Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Power Tools). This thread is read-only.
So I’ve been starting to get into some wood working. There are a couple of projects I wanna start. I need a table saw and am not looking to spend a fortune and space in my garage is not unlimited. Looking for suggestions on a good table saw to start with, I dont need anything fancy with dust collection and what not. Just a good solid saw that will get the job done. I know the portable ones are relatively in expensive but I think I’d like one with a larger table. Any suggestions?
Ridgid R4512 or Delta I have the ridgid and love it other have the delta and love it
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-13-Amp-10-in-Professional-Cast-Iron-Table-Saw-R4512/202500206
Just links to show Comps and @rrich1 saws. Both are fantastic machines. A little bit of cash but worth every penny.
Thumbs up for the both the Rigid and the Delta. Of course, you could hit up craigslist and find a good deal as well. If your planing on making cabinetry, I would stay away from the contractor saws that are small and portable. Don’t get me wrong, those saws are great and you can make cabinetry with them but I’ve found that the tolerances are not up to speed with the hybrid or cabinet saws. I have a Bosch 4100 D contractor saw that I absolutely love, but the table on the saw is not flat, it’s ever so slightly off. I like to have flat and square surfaces to register off of, very helpful when making precise jigs and such.
I suggest the two listed if you have the room. they are really not much bigger than a jobsite saw on a roller stand. they will be more stable with good fences. not to mention cast iron tops. all jobsite saws do not allow dado stacks so that will automatically limit you. they are not necessary but great to have. I have the delta and am pleased with it.
So im seeing that a cast iron table is the way to go.
I typically use my router for dado’s anyway, so Im not tooo concerned with the lacking ability of that
I was in your shoes about 10 years ago and went with a used Delta Unisaw. Never looked back. They are built like tanks, high quality and made in America(back then anyway) and can often be found for around $400. It is a true cabinet saw and If you are putting together a woodworking shop, everything is going to center around your table saw. Don’t skimp here. Just be sure to check for missing trunnion teeth and/or worn arbor bearings(slop or clicking sounds when running)
Also, first upgrade I would recommend for any table saw is a link belt. Cheap and effective.
Up here the delta is 829$ at lowes. Yikes!
tpamatmat wrote:
3 minutes ago, tpamatmat said:I was in your shoes about 10 years ago and went with a used Delta Unisaw. Never looked back. They are built like tanks, high quality and made in America(back then anyway) and can often be found for around $400. It is a true cabinet saw and If you are putting together a woodworking shop, everything is going to center around your table saw. Don’t skimp here. Just be sure to check for missing trunnion teeth and/or worn arbor bearings(slop or clicking sounds when running)
Also, first upgrade I would recommend for any table saw is a link belt. Cheap and effective.
I’ve had two Delta Unisaws, both bought used. Sold the first one to a friend and the other one is still running strong and a great workhorse of a saw. Your right, these can be found on craigslist or in local ads for around $400.
plumbfitter wrote:
22 minutes ago, plumbfitter said:Up here the delta is 829$ at lowes. Yikes!
in the US lowes is running 11% off a purchase next week if you purchase anything this week. good way to at least get out of paying the taxes.
I second the notion of trying for a used one. However, The DW7491RS is another option that is in the same price range as the Delta or Ridgid, with a smaller storage footprint, is easy to hook a shop vac to for dust collection, has a great fence, a tool free modular guard/ riving knife system and I would argue better mobility if you wanted to take it to a jobsite or outside in nice weather. They also have a slightly less capable version for a little less with a folding X stand, and an even smaller compact benchtop style saw for even less.
Have a delta in the shop. Great saw use it for cutting metal sheets and wood for crating. It’s about 10 years old, no problems and like i mentioned is a shop saw so it’s not babied.
the Bosch 4100, jobsite saw is compact, powerful, and very well reviewed. i will say i own the older 4000 model, and i love it!
Looks like everyone gave you some good options. Like Rich said check to make sure it will take a dado stack. I bought a Porter Cable PCB220TS (job site saw) years ago and found out it would only take a 6 inch dado stack up to 1/2 wide.
rfwjr wrote:
1 hour ago, rfwjr said:Looks like everyone gave you some good options. Like Rich said check to make sure it will take a dado stack. I bought a Porter Cable PCB220TS (job site saw) years ago and found out it would only take a 6 inch dado stack up to 1/2 wide.
the bosch 4100, will accommodate an 8″ dado, with a 13/16″ width.
Try looking on Craigslist for jets, powermatics, delta,or even grizzly sometimes you can find really good deals on them
craigslist and kijiji are slim pickings right now.
The only one I found was a guy wanting to trade a skill brand for 48 molson canadian cans…
I am able to get the Skil brand worm drive table saw for free with my air miles…
Worth it?
That is not really in the same class as what these guys are recommending which are good choices in my opinion.
The Skil is more of a job-site saw. Not saying it wont work but the ridgid and unisaw would be much more saw.
If you plan on doing woodworking I would hold out for something bigger.
I’m with logan and rrmccabe on this one. Cheap rarely equates to quality and there is no need to rush. Hand power tools come and go, but your first table saw will most likely be your last.
belt drive is key also….
plumbfitter wrote:
I am able to get the Skil brand worm drive table saw for free with my air miles…
Worth it?
That’s a great powerful saw but isn’t the most refined saw from what I’ve heard
Jimbo
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tpamatmat wrote:
On 1/18/2017 at 4:57 PM, tpamatmat said:I was in your shoes about 10 years ago and went with a used Delta Unisaw. Never looked back. They are built like tanks, high quality and made in America(back then anyway) and can often be found for around $400. It is a true cabinet saw and If you are putting together a woodworking shop, everything is going to center around your table saw. Don’t skimp here. Just be sure to check for missing trunnion teeth and/or worn arbor bearings(slop or clicking sounds when running)
Also, first upgrade I would recommend for any table saw is a link belt. Cheap and effective.
what is a link belt?
Jronman wrote:
1 minute ago, Jronman said:what is a link belt?
it is a drive belt you can make like a chain…
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well craigslist is a no go for me. Search table saw in my area and only get 2 options. Both options are not table saws. haha.
Jronman wrote:
29 minutes ago, Jronman said:well craigslist is a no go for me. Search table saw in my area and only get 2 options. Both options are not table saws. haha.
Google tool auctions in your area, that’s where I picked up mine. Woodworking shops go under all the time and its the easiest way for them to liquidate their equipment. I had to travel 3 hours to pick it up, but it was a steal.
I started last year with the Ridgid r4513. Space and price was a factor. Have done quite a few projects and am loving it. If you have space for the r4512, I don’t think you could go wrong.
I have never used a small table saw. I still have a table saw left from my father’s time, which I have been using for about five years. Well, referring to this article https://trimthatweed.com/best-beginner-table-saw/, I would advise you to buy a Skil TS6307-00 because this table saw is small and will fit in any garage. And for a beginner, it seems there is the no better option to find. It costs about $400, and I’ve seen it on Amazon. You can go to the article yourself and read about it if you want. In my opinion, there are a couple more options for buying a table saw for a beginner.
Depends what brand you are looking for. There isn’t one specific website that has the best prices for all brands and models of Table saws.