Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Table Saws

For the woodworking folks here, I'm looking at adding a table saw soon. It's more of a hobby than anything, but I like to have quality tools that last a while. My knowledge of table saws is pretty limited though. Would I be better off getting one of these jobsite table saws new or picking up a used cabinet type saw? Any particular brands to steer clear of? What are things I need to be looking for? Thanks

I'd stay away from the jobsite saws. I've got one and it works okay for small stuff but it's light in weight and easy to move which makes cutting heavy stuff really hard. I've also got a "big" Delta from Lowes. It's a nice saw for the money. We've also got a Jet. It's the real deal.

If you want a good all around saw and aren't going to be making cabinets with it, I'd recommend the biggest Delta that they sell at Lowes.

Whatever you get, get one with a cast iron top. Put car wax on it to keep it from rusting and it also makes the pieces you cut slide like hot butter.

I see old Craftsmans on Craigslist all the time. I have one that's 45 years old.

I bought a job site saw last year. I still use a skill saw if that tells you anytging.

Depends on what you want to spend. I have a bigrigid I've had over ten yrs. it comes on folding stand. Its heavy and cost around $500 when I bought mine. You might also look at Lowes at
Riobyi .

For the weekend warrior a dewalt jobsite saw isn't a bad deal, get the biggest one they sell at lowes for around 600. I have a bosh and don't recommend you buying one. I also have a jet for my shop that is pretty nice. If you were wanting the best of the best I'd saw an older powermatic 66.

I've got a Dewalt portable that works fine for most stuff. But a cabinet saw is better if you don't have to move it. I have a powermatic 72 in the shop. It's like the 66 but 12 inch blade. I see some older 66 on Craigslist all the time. 10 inch is fine for most stuff I just got a deal on it so went with 12 but use 10 inch blades most of the time.

I have a Delta that I've had for about 20 years. Not a high end one but it does the job.

At least a contractor saw if you can swing it. I have a craftsman hybrid saw (known as the zip code). It has a full beisemeyer fence on it and i love it. Got it for $620 new OTD years ago. That said if I could have found a used unisaw I would have jumped.

My Dad has a full-sized Craftsman table saw that he's had forever...we still use it pretty regularly on various project around home.

Thanks for all the input fellas. I was leaning toward a used cabinet type saw and I think that's what I'm going to look for. The job site saws are perfect for my budget, but most of them have a smaller table than I'd like.

My grandfather and I both use our table saws a LOT. My primary mover and shaker in the shop.

We both use Craftsman. Both are one size down from cabinet saw, same size and nearly the same weight but mobile.

I wouldn't trade mine for anything. I mounted it in a large shop cart that serves as outfeed, assembly, tool storage. 4' x 4' square.

I bought a skill brand for $120. It does the job. There is a lot better brands out there though but for $120 you can't beat it.

First one I owned was a Ryobi. It only lasted about three years of fairly light work. Now I've had a Craftsman for about five years and it is still going strong.