Reprinted from my post on woodworkingtalk.com. Posted here using the Article thread type to show what can be done.
Evolution Website
Although very similar to the world version of this saw, the R255TBL+, The R10TS is specific to the U.S. market, has been available for less than a year and so far has flown mostly under the radar of the usual cast of influences and reviewers with a notable exception of 731 Woodworks. It is available with a mobile stand and without as the only option whereas the European version is available in standard and plus models.
In this review I will make several comparisons to the Hercules saw from Harbor Freight, a “budget” offering with mostly positive reviews as I have nearly three years experience using the Hercules and was quite happy with it or at least I was until it blew up. just before New Years. I purchased the Evolution without a stand from Amazon at full price ($475) and had it on my doorstep two days later. The model that includes the stand is $575.
Packaging was sturdy and protective with separate boxes for the
fence, table extension and accessories. The multi-language instruction manual has wordless graphics illustrating the assembly and adjustments that were clear and straightforward but some explanations would be helpful. Included is an Evolution brand multi-material 10” blade good for cutting wood, metal and plastic that I chose not to use because I have other tools for metal cutting and have dedicated wood blades for ripping, general purpose and high tooth blades for finer cuts.
Minimal assembly was necessary and fortunately the Evolution fit on the same homemade mobile cart I used for the Hercules needing only new mounting holes drilled and a bit of sprucing up with new paint. Shown here testing the fit of an Incra miter gauge.
Performing initial checks found me pleasantly surprised with the accuracy of setup from the factory with nothing that needed adjusted although after several days of use, I did find a few things to fine tune to my liking but I think this is due to be expected as the machine gets broken in and familiarity with it increases.
Features:
Unfortunately, the sliding table moves the miter slot 2¼” further to the left of the blade than on the Hercules and probably most jobsite saws. The consequences of this as a BOW featherboard user, at maximum extension it is almost ¼” away from the blade meaning it is useless when cutting thin strips but on the other hand, I should be able to use it when ripping wider stock. I was really disappointed about this. I always use the featherboard when possible because it feels safer and more accurate.
Now for the interesting stuff:
The Evolution will accept an 8” dado stack up to 15/16” (20mm) wide. Very few jobsite saws have this capacity. It comes with its own dado specific arbor hardware. Rather than the standard blade’s inner and outer washers and arbor nut, included are a low profile inner washer and arbor nut incorporated in the outer washer. This was totally unexpected and a real bonus. Even more surprising is a throat plate for use with a dado stack was also included.
One of the downsides noted in the 731 review was the flimsy plastic throat plate but it has been upgraded to metal with a feature I’ve never seen on any saw anywhere: a replaceable zero clearance insert with a spare insert included in the box. I think this is pretty innovative and clever.
It is a very snug fit. It is held in with tabs and secured with two screws. I’m not sure I’ve ever made a bevel cut with a table saw but it will be interesting to see what happens to the zero clearance insert when I do. At least it came with an extra!
The riving knife on the Hercules is height adjustable but cannot be removed entirely. The riving knife of the Evolution is also height adjustable and can be removed plus it has clever adjustments the Hercules does not.
The U.S. model blade guard does not feature the dust collection port like the Euro models but I like to live dangerously and don't use them anyway.
Other notes:
The extruded aluminum fence has a t-slot running the full width of the top which will make adding accessories very easy. All the mounting hardware of the fence except for the plastic locking levers is metal whereas the majority of the same parts on the Hercules are plastic.
inally, the scale on the Evolution is superior. It is much more legible and has multiple calibrations depending on where the fence is attached to the rack
& pinion rail. The Hercules scale was hard to see and when sawdust got under the plastic pointer, you couldn’t see it all.
The final comments I have at this time are the saws appear to be at least equal in power and speed of cut. Neither is lacking other than the Hercules is now dead! I spent a day ripping 2” thick knotty alder with the new saw and did not notice any difference in spite of the Evolution’s motor spinning considerable slower. My understanding of the slower motor speed has to do with this saw’s metal cutting capacity?
The finish on table of the Evolution doesn’t feel quite as smooth as the Hercules but it has never been waxed or had nearly three years of wood run across it but it doesn’t appear the difference will cause any problems. The pull out table extension seemed like something I wouldn’t use because I have movable outfeed table but I used it for making a quick cut rather than move my table into position and found it rather handy.
Everything about the Evolution screams higher quality compared to the Hercules. Little things like sharp edges have been rounded or covered with protective caps and the aluminum on the fence and rails has a much more finished and brighter appearance. All the controls work much more smoothly and the gear driven bevel adjustment is really slick and precise. I guess one of the final thoughts I have are about the 3-year warranty, I think it is great and comforting. From what I’ve read, customer support is also excellent.
Evolution Website
Although very similar to the world version of this saw, the R255TBL+, The R10TS is specific to the U.S. market, has been available for less than a year and so far has flown mostly under the radar of the usual cast of influences and reviewers with a notable exception of 731 Woodworks. It is available with a mobile stand and without as the only option whereas the European version is available in standard and plus models.In this review I will make several comparisons to the Hercules saw from Harbor Freight, a “budget” offering with mostly positive reviews as I have nearly three years experience using the Hercules and was quite happy with it or at least I was until it blew up. just before New Years. I purchased the Evolution without a stand from Amazon at full price ($475) and had it on my doorstep two days later. The model that includes the stand is $575.
Packaging was sturdy and protective with separate boxes for the
fence, table extension and accessories. The multi-language instruction manual has wordless graphics illustrating the assembly and adjustments that were clear and straightforward but some explanations would be helpful. Included is an Evolution brand multi-material 10” blade good for cutting wood, metal and plastic that I chose not to use because I have other tools for metal cutting and have dedicated wood blades for ripping, general purpose and high tooth blades for finer cuts.Minimal assembly was necessary and fortunately the Evolution fit on the same homemade mobile cart I used for the Hercules needing only new mounting holes drilled and a bit of sprucing up with new paint. Shown here testing the fit of an Incra miter gauge.
Performing initial checks found me pleasantly surprised with the accuracy of setup from the factory with nothing that needed adjusted although after several days of use, I did find a few things to fine tune to my liking but I think this is due to be expected as the machine gets broken in and familiarity with it increases.
Features:
- 15A High torque motor with soft start
- 3 3/8” cut depth, 26” rip capacity
- Rack & pinion fence
- Sliding table Integrated cross cut sled
- Tool free blade parallel adjustment
- Quick release riving knife
- Extending outfeed support bar
- Gear driven bevel angle adjustment
Unfortunately, the sliding table moves the miter slot 2¼” further to the left of the blade than on the Hercules and probably most jobsite saws. The consequences of this as a BOW featherboard user, at maximum extension it is almost ¼” away from the blade meaning it is useless when cutting thin strips but on the other hand, I should be able to use it when ripping wider stock. I was really disappointed about this. I always use the featherboard when possible because it feels safer and more accurate.
Now for the interesting stuff:
The Evolution will accept an 8” dado stack up to 15/16” (20mm) wide. Very few jobsite saws have this capacity. It comes with its own dado specific arbor hardware. Rather than the standard blade’s inner and outer washers and arbor nut, included are a low profile inner washer and arbor nut incorporated in the outer washer. This was totally unexpected and a real bonus. Even more surprising is a throat plate for use with a dado stack was also included.
One of the downsides noted in the 731 review was the flimsy plastic throat plate but it has been upgraded to metal with a feature I’ve never seen on any saw anywhere: a replaceable zero clearance insert with a spare insert included in the box. I think this is pretty innovative and clever.
It is a very snug fit. It is held in with tabs and secured with two screws. I’m not sure I’ve ever made a bevel cut with a table saw but it will be interesting to see what happens to the zero clearance insert when I do. At least it came with an extra!
The riving knife on the Hercules is height adjustable but cannot be removed entirely. The riving knife of the Evolution is also height adjustable and can be removed plus it has clever adjustments the Hercules does not.
The U.S. model blade guard does not feature the dust collection port like the Euro models but I like to live dangerously and don't use them anyway.
Other notes:
The extruded aluminum fence has a t-slot running the full width of the top which will make adding accessories very easy. All the mounting hardware of the fence except for the plastic locking levers is metal whereas the majority of the same parts on the Hercules are plastic.
inally, the scale on the Evolution is superior. It is much more legible and has multiple calibrations depending on where the fence is attached to the rack
& pinion rail. The Hercules scale was hard to see and when sawdust got under the plastic pointer, you couldn’t see it all.The final comments I have at this time are the saws appear to be at least equal in power and speed of cut. Neither is lacking other than the Hercules is now dead! I spent a day ripping 2” thick knotty alder with the new saw and did not notice any difference in spite of the Evolution’s motor spinning considerable slower. My understanding of the slower motor speed has to do with this saw’s metal cutting capacity?
The finish on table of the Evolution doesn’t feel quite as smooth as the Hercules but it has never been waxed or had nearly three years of wood run across it but it doesn’t appear the difference will cause any problems. The pull out table extension seemed like something I wouldn’t use because I have movable outfeed table but I used it for making a quick cut rather than move my table into position and found it rather handy.
Everything about the Evolution screams higher quality compared to the Hercules. Little things like sharp edges have been rounded or covered with protective caps and the aluminum on the fence and rails has a much more finished and brighter appearance. All the controls work much more smoothly and the gear driven bevel adjustment is really slick and precise. I guess one of the final thoughts I have are about the 3-year warranty, I think it is great and comforting. From what I’ve read, customer support is also excellent.
