DIY Table Saw vs Ready-Made Table Saw ??

[bimmer1980]

I highly recommend a decent heavy table saw.

I tried a Protech direct drive table saw when first starting off. It was less than $100 new. It worked, but was loud and didn't have a huge amount of power. It did serve a purpose tho.

Then I bought a used craftsman table saw from a guy at work. This was decked out with a nice fence and a router table. It is worlds different from the Protech. It is quieter, runs smoother (very important), has way more power and is a joy to use. This created a huge improvement in the quality of my cuts.

My advise, Get a decent table saw and focus on making your projects. Feel free to try a small direct drive to see if you like wood working, but don't hesitate to get a decent saw. It does make a huge difference!!!!!!

Regarding the circular saw and a piece of plywood? Don't even waste your time.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

The responses to this discussion have been FANTASTIC !!!

So much insight, information and - most importantly - education.



THANK YOU ALL so much for taking the time to share your thoughts, insight and experiences.




KEEP 'EM COMIN' !!!

 

[Happy Bill]

Hello,

I have built my own lathe and my own drum sander (these are both relatively easy builds and many people do them), next project will be a band saw and then maybe if I think Ive got sufficient skills and knowledge maybe a table saw.

1. Read these books - they are wonderful - given what you wrote in your first post you will thoroughly enjoy them - I bought them both whilst considering building my own table saw.

40 Power Tools You Can Make
Making and Modifying Machines - Taunton Press

They both have discussions and accounts from people who have built their own table saws. You might be able to get the books from a library.

I got my copies from thebookdepository and Amazon respectively

2. Google "Hector Acaveda Table Saw"

3. Find out if Gilliom Manufacturing is still trading - they supplied kits for table saws and band saws and other woodworking equipment - I tried to call them a couple of times but no answers - I might have the times wrong - I am in the middle of nowhere in Australia. They have never had a web site but you can google them and get a phone number.

4. Be aware that Hector Acaveda is a highly skilled technician

5. Be aware of the warning in the front of 40 Power Tools --- something like this "This book demonstrates the ingenuity of various people however the machines may not comply with current health and safety standards"

6. I think that that the cost of decent quality machinery relative to our weekly wages has dropped significantly over the last 30 years.

7. Look at this web site - some great stuff here - I think Hector Saw is on here somewhere - http://woodgears.ca/

8. If its the "journey rather than the destination" ie you would get a kick out of building one as opposed to buying one then go ahead and do it, as safely as possible.

9. Woodwork tools in general and power tools in particular are ridiculously cheap in USA compared to Australia. At US prices I would not even think about building any of my own gear.

10. Check out a website called http://www.vintageprojects.com/ it has some interesting things and a home made table saw plan. However refer back to point 5 above about health and safety.

Regards

Bill

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

It may have been mentioned (I didn't read all the posts) but safety ought to be a concern of yours as well. Even the cheapest Skill or Black and Decker table saws are going to be light years ahead of a home made table saw as far as safety features are concerned, not to mention accuracy and even cost.