Buying a table saw

[M A V I C]

I've been wanting to build a few things around the house. It's been a long time since I did any woodworking. I've got a shelving unit/cabinet I want for my office. They're like $500 or they're built out of junk. Coffee table, garage shelving...

So I want to get a table saw. I think for most of what I'm doing it will work better than a circular saw. I went to Lowes and Home Depot and asked questions. It's pretty clear I should get one with at least a 24" rip. I don't have a lot of room, so when I use it I'll be taking the car out of the garage. So I'll need something I can store without too much trouble.

One I'm looking at is this one: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stor...reId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100593232

The guy at the store said it was overall very good for the price. It has a miter sled/table thing rather than a regular miter. Reading the reviews, I see some people didn't like it.

One other thing to add is that the main reason I'm getting it now is to help out a client. I designed something for them and they can't get part of it built in time so a friend and I are going to do the work. So I'm going to buy it on Monday... can't wait for shipping.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

[samintx]

I envy you. I always wanted a table saw but probably a good thing I didn't have one because I still have my arms and all 10 fingers! I'm a frustrated carpenter/woodworker.

[haikuman]

I have owned Rockwell, Makita and Ryobi Table Saws. I have not owned the exact model you are looking at. That said one can readily build anything from the model you are looking at. One drawback on the model Table Saw you posted is I did not see a Router Mounting option

Rudie *(:>

[M A V I C]

Rudie, you bring up a good point. I haven't found a single one with a router mounting option. My dad had this... would love to find one like that but haven't. Maybe they don't make them anymore? Seems like they want to sell it separately.

[haikuman]

You are correct. I just Googled Table Saws and I did not find 1 that included the Router Mount.
Perhaps If you also need a Router, you can negotiate a deal for for a complete package, Table Saw, Router and the Router extension mount...:thumbsup:

Rudie *(:>*

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Did you check the listings on Craigslist? Ryobi usually makes decent stuff. Maybe someone can recommend a woodworking site that has good reviews applicable for your use. I always wanted a good table saw. I have usually gotten by with using a hand held circular saw.

The legs look a little shaky. The size/depth of the miter and fence depend on what you are cutting. You need really precise geometry between the miter and the blade for cabinets, desks, and drawers. I am guessing you will need to buy a better blade to start off with. Having a long infeed and outfeed is so nice when you are cutting 4'x8' sheets.

[tenders]

I have that exact same model and have found it very useful given the size (and never mind the price). I suggest buying two table saw pusher tools to spare your fingers and to make sure you have a Shop Vac of the proper size to suck up a lot of the sawdust through the dustport on the saw. If you're cutting larger stuff, buy an inexpensive adjustable-height roller to support the part of the stock that hangs off the saw. They're like $20.

Yes, there are fancier/heavier/more powerful table saws. I'm not sure there are smaller saws however.

I have a separate router and table. Also Ryobi, if I'm not mistaken, although Craftsman had a nice one too that was a contender.

>The legs look a little shaky.

They aren't. One or two of the legs telescopes automatically on stiff springs to stabilize the saw but they're quite solid. I use mine on my back slate patio where none of the slate slabs are level with each other. No wobbles at all.

[M A V I C]

Ah, yes, the guy at HD recommended getting a good blade from the start. I actually want to get a datto (SP?) blade too.

Good call on the shop vac. I totally would have spaced on that. We occasionally need one anyway, and with a little one on the way getting one that's wet & dry might be handy.

I plan on getting a roller too.

Lots on CL, I'll take a look...

[Fred_Also]

I also have a Ryobi like the one in the link. I've had really good results with it. It is real stable and folds up nicely. It's pretty heavy but I can slide it in my pickup by myself.

I think it is one of the better values for the money.

Fred Also

[DaveS]

If you can find the Ryobi BT 3000 table saw (big brother to the one you are looking at) you will get everything you need. I'm just not sure they make this model anymore. It has a built in router table and had a multitude of great accessories.

The BT3000 was is great saw at a great price. And i could have bought nay brand at the time. My crews powered through miles of lumber with these things. I bought three in 10 years and I was never dissatisfied with their performance.