Looking to buy an economical table saw
#1
03-23-16, 07:42 PM
Looking to buy an economical table saw
I want to buy a good table saw that can handle a dado blade set and that is affordable. I do not need an expensive shop saw just a hobbyist saw that I can use once in a while, I want to fit dado blade set and cut rabbets and dados and make boxes for tools and cabinets.
Any saws that you can recommend?
I see this one at RONA:
Table Saw with Stand | RONA
This is the one I am close to buying.
I can find used ones for under $100 but a warranty is nice to have.
thanks in advance.
Any saws that you can recommend?
I see this one at RONA:
Table Saw with Stand | RONA
This is the one I am close to buying.
I can find used ones for under $100 but a warranty is nice to have.
thanks in advance.
#2
03-24-16, 02:39 AM
Skilsaw is a good brand saw with parts readily available. Keep that in mind when choosing as it will eventually break and the need for parts will be there.
#3
03-24-16, 09:44 AM
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A warranty is nice, but it's better to have a good table saw. I would consider a used Craftsman Contractor Saw, they are almost legendary. It performs like a cabinet saw, but is open like the Skilsaw you posted.
Depending on how far you want to take it, a large table and a Biesemeyer fence can be added by you in the future.
Depending on how far you want to take it, a large table and a Biesemeyer fence can be added by you in the future.
#4
03-24-16, 01:07 PM
I agree with the Craftsman. I have a 1973 vintage in my barn that just wouldn't die. I retired it by force when the Delta unisaw became available from my SIL. Biesemeyer is a very big plus.
#5
03-24-16, 08:29 PM
Craftsman Contractor Saw
A little on the xpensive side, I really just gonna play around and practice, practice, practice till i get more proficient in this hobby and willing to invest alot of time and patience rather than money at this point.
For a beginner table saw I find $209 is a good price to start at.
Craftsman Contractor Saw is impressive but really dont need such a great machine yet I think.
What is your best recommendation on used saw besides that one?
Keeping in mind that I am just looking to get beginner projects practiced for some time.
Thanks guys.
For a beginner table saw I find $209 is a good price to start at.
Craftsman Contractor Saw is impressive but really dont need such a great machine yet I think.
What is your best recommendation on used saw besides that one?
Keeping in mind that I am just looking to get beginner projects practiced for some time.
Thanks guys.
#6
03-25-16, 03:07 AM
Your reasoning is good. For a portable saw on my jobsite trailer, I use a Ridgid 12" with offset motor so I can cut speedbase standing on edge, but it is a little pricey, too. Looking at pawn shops is a great way to get tools at a decent price. I just recently purchased a 10" Ridgid table saw on a roll about gurney for about $200, so you just gotta be in the right place at the right time.
Most of your larger name brands will serve you well. As I stated earlier, finding parts is the biggest concern beyond convenience and price.
Most of your larger name brands will serve you well. As I stated earlier, finding parts is the biggest concern beyond convenience and price.
#7
03-25-16, 10:04 AM
Super Moderator
The saw you linked to is not really capable of running a dado blade.
I have almost the same model and can only use it for light trimming and ocassional portable use..
A dado blade requires a fair amount of power and a securely mounted motor.
The top plate and shaft may not be able to even fit a wide blade.
If you spend at least twice the cost of that unit and make sure the fence can rip to 24" you should be able to get a useful saw.
I have almost the same model and can only use it for light trimming and ocassional portable use..
A dado blade requires a fair amount of power and a securely mounted motor.
The top plate and shaft may not be able to even fit a wide blade.
If you spend at least twice the cost of that unit and make sure the fence can rip to 24" you should be able to get a useful saw.
#8
03-25-16, 10:14 AM
Group Moderator
Pawn shops are a good idea... they will quite often begrudgingly accept half of new price for their used tools. But be sure you try it out before you buy it to make sure it works and doesnt have bad bearings or something. Getting the Dewalt 744X for $250-275, for example... would be a steal.
Dewalt, Rigid, Bosch, Craftsman... all respectable brands. Skil, not so much. Greg is right... the 24" cut capacity of some of the better portable saws is huge if you intend to build a few cabinets.
Dewalt, Rigid, Bosch, Craftsman... all respectable brands. Skil, not so much. Greg is right... the 24" cut capacity of some of the better portable saws is huge if you intend to build a few cabinets.
#9
03-25-16, 11:29 AM
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Table saws are great, you can buy one for $209.00 or $15,000.00. If you want to get serious in cutting dados or drawer joinery, I would recommend a router table.
Just one example is a dado cutting router bit for plywood. The bits are undersized 1/32" and any plywood inserted into the dado fits like a glove.
Just one example is a dado cutting router bit for plywood. The bits are undersized 1/32" and any plywood inserted into the dado fits like a glove.
#10
03-26-16, 07:30 AM
Router and router table
OK thanks, I will keep my eye out on a table saw and be willing to invest a little more for a good quality one as this will be the most important and useful pieces in my shop.
Now I will wan to buy a router at some point, so to switch gears here for some advice, which router table and routers are the best bang for your buck?
Porter cable?
Now I will wan to buy a router at some point, so to switch gears here for some advice, which router table and routers are the best bang for your buck?
Porter cable?
#11
03-26-16, 07:55 AM
OH boy. Now we're talking tools!!! We'll have you decked out shortly. Remember it is an addiction for which there is no cure. As far as a router, I have an older Craftsman which is meh, and I have a Bosch mounted under my table saw run off table. I have a PC plunge router that takes the most punishment since it is so versatile. Look at plunge routers. You may spend a little more, but you'll have more, too. Pawn shops.
#12
03-26-16, 08:14 AM
Now I found a used 745X $350 (brand new in box) and also a 744X $250 (this is a pawn shop) is there a difference between models?.
Both have throats that don't look like they will accommodate a dado blade set, is this something that needs to be bought after?
Both have throats that don't look like they will accommodate a dado blade set, is this something that needs to be bought after?
#13
03-26-16, 08:54 AM
Group Moderator
The 744x has 24" rip capacity. 745x is compact, higher rpm, only 20" rip capacity. The smaller top makes it less suitable for cabinetry. Also has a short stubby miter gauge. Both are good saws. Dado inserts are available for the 744 but not for 745 unless im mistaken.
