table saw

[Mattman24]

i need a table saw for under 150$, what would yall recomend?

Thanks
Matt

[firestorm]

craigslist.org

I have a fairly inexpensive 10" table saw and I can't imagine going with anything cheaper. It's an older version of this:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100049291
$200

It does the job, but the fence is real cheap and inaccurate, and it's missing things like smooth start up. That thing jumps so hard, the plastic end caps shoot off of the square tubing on it. I had to use a square to square up the blade, since the adjustment for the miter/angle is also very inaccurate.

For that budget, you're not going to find much that is "good" unless you look for something used. I see table saws on craigslist very frequently though. But, if you just need to rip stuff, and accuracy isn't important, the cheap new models *will* get the job done. I've managed to get some more precise cuts using squares and tape measures to line everything up though.

[Mattman24]

anybody have any thoughts on these
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=238438-54650-FS210LS&lpage=none
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Bench+Power+Tools&pid=00921802000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Table+Saws&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Bench+Power+Tools&pid=00924884000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Table+Saws&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&pid=00921805000&cat=Bench+Power+Tools&subcat=Table+Saws&vertical=TOOL&ihtoken=1

i really like that last sears one,

[iminaquagmire]

What are you looking to do with it? If its just straight rip cuts, the last sears one probably isn't too bad, but the second you need to do dadoes, rabbets, mitres, you're gonna be sorry you skimped.

Most of the benchtop models don't go to 24" inches which means you can't rip a sheet of plywood in half. It doesn't sound like much but its a big deal, at least to me. Even if they can, the fences aren't always that strong and you'll get a board that's say 12" on one end and 12 1/4" on the other.

I'm not saying a workable one can't be had for that price, but in the end, you'll wish you hadn't bought a benchtop. You can get away with one if you're not going to do any intricate cuts, or work with sheets, but IMHO its just not worth it in the end.

Buy a used one cabinet saw online if you have to stick to that budget. Don't be scared of age, its the older saws that are built like tanks and run smoothest. That's why I have a 1954 Delta Unisaw. If its more than 25-30 years old, www.OWWM.org is a very good resource. They have owner's manuals and a wealth of knowledge on the forum.

[Mattman24]

im going to be building sub box's and consoles, i dont plan on ripping a 4x8 peice with the table saw, i can use a jig saw for that

[wm-webb]

Nice thing about Sears is if you break a part on a twenty year old saw or any power tool chances are you can go on-line and order a replacement part. :biggrin:

:fsg:

[thekl0wn]

We use Ryobi for our jobsite table saws... They've held up to some pretty substantial abuse! Can't comment/compare on the others though. :dunno:

[firestorm]

I built a subwoofer cabinet with my Skill Saw. It worked out just fine for that, but it helped a great deal that my workbench is the exact same height, since the workspace on the saw is so small. Although it was more expensive, I picked up 2'x 4' 3/4" MDF at Home Depot. When I made the first cut, I had one half supported by the workbench, so I only had to feed the material into the saw, and hold/support the other half. Saw horses could serve the same purpose though.

[BassBaller5]

check out the pawn shops in town man, Lance just sold one not too long ago...

[rainman318]

You need a saw with a good fence. If you plan to use it much save up a little more and step up a bit. With most of those cheap saws the fence will move around so much you won't be able to get straght cuts. If you are using a circular saw you might consider a clamping guide. Lowes has a 50" kobalt brand one for about 40 bucks. Its not listed on-line but they have them in the store it looks similar to this one.
http://www.tooled-up.com/ZoomPicture.asp?PID=93334&IMG=TRENcgs.jpg It can be used with jig saw, router or circular saws.

[BassBaller5]

You need a saw with a good fence. If you plan to use it much save up a little more and step up a bit. With most of those cheap saws the fence will move around so much you won't be able to get straght cuts. If you are using a circular saw you might consider a clamping guide. Lowes has a 50" kobalt brand one for about 40 bucks. Its not listed on-line but they have them in the store it looks similar to this one.
http://www.tooled-up.com/ZoomPicture.asp?PID=93334&IMG=TRENcgs.jpg It can be used with jig saw, router or circular saws.

man, that seems much easier/cheaper. great for routing straight edges or recessing lips, or just cutting!