Table saw question

[djshortpaul]

I'm thinking about picking up a compact table saw, maybe off ebay. I just have a couple of questions before I do.

I've seen a few with table size 500 x 335mm or there abouts. What width cut can I expect to do with one of these? For example, would I be able to do the 14" cuts required for OT12s? Do they come with some sort of extension so that you can guide the wood even after the edge of the table? Apologies if there is no answer to this question.

Also, do they vary much in quality and performance for simple cuts as in Omnis and Tubas? I currently use a cheap circular saw which is B&Q's own brand and it works fine. I'd just like to speed the whole process up as I'm planning to do 4 OT12s and I need them ASAP (but I'm not rushing them!).

I guess what I'm asking is should I bother or do you have to spend serious cash for a useful table saw? If I could do around half of my cutting for the OT12s on it then I think it would be worth it.

Thanks again guys! Paul.

PS - B&Q is a UK version of what I imagine Home Depot is in the US.

[Mikey]

http://www.billfitzmaurice.com/PanelJig.html

[Strapping Young Stu]

First tip, BUY THE PANEL JIG

Then, once you have done that and read it through and read that you need large slots in your table to make the panel jig successfully go out and look for a decent saw.

I would avoid B&Q and look at somewhere like machine mart

If you get a saw with the wrong slots like I did making a panel jig could be a pain - here is how I went about it

http://billfitzmaurice.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2499

My saw is B&Q "MacAllister" BTW, not let me down so far, got a much more fine toothed blade for it though, look for a 60 or so tooth one, cuts like a knife through butter

Stu

[djshortpaul]

Cheers guys. I read the description of the panel jig so long ago that I totally forgot what it was. I'll order it now.

[gdougherty]

You can often find them used as well. Just make sure it's solid and stable and when you lock the fence down it doesn't budge. Go with the circular saw if the choice is against a cheap flimsy table saw.