Table saw

[v1ru5879]

I am in the market for a table saw, I keep coming into situations where I wish I had one. Saw a makita 2708 on craigslist for $80 and it looks tempting
https://santafe.craigslist.org/tls/d/santa-cruz-makita-table-saw/6897738406.html

Then I was also tossing the idea of one of the Hercules saws for $250

What do you suggest? New? Used? a certain brand? I would like to hear your input

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Dad has an Ace Hardware saw just like that Makita. Bout the same price point.

We've both used it well, and it serves the purpose. The lack of riving knife and mickey mouse fence are big drawbacks.

If you want to rip down a little ply for some shelving- I say get it.

If I were starting a renovation, I'd be getting one of the nicer jobsite saws like the Skil. That's likely what I have my eye on for an upcoming build.

 

[Shootinok]

There are a LOT of table saw threads on here with good info and a lot of opinions. Search and you shall find.

Here’s mine on the makita...
That’s a pretty good little saw for $80
They are light so portability is good - stability, not so much.
Really depends on your needs and your space.
I’m a big fan of the old craftsman’s but you can’t put them on a shelf when your done using them.



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[theoldwizard1]

Around here, you can buy a used Craftsman table saw from the 70s/80s for $100-$200. Most of these saws have not been used hard, and while the cast iron tables maybe rusty they can be cleaned up.

The best ones have the motor out front, connected to the the saw spindle by a belt.

 

[v1ru5879]

Gonna see what comes up second hand. As much as I'd like to go pickup the Hercules one can't really justify it just yet. Maybe a miter saw

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[ez-duzit]

Watch for a Delta contractors saw in good condition.

 

[dsimatt]

I am in the market for a table saw, I keep coming into situations where I wish I had one. Saw a makita 2708 on craigslist for $80 and it looks tempting
https://santafe.craigslist.org/tls/d/santa-cruz-makita-table-saw/6897738406.html

Then I was also tossing the idea of one of the Hercules saws for $250


What do you suggest? New? Used? a certain brand? I would like to hear your input

Around here that's atleast double the price and have to leave it sitting outside all winter before tossing it out the back of a truck.

Like you i sorta need a table saw so cant justify buying new and need it small enough to fit out of the way.

 

[shawhite]

What are your needs? Do you have any projects panned? Do you have space in the garage to store it or do you need a contractor type saw? When I was looking for a table saw the most important factor was the fence. If the fence is garbage you will have a harder time making straight cuts and setup time will increase drastically so you will find your self using the table saw less.

 

[glentre]

If you don't have a place where it will be located permanently, get one with wheels so you can move it around without any difficulty. They always seem to get in the way of other projects.

Glen

 

[v1ru5879]

I too am concerned with a good fence, I like the idea of making a stop block and ripping down the same cut without hassle. I have plenty of space for storage but I do like to have the portability of taking it around with me

 

[matt_i]

When I was looking for a table saw the most important factor was the fence. If the fence is garbage you will have a harder time making straight cuts and setup time will increase drastically so you will find your self using the table saw less.

This is great advice. The magic is all in the fence. All of them hold and spin the blade. But the more trust you have between your tape measure and the fence, the faster and more accurately your projects will go.

 

[MushCreek]

I love my Ridgid saw but it takes up a lot of shop space. Dead nuts accurate, including the fence. I see them pretty cheap used around here.

 

[vavet]

For occasional use, I wish I had one that stayed attached to a rolling cart and pulled out and up to use.
One like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...Portable-Table-Saw-with-Stand-R4513/100090444

 

[62stepside]

I have my eye on this one, https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-13-Amp-10-in-Professional-Cast-Iron-Table-Saw-R4512/202500206 , big enough for most everything I would need it for.

I'm just a hobbyist, but it's between this one and a saw with wheels on it because i'd like to move it around.

 

[Handyandy23]

No experience with it, but my personal opinion I wouldn't touch the Hercules for $250. You can get the actual DeWalt that Hercules is trying to copy for that price (or pretty darn close to it)!

Not enough hours on those Hercules saws to really know how they will hold up. If it was half the price of the DeWalt and had that same gear style fence then I'd consider it, but at roughly the same price I don't see the reasoning.

 

[MushCreek]

That's similar to the one I have, but mine has a rolling base that actually works quite well on a smooth floor. It has been spot-on accurate for the 7 years I've had it, and I used it to build my house. The fence works well, and I've never had to adjust the saw.

 

[ez-duzit]

I have my eye on this one, https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-13-Amp-10-in-Professional-Cast-Iron-Table-Saw-R4512/202500206 , big enough for most everything I would need it for.

I'm just a hobbyist, but it's between this one and a saw with wheels on it because i'd like to move it around.

You can buy a really nice Unisaw on a mobile base for that money.

 

[orangeblood]

If you don't have a place where it will be located permanently, get one with wheels so you can move it around without any difficulty. They always seem to get in the way of other projects.

Glen

^ this is really good coaching.

i made this mistake.

if you dont have a perm spot for a full size unit, buy a good contractor model with a folding base.

 

[R_einan]

I have a Makita 2708, and it works as a portable job site saw. Doesn’t spin a large blade and that limits the depth of you cuts, isn’t particularly heavy or stable, and has the worst fence I’ve ever used on a table saw. You spend more time setting up the fence with a framing square just to make sure it’s square than it’s worth. Honestly, for sheet goods or long stock, a handheld circular caw with a guide is probably just as accurate. It works for smaller stock and trim sized work and it is very easy to move around. My dad gave it to me after he upgraded to a larger craftsman contractor saw, and I used it for a few projects. Then I bought a unisaw as I have the shop save for a stationary cabinet saw, and I haven’t used it since.

 

[zendriver]

Gonna see what comes up second hand. As much as I'd like to go pickup the Hercules one can't really justify it just yet. Maybe a miter saw

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I see a few at estate auctions, often practically giving them away, or real nice ones for a good price.

An almost new looking Craftsman cast iron top, recently went for $25. I would have bid on it, but I didn't feel like hauling it out of the basement.

Just remember, when you're not using it, it's simply take up garage floor space. If you're not making furniture or cabinets and need to make long panel cuts, etc., maybe just use a guide and circular saw.

https://www.harborfreight.com/50-inch-clamp-and-cut-edge-guide-66581.html

 

[Whitworth]

You can buy a really nice Unisaw on a mobile base for that money.

Around here (central NC), the asking price is over $1000 for a Unisaw in good condition, single phase.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You can buy a really nice Unisaw on a mobile base for that money.

The Unisaws for sale on my local Craigslist right now range in price from $650 to $2250. The one selling for $650 is the cheapest one I've seen in recent memory.

 

[TriumphFan]

The best ones have the motor out front, connected to the the saw spindle by a belt.

Yes. Get one with the motor separate. They can be replaced/rebuilt.