I haven't looked into the low priced table saws recently. I have borrowed a
small table saw from a friend and I have a 12" PowerMatic at home. Before I
got that unit, I had an older model Craftsman 10" belt drive table saw (cast
iron table)
I actually like the small saw I borrowed. It is a Craftsman unit with
aluminum table & direct drive motor. 8" blade IIRC. Light weight enough to
pick up & move around on the job site.
The major drawback to these units is the fence. They feel toy-like compared
to the Beisemyer on my PowerMatic. One has to fiddle & check/recheck
measurements to get them in position & aligned *every* time you move it.
Same with the 10" Craftsman table saw.
If I didn't have such a nice big saw at home (and to razz y'all a bit I
bought the 12" PowerMatic w 3 hp 3 phase motor and phase converter for
$100...) I would seriously consider one of these smaller saws then build it
into a large table to make it easier to manuever plywood. I'd make it so the
saw could be removed if needed to take it to jobs away from my shop.
With a good blade and upgraded fence, I think it'd do a fine job for cutting
plywood & 4/4 hardwood.
Eric
----- Original Message -----
From: "GA Carnut" <gacarnut@hotmail.com>
To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2003 8:44 AM
Subject: Tables saw for a newbie
>
> Amateur norm-wannabe, looking to get into some woodworking/furniture
making
> (shelves, tables, etc.).
>
> I need a table saw, and was looking at Lowes the other day - Delta has a
$99
> table, a $179 table, and up.
>
> Would the $99 table fit my immediate needs, or do I need to look into
> something fancier (and/or used, etc.)??
>
> I'm going to surf over to the Harbor Freight sight and check stuff out...
> ;-)
>
> I'm of the buy it cheap, if I like it/use it, buy another more expensive
> model later - although I generally keep my old cheap tools for years...
> sorta like cheap furniture - that stuff never seems to go away...
>
> Thanks
>
> Chip
>
> Chip Mautz
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