the motor takes up more space, requires a longer belt (additional vibration), poses a lifting hazard to anything it the motor’s path when the motor is tilted, puts additional stresses on the alignment when tilted, and generally has poor dust collection. This design remained relatively unchanged for several decades, with most improvements focused on the precision of the fences, safety features, and standardization of table size and miter slots.
As smaller, more portable saws evolved, contractor saws became largely relegated to use as permanently located stationary shop saws. They also gained appeal as home shop saws for hobbyists and smaller professional shops because they were more affordable than cabinet saws, yet offered good performance for fine woodworking. In their new role as a stationary saw, easy access for motor removal was no longer necessary, so the location of the motor eventually found its way inside the enclosure, which resolved the issues of the outboard location. There are few traditional contractor saws with outboard motors still available new in the marketplace these days. Saw Stop offers one in the $1750 entry range, and you may find some new old stock (NOS) from Powermatic, GI, and Delta contractor saws at smaller specialty tool stores, but new models of these haven’t been manufactured for a while.
Modern day contractor style saws ike this Grizzly 0713 have the motor housed inside the cabinet, which improves dust collection.
Older style contractor table saws like this Jet (above) and the Ridgid (below) feature motors that hang out the back. Most of them came with stamped steeled wings as well. Dust collection was pretty much nonexistent on these saws.
Photo Courtesy of: Alan
Photo Courtesy of: Rickey
Photos Courtesy of: James
Photo Courtesy of: Bill