table saw help

[chrapladm]

Hello. I am looking to buy a used table saw so I can start my projects. I would buy a circular saw but they are the same price as a table saw here in OZ so I am going to just stick with the table saw. I would rather buy a used one but I cant find any used YET.

Anyways I was thinking about buying a new table saw but I have no idea what I am looking for. I will be buying the panel jig also so I figured I could just get any small table saw and be fine. But do I need to look for anything special as far as specs on a table saw?

I was looking at buying probably the cheapest 10" table saw I could fine.

SO someone please point be in the right direction thanks.

[Harley]

I will be buying the panel jig also so I figured I could just get any small table saw and be fine.

Not really, the bigger table saw you can get the better. Forget those little toy bench mount models, get something as solid as...

But do I need to look for anything special as far as specs on a table saw?

Try and get one with a good locking gate that locks the gate at right angles every time and preferably with a bezel and line so that you can read off the measurement when ripping.

Make sure it has a guard, an anti-kickback device and machined slots each side of the blade for the sliding guide ( and you'll ned that for the panel jig )

Ensure that the switch has a solenoid so that it cannot be switched to on position when unplugged - otherwise if someone flicks the switch up and you don't check before plugging in, it can start and startle, maim or kill you!

Buy second hand to get as much saw and you can for your dollar

Here's the sort of thing you need to be looking for

I was looking at buying probably the cheapest 10" table saw I could fine..

You got part of that right - 10" yes....cheapest...NO! - your body parts cannot be replaced once sawn off.

[Scott Brochu]

I was looking at buying probably the cheapest 10" table saw I could fine.

SO someone please point be in the right direction thanks.

I am a strong believer in "You get what you pay for, you buy cheap......you get cheap"
And Like Harley said about safety......well two arms are better than one when building these cabs.

In some cases three would come in handy.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

You got part of that right - 10" yes....cheapest...NO! .

Disagree. My saw only cost $100 new, and it's all I need. OTOH my fence cost $200, and my blade $60. The saw itself is just a motor, no need to spend big bucks there. How well it works depends on the quality of the peripherals- fence, blades, and of course jigs.

The one thing you must avoid is saws with a built-in fence rail that can't be removed and replaced with a better one, and that applies to most consumer grade saws today.

[Scott Brochu]

You got part of that right - 10" yes....cheapest...NO! .

Disagree. My saw only cost $100 new, and it's all I need. OTOH my fence cost $200, and my blade $60. The saw itself is just a motor, no need to spend big bucks there. How well it works depends on the quality of the peripherals- fence, blades, and of course jigs.

The one thing you must avoid is saws with a built-in fence rail that can't be removed and replaced with a better one, and that applies to most consumer grade saws today.

OK I'll give you that.....just a motor but for a 100 bucks you'll get a bit more plastic parts that will most likely fail and brake. Get a good warranty or the extended one.
Some people are lucky and get a good one.
But I will not rely on a cheap plastic piece holding the tension on my fence or any other places on the saw.
This is just my opinion and getting things over the yrs I have come to this self conclusion.

Everyone is different and have different luck.
So good luck guys

Just think before buying.

[chrapladm]

ok so I need to try and find a good used table saw. I am hoping to find one soon. In the mean time I have been looking at some descent table saws online but they all cost about $600+AUD. OOUCH! I would love to have a JET but I dont think I deserve one and neither does my wife.

I will keep looking though, and hopefully find one that has a removable fence rail. I see some table saws on ebay but they are all pickup only I know I will find one some where and atleast now I know what to look for.

[bgavin]

You can do a whole lot with a circular saw and guide boards.

[LelandCrooks]

Craigslist. My son picked up a very nice cast iron table craftsman with a Fox fence for $200. Just the fence is worth more than $200.

[pwfirst]

I have used a lot of table saws over the years and I think two things are important. 1. Have the saw secure to what every it is fastened to so it doesn't move around when you are cutting. Plywood sheets can get a little unruly. at times and if the base moves you are in trouble. Saw horses probably are not good support unless the are weighted down. 2. a good fence keeps your cuts square and true. Sharp blades are a blessing, but for 1/2 stock not a necessity. A small square to keep the blade at the correct angle is important too. The brand names are generally good but not essential, When I bought my equipment I looked at Delta but bought Jet, almost identical for several dollars less. If you are building furniture, only the best will do but for these cabs a good functional saw is just fine. Good used equipment is the best value. Good luck with your build. Phil

[Paul Norman]

The table saw I use is a delta, it was my dads which he bought in the 50's! It's cast with the original fence, motor has been replace and he built the stand out of 1" black gas pipe. Still works great. What ever you buy make sure it's safe and you use it right!

[Harley]

Craigslist. My son picked up a very nice cast iron table craftsman with a Fox fence for $200. Just the fence is worth more than $200.

He lives in Adelaide - Australia! No Craiglist there

[chrapladm]

I have bought quite a few things off Craiglist, but like Harley said I now live in Adelaide so that wont help. I am going to try a few auctions and flea markets and see if there are any good buys there. Thanks for all the advice though. I just need to keep searching. There should be one some where out there for me.

[chrapladm]

I am still hoping for a used one but I did find some table saws that were not too expensive.

Here's a link that has two fairly inexpensive(for OZ) saws and I just wanted to know what everyone thought of them.

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Table-Saws

I am obviously referring to the the 2 table saws less than $400(ST-13&TS250)

Thanks

[Rick Lee]

No. The fence looks like it only attaches at the front and doesn't extend all the way back. The rails that the fence rides on don't extend out far enough to let you make any wide cuts. The fence (after the blade/motor) is the heart and soul of a table saw and I would be very leery of that fence. For stability and smoothness the top should be cast iron and I don't see it anywhere on this one. If you can get stuff from Harbor Freight I wholeheartedly recommend this: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=46813 For the money I've never seen a new saw that can touch it in quality for that price- especially when it's on sale. I've put hundreds of hours on mine and it works great. Really, if you can't find a good table saw in your price range don't despair. A circular saw set-up with jigs works great. I just finished a sign for my son's Eagle project and I built it outside on the porch so I wouldn't have to disturb my shop setup. I used a circular saw w/ a sled for all the straight cuts and it worked like a charm.

[chrapladm]

well unfortunately for me something like that new would cost probably double here in OZ.

I will have to hold out on a used one. I saw something like that somewhere used for about 400 here in OZ and the table saw new was about $900. Both of these are a bit out of my price range but I will keep looking and maybe just have to up my price range.

Thanks boojiewoojie for the comment atleast now I have a picture in my head now for what to look for.