll away my saw easily. The JSP folds up quickly and compactly out of way. I don’t have the room to leave the CTS lying around because the little space I can fully dedicate to tools is already crowded with an MFT/track saw, planer, and larger router table. So I will stick with the JSP, plus I like the dado blade option on it, especially for half laps, over router dados.
It is nice to have a choice and find the perfect fit. Being mobile and a tight space at home is why I designed the Smart Station. Now I have my tools all set up and can move the whole shop to right where I need it without tearing anything down. The both the CTS & JSP work, but as I am also mobile, the smaller saw is easier to load in the trailer.
I’m just getting into the smart station I just built (Ron has me convinced to build a cart and cradle), and I can’t imagine a more compact setup. I’m a finish carpenter, so mobile and compact are also very important to me.
This was helpful. I thought I wanted the CTS but I think for me the JSP is the way to go. Main reason? I like how you can close it up and tuck it away in a corner of the garage. If the CTS had a stand like that I would probably go with that option.
Good video. I have both saws as well and pretty much agree with you. I use my saws for fine woodworking. The only problem I and others have found with the JSPro is that after folding up the saw, then bringing it back out, the blade goes out of 90* to the table and must be readjusted almost every time. Also, since the rear trunion is not locked down and can be moved side to side with a hand on the rear dust port, this can also throw off the 90*. Both saws have very fussy throat plate adjustments and those throat plates are critical when ripping narrow boards. So far, I'm finding the CTS stays in adjustment, gives a great cut and is usually my go-to, however I can't help but enjoy both saws.
Festool Owns Saw Stop. They make a table saw with the SS tech, but not available in the US. Festool has a cordless TS that will be distributed in the US, but it doesn't have the SS brake. The only portable table saw in the US with safety brake is SawStop.
Thanks! I didn’t even know they had come out with a more compact version. I gave myself a shave last fall that had me looking for better safety features. I’ve used the job site pro, but it just didn’t appeal to me on a number of points. Your comparison has my sites set on the cts! You’re right-one injury is not worth it. I got lucky, and it’s time to upgrade.
I was 90% set on the CTS but this is swinging me over to the jobsite saw. It seems to be a better match for the way I work and space I have, and I wouldn't have to give up ability to have a dado stack.
The retailer convinced me to buy the big saw so I could handle 4x8 sheets. But I learned that sheet breakdown could be done easily with a circular saw and guide. Saved enough to get the router and blades when I returned it for the CTS (mounting in a bench). Nice review!
Excellent comparison video Ron. Before this video I was heavily leaning toward the Job Site Pro and continued to feel that way until about 90% through this video. One of the reasons I was leaning to JSP was the ability to use a dado, which I only do occasionally but I wanted capacity. Your comment about alternatively using the router table gives me pause. I also like the single turn blade adjustment. I've started but haven't completed your workbench so I haven't experienced the integrated router table. I've decided to sell my Bosch portable saw and gravity stand and move to SawStop primarily for the safety feature. Now I've got some thinking to do.........
Remember on the job site Pro the first version and the second version they have a problem with the dust getting into the trunions and you can't zero the blade out so just know that you're going to take the bottom off to access.
Thanks for making this video Ron-you did an excellent job. Have been deliberating for weeks on these 2 saws. I feel like most review videos for tools are overly focused on specs and features. Your comparison is better because you focus more on how the feature/spec/etc is useful or not useful for your setup.
Hi Ron, can you discuss the tabletop flatness of these saws and how it’s relevant to your work? I noticed the job site saws are not as flat as cast iron tabletop saws. Can you discuss if that matters to you?
I am not a good resource for flatness as I have never checked on any table saw I have owned. I assume if a top were off enough to cause accuracy problems, I would notice.
I have a Sawstop Professional cabinet saw at home and the Jobsite saw on wheels at my farm. They are both great saws for their purpose, although I love the absolute accuracy of the cabinet saw. My only complaint about the jobsite saw is that I need to use the fine adjustment to get to a perfect 90 or a perfect 45, so as I move the angles I have to constantly check the blade angle for accuracy. The cabinet saw is always dead on. Of course we sacrifice accuracy and precision for portability.
Can the jobsite pro blade guard fit in the cts? Also, it seems like the cts would be better at dust collection because it is completely enclosed. Is that the case?
I haven't noticed much of a difference between the two, but that is just my observation. I really couldn't say with any certainty that the CTS collects a % more or less dust. I will try the JSP blade guard on the CTS.
I chose the CTS as well. Given how heavy it is, I can see why shaving off a few pounds from using the Jobsite Pro is well worth it. It's been ten days since you've posted a video. I hope all is well!
@@TheSmartWoodshop interesting. TH-cam shows your "Lightbulb Moments" video as your last video airing "10 days Ago". No video from the fourth comes up in your video feed. Not on my browser anyway.
I didn't go forward with them as the Smart Router tables function both as extensions and router table.I don't need both. If I just wanted extensions, I would build a router table and leave out the router stuff.
Yes, I have hundreds of videos on this channel with the SSJSP hanging off the PSS. I grabbed this one at random. th-cam.com/video/Q0_YL4xT0O0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=iyVomBNA_UXqTfsB
Hey Ron, great comparison, now that you seen the festool cordless table saw, would you consider changing toreplace your CTS or stay as you are for your station set-up?
Just curious, but would the Job Site Pro fit on the smart station in a cradle (just adjust the cradle dimensions) or is it too heavy. I am leaning towards the JSP and will be building a smart station, the dado, fence and extra size are why I am leaning to it, however if it doesn't fit on a cradle the CTS is the way I'll go.
Yes, I have many many many video with the JSP in a cradle on the PSB, PSBB, and PSS. I have used the JSP in a cradle for a couple of years. I thought I mentioned in this video that I had been using the SJP in a cradle, but it was hard to carry and load into the Smart Woodshop.
Really appreciate this video as well as many of your other insightful ones. Planning to purchase the Job Site Pro, next month. I do have a couple of questions I'm curious about. How adjustable is the JSP (blade to miter slot and then fence to blade/miter slot)? Also, is there any issue with running a thin kerf blade on this saw?
2 answers: 1. the saw is completely adjustable I have videos demonstrating the process. 2. You will not need to adjust it. All 3 of the JS saws I have own arrived tuned and have held tune.
@@TheSmartWoodshop thanks for the response. Much of the reviews online for the compact saw call out it's noise and I wondered if the job site saw was quieter due to the different motor configuration. I should say I'm as concerned about being a noisy neighbor as I am about my hearing. As you say, I can wear hearing protection for my ears
Paul. Did you have any issues with the safety features on the cts when cutting the PT window bucks? I have heard that the additional moisture in the PT can cause the blade feature to activate.
No false trips on the CTS. You can touch the blade with the material and watch the indicator LEDs. If the material will trip the brake you will see the red led warning.
Thank you for this excellent comparison. I have room for either saw but remain undecided about the fence. Do you notice any difference at all with regard to accuracy between the two fences? Other video reviews that I have watched complain about the accuracy of the JS Pro's T style fence as well as that slight movement when locking it down. Thanks for all of your great content.
I don't have one and love the safety of that saw. Not to keen on having to buy a new blade and brake but I would rather do that than the alternative. The problem I see is Sawstop has not opened the patent for others to use. And I had heard that they are all so trying to push this being a feature on all saws. Which tells me that they al more interested in profit over safety. I own a Shopsmith and this would not work with it. If you watch "My Growth Rings" Scott Millwood he just did a video on this.
Thought as much. Can't they just get royalties off of the design? If every saw maker is using it they would probably profit more than making their own saws.
Good morning Ron. I really liked this compariison! I noticed that in the UK Festool is offering a 36 volt compact, yet very powerful table saw. It is the CSC SYS 50 EBI-Set. Can you tell us more about when this might be offered in the USA? Thanks!
I don't have any information on the availability of the FT cordless table saw. As soon as I read that it didn't have the safety brake, it fell off my radar.
Mike, you should consider that safety is more expensive as I am sure your vehicle reflects with airbags. Of course they are required by law so the price is higher across all brands. I consider value above price and thus Saw Stop is the best value and lowest price available for my needs. 1. Safety is a top priority: Table saws can be very dangerous, and injuries from them can be severe. While no tool can eliminate all risk, a Saw Stop table saw is designed to greatly reduce the likelihood of serious injury. It's important to consider the value of safety when working with any tool, especially when the potential risks are high. 2. The cost of safety: While it's true that a Saw Stop table saw may cost more than other table saws on the market, it's important to consider the potential cost of an injury. Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs can add up quickly, and they may far exceed the cost of investing in a safer tool upfront. 3. Peace of mind: Knowing that you are using a tool that has advanced safety features can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your work. It's hard to put a price on this kind of mental and emotional benefit. 4. Industry standards: The woodworking industry has recognized the importance of safety and the value of the Saw Stop technology. In fact, many professional woodworkers and institutions require the use of Saw Stop table saws in their shops to ensure the safety of their workers. In summary, while it's understandable to want to save money, investing in a safer tool like a Saw Stop table saw is a wise choice that can prevent serious injury and provide peace of mind. The cost of safety is ultimately up to the individual, but it's important to weigh the potential risks and benefits when making a decision.
that was exactly what i needed to know. Thank you so much, Ron. I'm saving myself a pile of dough and going with the CTS. Love your setup!!
Very thorough, thoughtful & concise. Thank you Ron.
Very welcome
Great video. Bought the JSP two weeks ago on your recommendation. I agree with everything you said about that saw, especially the fence. You got me thinking about buying the CTS too!
Great to hear!
I had seen your CTS video when you opened the box... it inspired me to purchase one - as I could not decide which one to buy. I have been very happy with my CTS; and used the same decision tree: if dado cutting is the deciding factor - I would rather make those cuts with a router. I have since packed up the cabinet saw for good. Frees up amazing amount of floor space on a cradle. Quite happy with moving in this direction. Thank you so much.
Wonderful!
I have a JobSite Pro and love it. I cut a bunch of dados for green treated fencing. I had to disable the brake on each cut due to wet wood. First thing I did was construct a wide push stick the night before. Thanks for your great video Ron, I won’t be switching saws but I see why you made your choice.
Great tip!
Great comparison! Thanks for doing this video!
You bet😎
This was great Ron, thanks for the detailed comparison.
Thanks Ron, this is the comparison I’ve been waiting for.
Dust collection is a major reason for choosing Festool.
I too would be most interested in improving CTS top dust collection by adapting the JSP blade guide to the CTS.
😎👍
For me, a hobbyist working in a garage that gets shared with a car, I need to roll away my saw easily. The JSP folds up quickly and compactly out of way. I don’t have the room to leave the CTS lying around because the little space I can fully dedicate to tools is already crowded with an MFT/track saw, planer, and larger router table. So I will stick with the JSP, plus I like the dado blade option on it, especially for half laps, over router dados.
It is nice to have a choice and find the perfect fit. Being mobile and a tight space at home is why I designed the Smart Station. Now I have my tools all set up and can move the whole shop to right where I need it without tearing anything down. The both the CTS & JSP work, but as I am also mobile, the smaller saw is easier to load in the trailer.
I’m just getting into the smart station I just built (Ron has me convinced to build a cart and cradle), and I can’t imagine a more compact setup. I’m a finish carpenter, so mobile and compact are also very important to me.
I know what I want and need. Great explanation of both saws. Thanks
This was helpful. I thought I wanted the CTS but I think for me the JSP is the way to go. Main reason? I like how you can close it up and tuck it away in a corner of the garage. If the CTS had a stand like that I would probably go with that option.
Good video. I have both saws as well and pretty much agree with you. I use my saws for fine woodworking. The only problem I and others have found with the JSPro is that after folding up the saw, then bringing it back out, the blade goes out of 90* to the table and must be readjusted almost every time. Also, since the rear trunion is not locked down and can be moved side to side with a hand on the rear dust port, this can also throw off the 90*. Both saws have very fussy throat plate adjustments and those throat plates are critical when ripping narrow boards. So far, I'm finding the CTS stays in adjustment, gives a great cut and is usually my go-to, however I can't help but enjoy both saws.
I haven't noticed any of the issues with the 3 SS I have had. Thanks for the feedback
Ron, thanks for the reviews.
Nice comparison and a great endorsement for the CTS!
Thanks for watching!
This was so helpful. Thank you for your detailed perspective!
Glad it was helpful!
Another well done and very well presented video
Glad you enjoyed it
Good review.
Festool has portable saws that use the SawStop Brake, including models with sliding tables.
Festool Owns Saw Stop. They make a table saw with the SS tech, but not available in the US. Festool has a cordless TS that will be distributed in the US, but it doesn't have the SS brake. The only portable table saw in the US with safety brake is SawStop.
Thanks! I didn’t even know they had come out with a more compact version. I gave myself a shave last fall that had me looking for better safety features. I’ve used the job site pro, but it just didn’t appeal to me on a number of points. Your comparison has my sites set on the cts! You’re right-one injury is not worth it. I got lucky, and it’s time to upgrade.
I didn’t even have medical bills, and it still cost more than buying a safer saw.
I've been debating between these two saws for months... somehow I hadn't seen this video until now. I'm 95% decided that I'm going with the CTS!
I was 90% set on the CTS but this is swinging me over to the jobsite saw. It seems to be a better match for the way I work and space I have, and I wouldn't have to give up ability to have a dado stack.
The retailer convinced me to buy the big saw so I could handle 4x8 sheets. But I learned that sheet breakdown could be done easily with a circular saw and guide. Saved enough to get the router and blades when I returned it for the CTS (mounting in a bench). Nice review!
Excellent comparison video Ron. Before this video I was heavily leaning toward the Job Site Pro and continued to feel that way until about 90% through this video. One of the reasons I was leaning to JSP was the ability to use a dado, which I only do occasionally but I wanted capacity. Your comment about alternatively using the router table gives me pause. I also like the single turn blade adjustment. I've started but haven't completed your workbench so I haven't experienced the integrated router table. I've decided to sell my Bosch portable saw and gravity stand and move to SawStop primarily for the safety feature. Now I've got some thinking to do.........
You can't go wrong with either saw.
Remember on the job site Pro the first version and the second version they have a problem with the dust getting into the trunions and you can't zero the blade out so just know that you're going to take the bottom off to access.
This can be done in 1 hr.
Thanks. Im planning getting rid of my old Ridgid saw and want the safety of the Sawstop and size is an issue as I work out of my garage. Thanks.
Nice job. I always enjoy your videos.
Thanks for making this video Ron-you did an excellent job.
Have been deliberating for weeks on these 2 saws. I feel like most review videos for tools are overly focused on specs and features. Your comparison is better because you focus more on how the feature/spec/etc is useful or not useful for your setup.
I have both. Use them commercially. They are both solid. CTS works better than it should. Both dust collection ports to well with a shop vac
Ha. Just saw you today,Tuesday, walking by publix.
Hope you're enjoying Florida.
😎🤙
Hi Ron, can you discuss the tabletop flatness of these saws and how it’s relevant to your work? I noticed the job site saws are not as flat as cast iron tabletop saws. Can you discuss if that matters to you?
I am not a good resource for flatness as I have never checked on any table saw I have owned. I assume if a top were off enough to cause accuracy problems, I would notice.
Fantastic overview, thank you.
I have a Sawstop Professional cabinet saw at home and the Jobsite saw on wheels at my farm. They are both great saws for their purpose, although I love the absolute accuracy of the cabinet saw. My only complaint about the jobsite saw is that I need to use the fine adjustment to get to a perfect 90 or a perfect 45, so as I move the angles I have to constantly check the blade angle for accuracy. The cabinet saw is always dead on. Of course we sacrifice accuracy and precision for portability.
Can the jobsite pro blade guard fit in the cts? Also, it seems like the cts would be better at dust collection because it is completely enclosed. Is that the case?
I haven't noticed much of a difference between the two, but that is just my observation. I really couldn't say with any certainty that the CTS collects a % more or less dust. I will try the JSP blade guard on the CTS.
@@TheSmartWoodshop Were you able to use it with the CTS? That's one of the bigger drawbacks on the CTS for me. I want to maximize dust collection.
Like the CTS fence better also the bypass switch is easier to engage. My whole crew struggles to engage the bypass for wet wood.
I chose the CTS as well. Given how heavy it is, I can see why shaving off a few pounds from using the Jobsite Pro is well worth it. It's been ten days since you've posted a video. I hope all is well!
I posted on the 28th, the 4th, and today. I had to cut back to 1 per week as we are busy with the Paulk Smart Bench rollout.
@@TheSmartWoodshop interesting. TH-cam shows your "Lightbulb Moments" video as your last video airing "10 days Ago". No video from the fourth comes up in your video feed. Not on my browser anyway.
@@bdm1000 They are there and have lots of views?
@@TheSmartWoodshop Nope. I have Lightbulb Moments dated the 28th (like you said), but I do not have a video showing from the 4th. Algorithm issue?
I took a screenshot and emailed it to you just in case it helps. Keep up the great work!
Have you settled on the dimensions of the bench extensions you mentioned in another video?
I didn't go forward with them as the Smart Router tables function both as extensions and router table.I don't need both. If I just wanted extensions, I would build a router table and leave out the router stuff.
Does the Jobsite Saw easily come off the cart if you want to fix it to a workbench and use it more permanently?
Yes, I have hundreds of videos on this channel with the SSJSP hanging off the PSS. I grabbed this one at random.
th-cam.com/video/Q0_YL4xT0O0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=iyVomBNA_UXqTfsB
Hey Ron, great comparison, now that you seen the festool cordless table saw, would you consider changing toreplace your CTS or stay as you are for your station set-up?
@@raymondtremblay489 The FT is very nice, but doesn’t have the safety brake. The brake is my #1 priority for TS.
@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks, as per your experiences is the FT for small jobs like finishing vs yours witch is universal, rough and finishing?
Just curious, but would the Job Site Pro fit on the smart station in a cradle (just adjust the cradle dimensions) or is it too heavy. I am leaning towards the JSP and will be building a smart station, the dado, fence and extra size are why I am leaning to it, however if it doesn't fit on a cradle the CTS is the way I'll go.
Yes, I have many many many video with the JSP in a cradle on the PSB, PSBB, and PSS. I have used the JSP in a cradle for a couple of years. I thought I mentioned in this video that I had been using the SJP in a cradle, but it was hard to carry and load into the Smart Woodshop.
Appreciate the reply. I went back and rewatched and did see you mentioned it.
Really appreciate this video as well as many of your other insightful ones. Planning to purchase the Job Site Pro, next month. I do have a couple of questions I'm curious about. How adjustable is the JSP (blade to miter slot and then fence to blade/miter slot)? Also, is there any issue with running a thin kerf blade on this saw?
2 answers: 1. the saw is completely adjustable I have videos demonstrating the process. 2. You will not need to adjust it. All 3 of the JS saws I have own arrived tuned and have held tune.
@@TheSmartWoodshop Good to know. Thanks, Ron!
What do you use to calibrate your CTS?
What's the difference in noise levels while running? Is the job site saw much quieter?
I haven't noticed any difference in sound since they're all noisy and require ear protection.
@@TheSmartWoodshop thanks for the response. Much of the reviews online for the compact saw call out it's noise and I wondered if the job site saw was quieter due to the different motor configuration. I should say I'm as concerned about being a noisy neighbor as I am about my hearing. As you say, I can wear hearing protection for my ears
Do you ever need to cut larger than 25"? If so, what do you use?
Track Saw th-cam.com/video/9rr1zf6dAQI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7XSPnDDBzAZAt622
What are your future plans for your Florida fixer?
That is another video for another time.😎
Paul. Did you have any issues with the safety features on the cts when cutting the PT window bucks? I have heard that the additional moisture in the PT can cause the blade feature to activate.
Who is Paul?
@@utooboobnoob ha I guess I wasn’t fully awake when I wrote the comment. My apologies Ron
No false trips on the CTS. You can touch the blade with the material and watch the indicator LEDs. If the material will trip the brake you will see the red led warning.
Ron I was wondering if one saw is louder than the other? Thanks Dave !
Thank you for this excellent comparison. I have room for either saw but remain undecided about the fence. Do you notice any difference at all with regard to accuracy between the two fences? Other video reviews that I have watched complain about the accuracy of the JS Pro's T style fence as well as that slight movement when locking it down. Thanks for all of your great content.
I like the JSP fence. It is the best fence I have owned.
@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks Ron!
I thought I was watching Robert Redford from back in the day.
Yes! So true
This is not a table saw question.. but what specifically do you like about the Paulk total station vs your old miter saw set up?
Thanks!
great info thanks
I don't have one and love the safety of that saw. Not to keen on having to buy a new blade and brake but I would rather do that than the alternative. The problem I see is Sawstop has not opened the patent for others to use. And I had heard that they are all so trying to push this being a feature on all saws. Which tells me that they al more interested in profit over safety. I own a Shopsmith and this would not work with it. If you watch "My Growth Rings" Scott Millwood he just did a video on this.
Thought as much. Can't they just get royalties off of the design? If every saw maker is using it they would probably profit more than making their own saws.
I thought you might have the professional cabinet saw, instead of the job site pro.
Cabinet saws have just one real use: they make excellent boat anchors.😁th-cam.com/video/9rr1zf6dAQI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=h6Hk62XUf58EbNtH
The pro is a lazy $2500 here in Australia
Good morning Ron. I really liked this compariison! I noticed that in the UK Festool is offering a 36 volt compact, yet very powerful table saw. It is the CSC SYS 50 EBI-Set. Can you tell us more about when this might be offered in the USA? Thanks!
I don't have any information on the availability of the FT cordless table saw. As soon as I read that it didn't have the safety brake, it fell off my radar.
I'll pass on anything branded Sawstop. Safety should not be more expensive.
Mike, you should consider that safety is more expensive as I am sure your vehicle reflects with airbags. Of course they are required by law so the price is higher across all brands.
I consider value above price and thus Saw Stop is the best value and lowest price available for my needs.
1. Safety is a top priority: Table saws can be very dangerous, and injuries from them can be severe. While no tool can eliminate all risk, a Saw Stop table saw is designed to greatly reduce the likelihood of serious injury. It's important to consider the value of safety when working with any tool, especially when the potential risks are high.
2. The cost of safety: While it's true that a Saw Stop table saw may cost more than other table saws on the market, it's important to consider the potential cost of an injury. Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs can add up quickly, and they may far exceed the cost of investing in a safer tool upfront.
3. Peace of mind: Knowing that you are using a tool that has advanced safety features can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your work. It's hard to put a price on this kind of mental and emotional benefit.
4. Industry standards: The woodworking industry has recognized the importance of safety and the value of the Saw Stop technology. In fact, many professional woodworkers and institutions require the use of Saw Stop table saws in their shops to ensure the safety of their workers.
In summary, while it's understandable to want to save money, investing in a safer tool like a Saw Stop table saw is a wise choice that can prevent serious injury and provide peace of mind. The cost of safety is ultimately up to the individual, but it's important to weigh the potential risks and benefits when making a decision.
@@TheSmartWoodshop A dozen Sawstops is still cheaper than a couple of fingers.