Need a new table saw

[hunter-27]

Well my craftsman went to crap(imagine that). I'm REALLY limited on cash flow right now so I'm searching for opinions on what I should look for to get the most bang for what limited bucks I have. Any thoughts are welcome. I dont use it for any real amount of flatwork, mostly just smaller cuts and an occasional rip or two of a 2x.

 

[Wheaties]

I could recommend something, but my advice is if it doesn't get used a whole lot: look on CL or at garage sales. My buddy found a working crapsmen table saw for $5 at a garage sale.

I have a Hitachi and love it. It's this one:
http://www.hitachipowertools.com/store_item.php?iID=555&arrPath=1,11,4,p555,
Got it new at a big box store for $320 if I remember right.

 

[Chief Hill]

Maybe a cheap Ryobi table top type might work for you. I dont really know of anything else that is "cheap" but somewhat half decent. Ryobi is my only guess.

 

[Russianwolf]

See if you can find a BT3000 or BT3100 (Ryobi) or a Craftsman 81289 (Clone made by Ryobi). Great saws.

The Sears version is still available new, the Ryobis check craiglist for.

Once dialed in, they are dead on and the sliding miter table is a big asset as well as the riving knife.

 

[hunter-27]

I could recommend something, but my advice is if it doesn't get used a whole lot: look on CL or at garage sales. My buddy found a working crapsmen table saw for $5 at a garage sale.


That is about how much I'd be willing to go on about any craftsman tool that is less than 20 yrs old.:wink:

Thanks guys for the input.

 

[mrcook4570]

Ryobi produces a decent product without breaking the bank. I have a few different Ryobi tools, including a table saw, and am pleased with their performance.

 

[mickr]

Just to get everyone's panties in a twist: why buy a table saw at all ? you say you do virtually no flatwork..just a few cross cuts and an occasinal rip...mitre box? and a rip saw? use no electricity..take up no space..when I started turning in the dark ages all I had was a mitre box..2 handsaws and a springpole lathe I made...I made windsor & shaker chairs and gosh darn a whole house...with just a hammer and nails...start thinking "outside the box" and save up for a good table saw when you graduate to it....(just my old person opinion)

 

[hunter-27]

Ya know, that makes pretty damn good sense. :wink:

 

[stolicky]

If you don't do a lot of flat work - do you have a band saw?

You can do a lot of stuff with a band saw than you can with a table saw, and it takes up a lot less space. The only thing I can think of this early in the morning is the lack of ability to cut dados...

Most band saws also generally cost less than table saws - if you don't already have one.

 

[DurocShark]

I love table saws, but agree that they're not needed if all you do is turn.

Get a cheap Ryobi table saw for the few times you need one, and a good bandsaw for everything else.

 

[nava1uni]

I have a Rigid table saw and really like it. It was reasonably priced and I often see them used on Craigslist for a good price. They cut clean and very straight and my saw folds up and everything is stored on board so it works well in a small space. Check it out here http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/TS2400LS-Table-Saw/EN/index.htm