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table saw or jigsaw?
NoOne=NBA=:
OK, Moondog tried to cross-post me.
I second his suggestion that if you can afford a table saw, I would suggest spending it on a circular saw and jigsaw instead.
You can make almost all the cuts you need with the circular saw and a saw guide, and can make the rest of them (inside radius cuts, etc...) with the jigsaw.
Unless you invest in alot of handling equipment (roller sawhorses, etc...) you are never going to cut a GOOD long cut on a table saw, and can't do shorter cuts accurately with one because you can't see the blade to guide yourself.
A circular saw CAN do everything a table saw does, and then some.
The reverse is not true.
paigeoliver:
You can do a whole cab with just a circular saw, IF you design with that in mind. Cabs like Dragon's Lair, Gyruss, and midway cabs are quick and easy with a circular saw.
versapak:
--- Quote ---I'd be interested in seeing how to cut a dado with a jigsaw.
--- End quote ---
Yeah I caught that error in my statement after the dado was first mentioned in this thread, but felt it was too late to go back and edit, since surely everyone already saw it. :)
Between the 2 tools mentioned, I personally would find the jigsaw more useful in this hobby.
What i should have done though is recommended other tools, which in all would be better choices. Such as a circular saw (that can indeed do EVERYTHING a table saw can do) or a router (which can literaly do every cut required in building a cab).
chrisindfw:
So in your opinion, what would be best to cut out the side panels of the cabinet?
danny_galaga:
i'm reading the question as meaning which ONE of the two is more useful. personally i think it was more useful to have a jigsaw when i made my cab. if you're not going to get really into cabinet making then the jigsaw is cheaper and more compact and easier to stow away for the NEXT year when you need it again (",)