Suggestion on a low cost Table Saw
I’m working on a few projects for my apartment, like building a 75g Aquarium stand.
I was going to buy a Circular saw, but then I thought that a Table saw would be alot more useful.
I could use some suggestions or advice. My limit is about $200 new or used. If I can’t get a table saw that’s decent for that much I’ll just get a cheapo Circular saw.
Suggestions?
I’d recommend just going to your local home depot, lowes, sears etc… and seeing what they have in your price range. They usually have all the models on display so you can check them out real good and find what you like that will do the job you need to do. I’d take a radial arm saw over a table saw anyday but I can’t afford one so I have a table saw. Mitre saws are also pretty handy and very easy to use. Circular saw is your best bet for cutting large pieces of plywood.
what he said, except the thing is that if youre going to be using them frequently, dont be cheap. spend a little more and get something more sturdy, that takes a bigger blade, and has all the bells and whistles youre looking for.
Just weekend projects. Would my money be better spent in a Table Saw or Circular saw at that price point?
You can get a fairly decent table saw for $200 or a top of the line circular saw for $200. Both will do what you need but if I had to choose one I would go with the table saw because of it’s versatility over the circular. If you can wait a couple months you may be able to find a good sale.
i personally would get a table saw because you get straighter cuts and better measurements. if you are really good, you can get that from a circ saw too but its pretty hard to do.
if you want the number one rated table saw, with a great warranty, and excellent customer service, get this rigid
if you just want something to do something with, get this hitachi
Dunno how mechanically adept you are, but if you’re capable of evaluating a piece of equipment and determining whether its been cared for or abused, there aren’t many reasons to buy new. If I was looking for a table saw, I’d check out the used machinery and tools section of the local paper, and/or keep my eyes open for household/business auctions.
Over the years I’ve bought air compressors, pneumatic nailers, a drill press, a siding brake, and a gazillion other tools via those routes and kept a lot of $ in my pocket for better things, like booze and women.
no way would I buy a table saw new for 200 bucks crappy fences and all you will get is a bench top saw.
if you can spend 400 you can get a pretty good saw used. if not get a guide system for you circular saw like this one
then you can get a short guide for 15 bucks and a miter guide for 35 bucks
spend 30 bucks on a decent blade too, thats the most important thing.
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no way would I buy a table saw new for 200 bucks crappy fences and all you will get is a bench top saw.
if you can spend 400 you can get a pretty good saw used. if not get a guide system for you circular saw like this one then you can get a short guide for 15 bucks and a miter guide for 35 bucks spend 30 bucks on a decent blade too, thats the most important thing. |
That’s interesting. The one you linked is for 8ft sheets, but will it work for smaller pieces? Like if I want to cut smaller pieces of that sheet, lets say 2ftx1ft.
Also, if that would work on smaller peices, would it work on all thickness of plywood (1/4 – 3/4"??)
Also, would that be more accurate then a $200-300 table saw fence (using a decent circular saw?)
imo find a friend that has tools or a shop you could dip into at nights or on the weekends… you will need more than a skill saw or table saw to make anything decent. I started years ago with a contractors saw and an old delta rockwell lathe. Now I have everything from a full cabinet saw, shaper, routers, cnc router.. everything; but I could not have done this with an apartment.
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That’s interesting. The one you linked is for 8ft sheets, but will it work for smaller pieces? Like if I want to cut smaller pieces of that sheet, lets say 2ftx1ft.
Also, if that would work on smaller peices, would it work on all thickness of plywood (1/4 – 3/4"??) Also, would that be more accurate then a $200-300 table saw fence (using a decent circular saw?) |
yes it will work on shorter cuts. they also make one for crosscutting that you can get for less than 20 bucks. You dont have to buy a guide like this all you need is a true flat reference point for your saw.
as far as cut depth, you are good to go to at least 2 inches with a decent saw. In my opinion i would go for the circular saw and save for a real table saw. you will always be able to use a circular saw not so on the cheap table saw.
disagree with you on this point go spend 1k on hand tools and you can make anything that anyone else can. Many people make decent stuff with just a circular saw and basic tools
surely you can but don’t expect to make anything amazing
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Dunno how mechanically adept you are, but if you’re capable of evaluating a piece of equipment and determining whether its been cared for or abused, there aren’t many reasons to buy new. If I was looking for a table saw, I’d check out the used machinery and tools section of the local paper, and/or keep my eyes open for household/business auctions.
Over the years I’ve bought air compressors, pneumatic nailers, a drill press, a siding brake, and a gazillion other tools via those routes and kept a lot of $ in my pocket for better things, like booze and women. |
True dat. Especially in this economic climate, a lot of contractors need cash.
Also, check Hispanic flea markets (helps if you speaka de espanol) – Often if a subcontractor goes tits up, his workers will take it out of him on equipment.
I’ve gotten a fair amount of stuff this way.
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