+- MacResource (https://forums.macresource.com)
+-- Forum: My Category (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Tips and Deals (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Thread: Buying a table saw (/showthread.php?tid=74845)
Re: Buying a table saw - Rick-o - 03-21-2009
I have that same saw (if not, very similar - bought it two yrs ago and I can't keep up with all the model numbers out there) and it's a decent saw if you understand its limitations. I also have a larger, stationary Jet and antique cast iron Sears in my workshop.
Pros:
portability. You can fold this sucker up and haul it anywhere. Great for those outside jobs or away from home. And those legs are plenty sturdy enough. I don't have any problems with wobble.
compact. It stands on end when folded, and its not so heavy you'll strain yourself wrestling with it.
price. Good overall value if you're on a budget. There are cheaper models out there, but the quality is lousy.
Cons:
fence. It's adequate, but not as good as the one on my Jet. But this saw wasn't really designed to be making cabinets, IMO.
motor. I've had mine stall plenty of times ripping something like a common 2x4. Expect to take extra time making certain cuts. Maybe I'm spoiled by my Jet, and the 3 HP Delta's I used at work. You could buzz through almost anything without missing a beat with those Delta monsters.
Re: Buying a table saw - RE:up - 03-21-2009
When I was looking for a table saw I decided against the Ryobi and got this instead. I know, more than twice the price, but I use it on almost every remodel job. It reliably does what I need it to do. If you are seriously into cabinet making you’ll need a good stationary saw set up to perfect alignment. For your situation with limited space and usage, the Ryobi might be OK, but the Bosch is better.
Re: Buying a table saw - M A V I C - 03-21-2009
Thanks guys. The Ryobi BT 3000 doesn't seem to have had folding legs... which would be really handy. I have a "oversized" one car garage. But I already have a computer repair station, snowboard maintenance station... so there's not much free room. I'll need to get rid of some stuff just to get a folding saw. It doesn't look like it's made anymore, anyway - http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/power_tools/table_saws
I saw you can get some non-folding ones, and buy your own legs. But that seems like an issue. If they're folding legs, having the align right seems like an issue. If they're not folding, then they take up more room.
It seems like to get one with a nicer fence, it's an easy $200 more. yes, I will be making doors with this...
Re: Buying a table saw - iamrfixit - 03-21-2009
I would look for a used contractor saw on craigslist before I would settle for an underpowered bench saw. All a bench saw is going to do is make you wish you had a real table saw. you can pretty much forget about a dado blade on one of those saws, it just doesn't have the motor for it. Even a DeWalt or Bosch job site saw would be a major step up, but you lose a little rip capacity.
I had a cast iron Sears contractor saw for several years and did a lot of remodeling work and woodworking with it. I could flop a full sheet of plywood on it and rip it in half without pushing the whole saw over. They are really pretty cheap if you can find one, I sold mine for about $150 and it was still in good shape. A Delta, Jet or Powermatic will probably go for around $400 or so used. Most any of these will have a very good and accurate fence and plenty of power for the average joe.
something similar to this Saw
I have a pair of (yes thats 2!) 3 HP Unisaw's in my woodworking arsenal now, but that is probably overkill for most people.:-)
"ryobi makes good stuff" hahahaha that was a good one!
Re: Buying a table saw - M A V I C - 03-21-2009
RE:up wrote:
When I was looking for a table saw I decided against the Ryobi and got this instead. I know, more than twice the price, but I use it on almost every remodel job. It reliably does what I need it to do. If you are seriously into cabinet making you’ll need a good stationary saw set up to perfect alignment. For your situation with limited space and usage, the Ryobi might be OK, but the Bosch is better.
Make no mistake, I'm a web geek. I have some experience building stuff, but it's been a while and for the most part I sit in front of a computer. I do design work and marketing consulting for one client, and I'm just doing this project to help out. I've seen the bosch - it's actually cheaper in the store than on Amazon - but that's why more than I think I should spend.
Normally I'd always buy better, but considering this will get used for maybe six projects a year (eg, one project being a coffee table) I don't think I can justify the price.
Re: Buying a table saw - M A V I C - 03-21-2009
iamrfixit wrote:
you can pretty much forget about a dado blade on one of those saws, it just doesn't have the motor for it. Even a DeWalt or Bosch job site saw would be a major step up, but you lose a little rip capacity.
ORLY? I guess I didn't realize how much power I'd need for a dado blade. It's been, oh my, 15 years since I've used one. That changes things. I really like making joints like that.
I found lots of contractors saws on CL... problem is, they take up too much space. I have no backyard for a shed... I live in a townhouse.
Re: Buying a table saw - Grateful11 - 03-22-2009
There's a BT3000 in Charlotte:
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/1048269549.html
I came very close to buying one but bought a cast iron Craftsman with
a precision fence. The Ryobi 3000 has built in router capability.
Re: Buying a table saw - The UnDoug - 03-22-2009
Grateful11 wrote:
I came very close to buying one but bought a cast iron Craftsman with
a precision fence. The Ryobi 3000 has built in router capability.
Is it a wireless router?
ha ha ha ha
Re: Buying a table saw - ajakeski - 03-22-2009
I have Rockwell and a Craftsman table saws, both from the 50's. I've looked at new ones, but these two cut so straight, it's hard to part with them.
I had a Rigid contractor saw. it was nice and had a lot of power, but lacked the finesse of these older ones. I gave it to my brother. I don't think he has ever plugged it in.
Re: Buying a table saw - raz - 03-22-2009
I'd avoid the portable models as well, but I understand that space constraints may supersede all others.
If you put a larger saw on casters so you could roll it into the corner, would that work?
Finally, if money isn't an issue, I highly recommend a really good miter gauge. The tiny ones that come with the saw are almost useless. I treated myself to one of these a few years back. It's a joy to use.
http://www.amazon.com/Incra-MITER1000SE-Miter-Special-Telescoping/dp/B0007UQ2EQ