Table Saw Rec?

Timoss · 12-27-06, 12:46 PM

Can a decent table saw be had for $300 to $500? That's my upper limit budget. I also have a $100 gift card at Home Depot, so if possible I'd like to buy there. They sell Rigid, Delta, and Jet models, as well as portables from Bosch, Ryobi, Rigid, etc., in that price range.

I guess I don't NEED a portable often, but it would sure be handy if I didn't have to sacrifice much in quality and accuracy.

Any advice? Thanks!

Timoss
88 fj62 TLC

D'Animal · 12-27-06, 01:02 PM

It all depend on what you expect out of the tablesaw and how big of one you want. Are you looking to buy a contractor grade that you can just rip 2/6's and plywhood or are looking to build custom furnature? Generally a contractor grade has a little heavier frame and has a grooved top. The arbor shaft has a little movment but not a whole lit.

A woodcrafter grade has a smooth top and the arbor shaft will allow for wider blades sets such as a Dado set. They are generally a little more precise.

Either can be had for your price range.

Timoss · 12-27-06, 01:09 PM

Thanks for the info. I guess I'm looking for one that's capable of furniture-making options, such as dado blades. But mostly I will be doing basic contractor type ripping of board and sheet material. Want the most accuracy and durability I can get for the money.

Any particular specs I should look for (motor HP, table size, guide features, etc.) or brand recommendations?

Thanks!

Timoss
88 fj62 TLCA

Junk · 12-27-06, 01:15 PM

Why not pick up an older used Delta or something of quality rather than the pieces of dung Home China normally sells?

Timoss · 12-27-06, 01:22 PM

Well, Mike, did I mention I have a $100 gift card there? I'm willing to go the used route if I can stay in budget. But Home Despot does sell Delta brand saws...

Timoss
88 fj62 TLCA

45Kevin · 12-27-06, 01:27 PM

The Ryobi portable with the sliding table is a very versatile tool. It would be OK for furniture. The $100 +- saws are not good for furniture. I have used a contractor Delta with a 32" uni-fence for about 15 years now with no problems. It does need a dedicated space though with the dust collection cabinet I have under it.

Look for a saw with a robust carrige and better saws usually have a carrige that is adjustable so it can be tuned from time to time. Keep the dust collection abilities in mind if you plan to work inside with it. I like a fence that connects off a front rail only. This allows me to add out feed extentions. The fence is just as important as the table and can be bought as a mod to the tool. Cast iron is the best material for tables althought the Ryobi is aluminum for portability. Lighter saws need to be securely on a stand if yo plan to cut full sheets of ply or heavy pieces of solid wood.

Check the American Woodworker mag or website for tool tests. Tools of the Trade by Taunton Press is also a good resource and they are online.

Let us know what you get.

KLF · 12-27-06, 01:59 PM

I did some research on table saws this past Spring, I found an amazing cult following for the Ryobi BT3000/3100. There's an entire website/forum devoted to this saw: http://www.bt3central.com/

Ryobi doesn't make this saw anymore, but you can usually find them on eBay and craigslist, that's where I got mine, I paid $150 for it. Lots of accessories available, I'm happy with it's performance.

Junk · 12-27-06, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timoss

Well, Mike, did I mention I have a $100 gift card there? I'm willing to go the used route if I can stay in budget. But Home Despot does sell Delta brand saws...

Timoss
88 fj62 TLCA

C'mon Mossman. You should know I don't actually READ the topic before I post

Yeah, but use the gift card for buying blades and buy the saw used. Just my opinion though.

Timoss · 12-27-06, 03:30 PM

Not a bad idea, Mike. I'll be looking into it. Feel free to share any hot tips you may come across...

Timoss
88 fj62 TLCA

ff347 · 12-27-06, 03:47 PM

BOSCH 4000-09 10" WORKSITE PORTABLE TABLESAW W/ STAND for $469.00, very nice saw that would slide in under the $500.00 mark and it stores on it's side. I have a large tablesaw and if I needed something smaller that would be the one because of the storage abilibites and it is a good saw.

Scott

CardinalFJ60 · 12-27-06, 04:57 PM

I have a contractor Jet table saw - It's the Bee's Knees! dead nuts accurate. My dad and I tinker around in the wood shop and make simple furniture, and blanket chests and stuff. no bogging down even ripping 2x4 on the tall side

I got some of my other power tools from the re-conditioned section on Amazon's tool section. fairly decent deals.

HTH

freeamerica · 12-27-06, 07:24 PM

If you HAVE to buy from Home Depot the higher end Ridgid (Model TS3650) isn't a bad saw. It is $549, but with your gift card you should just make in budget after tax.

I personally really like Grizzly, which I think is a better value for the same price than Jet, but you won't stay under your $500 limit. I prefer a solid cast iron work surface vs the stamped steel. Over time, much of your accuracy and durability will be lost there at this price range.

Timoss · 12-28-06, 08:30 AM

Thanks for all the advice so far, guys. I like the sound of the accurate, sturdy contractor or cabinet saws from Delta, Jet, and Grizzly. I'll be looking around for a good sale on a new or used one, I think. I do also love the idea of a portable, but wonder if you can really get the same level of performance from one--I make the occassional piece of simple furntiure and the like, as well as the usual ripping for various construction projects. I hate wrestling with innacurate, cheap tools that don't last ...

Timoss
88 fj62 TLCA

freeamerica · 12-28-06, 08:50 AM

"Portable" is a bit subjective. If you are moving the saw from job-site to job-site, then weight and the ease of throwing the saw in a truck take importance over accuracy and stability.

If "portable" means being able to wheel it around the garage as needed, then spend the $50 to buy a wheel kit for one of the better cabinet saws.

grant5127 · 12-28-06, 07:01 PM

I've had several saws over the years... but this is the best for the $$... it's so smooth running

REZARF · 12-28-06, 07:13 PM

A bosch is a hard unit to beat. A bag of traction sand under the unit makes for a cheap way to increase the acuracy a bit.

Rezarf <><

photogod · 12-28-06, 09:14 PM

Look at a saw with more than a 27" cut width. That seems to be one of the biggest drawbacks of the "portables" or contractor saws. A heavy cast top is a real plus, adds to the stability, 5 horse power, 10" blade is great for larger work plus it accepts a dado blade. JMTC

cbmontgo · 12-29-06, 08:14 AM

Great thread. I have been doing some reading up on these as well. I just blew my gift certificates at Home Depot on a 26-gallon upright twin-piston cast iron compressor (needed it more), so I may be checking Craigslist for a good used Delta. I need something that can cut lumber as big as 2x8s. Can a 10" or 12" miter saw handle this?

beaufort-fj60 · 12-29-06, 08:29 AM

i don't think anyone mentioned this yet.... only buy a belt drive table saw. All direct drive saws are crap and dangerous.

REZARF · 12-29-06, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbmontgo

I need something that can cut lumber as big as 2x8s. Can a 10" or 12" miter saw handle this?

A sliding miter should have no problem.

Rezarf <><