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Author Topic: table saw recommendation  (Read 3667 times)

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walker_tr9

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table saw recommendation
« on: August 28, 2012, 06:35:20 pm »

So, what is a good table saw?  This one looks good:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_246259-70-DW744X_4294702886__?productId=1207929&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar

But it is expensive!

PL1

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2012, 08:09:31 pm »
I went with the Ryobi RTS20.

Some reviews mention a tendency for the tilt mechanism to slip from the locked position, but I haven't had any problems with that.  YMMV.


Scott

TopJimmyCooks

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2012, 10:41:12 pm »
That would be a nice portable contractor's saw.  If you're planning on moving it a lot, good.  If you're going to set it up in a shop and not move it, I would get something with a sheet metal stand - more rigid. 

EvilNuff

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2012, 11:12:55 pm »
I cannot recommend strongly enough that you pick a saw with a riving knife.  The dewalt listed does not have one as I recall I would go with:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_294100-353-4100-09_4294702886__?productId=1208633&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=
or
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Power-Tools-Saws/h_d1/N-5yc1vZc28l/R-100090444/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UD7aIdZlTYg
if you want a contractor saw.

TopJimmyCooks

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2012, 09:27:26 am »
Gotta go with Evilnuff's recommendation on the Rigid (home depot brand) saw.  Those scissors bases are the best. For the same money that saw is a better and safer saw than the dewalt.  Thanks to Evil for actually doing some looking.

wp34

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2012, 09:53:57 am »
Gotta go with Evilnuff's recommendation on the Rigid (home depot brand) saw.  Those scissors bases are the best. For the same money that saw is a better and safer saw than the dewalt.  Thanks to Evil for actually doing some looking.

How stable are those scissor bases?  I really like the idea but every one I've looked at in the store is very bouncy.  I've wondered if they just don't take the time to set up the floor models properly.

TopJimmyCooks

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2012, 12:27:50 pm »
If you're moving the saw every day, they are great- very slick to fold, move and reset - stand stays attached to the saw, stable enough for the size of the saw table top.  If its a shop setup I would get a sheet metal stand.  cheaper and more rigid.  If you're breaking down plywood, you need a bigger saw/table overall. 

wp34

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2012, 01:55:56 pm »
I don't have room for a bigger saw and would like the mobility.  Thanks for the feedback.   :cheers:

walker_tr9

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2012, 04:39:32 pm »
Yeah I don't have room for a permanent table saw.  That's why I want a portable one.  Plus, I can move it outside my shop and blow woodchips into the grass.  I don't do that much sawing so the grass can absorb it.   I was thinking of building a sturdy wooden base that would hold a portable table saw, and a router table.  Then, I could wheel that sucker out and possibly use both tables for mutual support.  Is this dumb?  Is there a better solution for a combo table saw/router table.  I think I saw one, but it wasn't quite what I wanted or it wasn't mobile.

EvilNuff

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #9 on: August 31, 2012, 08:13:49 pm »
I have the Rigid and a friend has the Bosch, they are both very stable bases.  I would strongly recommend either of them.  But like I said before, riving knife, riving knife, riving knife!  Kickback is a very real danger and should not be underestimated.  As you cut wood you expose new moisture content to air and the wood can and will move.  If that wood pinches the back of the saw blade you can be seriously hurt or killed.  There is no level of "being safe" you can practice that can prevent this as a possibility.  A riving knife eliminates almost all kickback for all cuts you make, through cuts, stop cuts, dadoes, bevel, straight, etc. 

I know I am harping on this but for real, I would simply not use a table saw without a riving knife at all.  Hope you don't mind me venting but (obviously heh) I feel strongly about this. :)

walker_tr9

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #10 on: August 31, 2012, 11:58:40 pm »
The riving knife sounds good to me!  :)

Actually, I have a question about pushing the wood through on a table saw.  Do you have to stand behind it?  Why can't I use some long push blocks.  So I would stand to the *side* with a push block keeping the wood flush against the fence, and another long push block to push it through.  That way, if it ever kicked back, I would be clear of the flying wood.

Am I being completely ridiculous here?  Why would you not do this?  I realize, in some cases, this might not be possible (e.g. large pieces of plywood).  But for standard cuts, why not?  Is it too awkward?  I haven't tried it b/c I don't have a table saw yet.
« Last Edit: September 01, 2012, 12:02:31 am by walker_tr9 »

EvilNuff

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #11 on: September 01, 2012, 09:58:00 pm »
You really wouldn't do that primarily because your control over the wood would be pretty poor. 

TopJimmyCooks

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #12 on: September 02, 2012, 05:16:12 pm »
If you're ripping a  piece, stand to the left of it, out of the path of a kickback. 

Jakobud

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #13 on: September 06, 2012, 03:01:01 pm »
I wanted to chime into this.  I would HIGHLY recommend Ridgid as the brand of choice for all power tools and in this case, table saws.  Two reasons for this:

1. Very good build quality.  Very nice.

2. LIFE TIME WARRANTY - For the REST OF YOUR LIFE if your Ridgid power tool has any problems or needs to be repaired or replaced, parts and labor are 100% free.

I buy only Ridgid because of their insanely good lifetime warranty.  When you buy a Ridgid Power Tool, you are essentially buying something that you will NEVER have to replace for the rest of your life.

jediz

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #14 on: September 07, 2012, 04:25:32 pm »
I've been looking for a table saw myself, and I plan on purchasing one of the ridgid saws. The lifetime warranty and good reviews make it seem like a good choice. I'd like to get the stationary saw, but I need to get some crap out of the way first.

EvilNuff

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #15 on: September 08, 2012, 03:41:32 am »
One thing to keep in mind with the contractor saws, the table is pretty small and you will want an outfeed table or roller at a minimum.  So plan on setting something up for the outfeed side.

walker_tr9

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #16 on: September 09, 2012, 09:46:03 pm »

I know that asked about portable table saws, but what about this one:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202500206/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=rigid+table+saw&storeId=10051#.UE1F-FGnn4Y

It looks like it has wheels.  I don't have to move it far, so this would be fine.  I like the extension bar.   I assume this one is just as good as the other RIGID.

jediz

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #17 on: September 10, 2012, 10:49:23 am »

I know that asked about portable table saws, but what about this one:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202500206/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=rigid+table+saw&storeId=10051#.UE1F-FGnn4Y

It looks like it has wheels.  I don't have to move it far, so this would be fine.  I like the extension bar.   I assume this one is just as good as the other RIGID.

That's the one I want.

walker_tr9

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Re: table saw recommendation
« Reply #18 on: December 10, 2012, 11:22:02 pm »

I ended up getting the bosch.  The portable rigid had a cheesy tape measure strapped onto it, whereas the Bosch has a ruler embedded into the "chassis".  It also has a little magnifying glass that runs over it to make it easier to read.  I also looked at a youtube video review of the rigid and there was a very small complaint about the play in the fence.   However, I have not had a chance to really use the table saw yet; other things take priority.  But hopefully I will get to it soon.