Help, I'm lost in a sea of table saws!!

[Jeff396]

Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Hi all,

I am in the process of getting a table saw and am quite frankly overwhelmed by the number of different saws and the price range available. I'd really like to stay under $500 or so if I can find a good one for that. One of the potential problems I have read about is that some saws don't hold their adjustment well but I have no idea how to tell which ones would be a problem. It's not like I want to make fine furniture but a nice straight cut is important. When I browsed at Sears they had a nice variety but just about every one of them had the rip fence handle busted off (Plastic). Anyways, I could really use some pointers of what to look for and any suggestions for a good saw with decent value. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Jeff

 

[Egon]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Try and stay with the belt driven models. Avoid the direct to motor drive if at all possible.

Egon

 

[patrickg]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Consider buying used. About 1/2 price is a reasonable expectation. If you pay $450 for a $900 saw you will get more saw for your $. You might want to find soeone to help you screen candidates.

Egon.... Please elaborate on your belt drive vs direct drive comment. It isn't that I am contrary to your position, I just don't have enough experience to have a good feel for the topic. I have only had direct drive in tablesaws, mitersaws, radial arm, skill, etc. I have seen belt driven, especially in the old days at lumber yards. (not overhead power distribution by belt with steam or hydro... electric driven motors, three phase)

Pat

 

[Egon]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Patrick:
The belt drive allows you to change motors easily. [ eg. your craftsman radial arm saw has a motor specific to that saw and cannot be repaced off the shelf. ]

Also almost all the expensive saws have belt drives. It allows for better fine tuning and adjustment. The drive arbour will probably be heavier duty too.

Another thought is to buy a rebuilt saw. They come in at around 1/2 price and many are of very good quality. I bought a Dewalt 7.2 amp hand planner for $220 verus $ 460 new. Its been used hard and often for several years now.

Egon

 

[JohnMiller3]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Versatile Ryobi Table Saw ~~ $269.

Ryobi BT3000 Table Saw Review

Ryobi Table Saw Spec’s

Home Depot Ryobi Table Saw $269.

 

[DaveNH]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Powermatic /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Jeff396]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Do you have one of these saws? I like the features, the price and the review looks good. I do plan on cutting a lot of 4 x 8 plywood and mdf. Is the smaller table top size going to make that difficult or do you think buying a couple of those roller support things (not sure what they're called) would solve that issue?

I've looked at the Powermatic but I think they are a good bit more than I need and want to spend. Now if this were another tractor purchase.....I'd be there!!!

Jeff

 

[JohnMiller3]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Roller Work Stand ~ $19.

Hi Jeff,

It would be cheaper if I had stock in Ryobi company.../forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif When my friends were buying Makita, I went the Ryobi route, strictly on a value aspect... over the years, all my Ryobi tools are still working... (can't say the same for a number of different friend's Makitas)

Yes, I have the older Ryobi BT3000 and absolutely love it. I also owned a couple 12” and 10” Craftsman table saws with all cast iron tops (not stamped steel). (Craftsman was kinda tough to move up/down stairs /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, but lots of value for a cast iron saw-especially with their new modern fences)

When I get old and grey… maybe my ultimate saw will be the Delta Unisaw… (though the Powermatic does run neck to neck)(I also have a real old cast iron baby Delta saw 8 ¼”)

 

[JTD]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

The roller stands are OK but unless they are perfectly aligned 90 degrees to the fence they tend to cause longer boards to drift in/out from the fence. They also can tip over. Instead, purchase the roller balls and make your own adjustable stand if you need something small and removable.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Help, I\'m lost in a sea of table saws!!

Good tools should last a lifetime.

Ridgid is my favorite manufacturer of reasonably priced quality power tools. ( http://www.ridgid.com ) I own a couple plus their shop vac. I have their 12" compound mitre saw, but not their table saw. They are sold at Home Depot, if you have one near you.

The Ridgid power tools are built by the company that <font color="red"> used </font> to make the old Sears Craftsman line, back before Sears started trying to compete on price alone.

When Sears dropped them, Emerson Electric bought them and negotiated a marketing agreement with HD. Most of the tools are designed in the US, and built in Taiwan with US made Emerson motors.

Someone mentioned Ryobi. I bought my last Ryobi a couple of years ago. Most of their stuff seems to be made in mainland China these days. Personally, I think they are too low end to be considered a quality tool.

I understand they make a lot of stuff for Sears now--probably some of those rip fences you saw.

My $.02.

SnowRidge