Help selecting a table saw

[My Old Tools]

Owning and using mid-priced 10" portable table saws in the field, and having a 10" Unisaw in the shop, here is my advice:

Keep an eye on CL and buy a used Unisaw. They can be found regularly (in my area) for between $500-$750. The ones priced over $1k generally sit on there. The ones priced $500-$750 rarely last a day or two, if not a few hours.


The Unisaw is that much better. As far as the router table, looks like you will have room to have a separate unit.

Quattro said it perfectly....For sheet goods nothing beats the mass of a real cabinet saw.

 

[Marctrees]

Sheet goods- The most important thing is having a 52" fence on any suitable saw.

But, be aware, MANY folks w/o the above, do initial breakdown w a basic straightedge, or a fancier $ "track saw", and then final trim on the tablesaw.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Standing away, looking at the big picture, the Sawstop cabinet saw is excellent.

They married the stability of a cast top cabinet saw... w the Sawstop excellent safety addition.

A very good investment, safety considered.

But, may just be more $ than many have.

That is why I recommended what I did in previous post.

My personal history is,,, a 1970's made in McMinville TN Powermatic 10" "Contractor" saw
That years ago I added the original (at that time) USA made Bies 52 table and fence to,and put everything on a full size welded mobile frame.

It currently, for years, serves all my needs w a 2 hp motor.

Even though it is all I really need, I recently purchased a 1960's vintage Delta/ Rockwell 12-14.

5 hp, single phase 220 factory motor.

Always wanted one for romantic reasons.

I did at one time purchase at auction... for resale purpose... Northfield Rolling Table #4 Variety Saw.

Google it....... AWESOME.

Sold it, .. made some bucks.

So, in a few months, I will revive the 12/14... weld up a mobile base... play w it a few months, and then decide if I will sell it, OR the Powermatic.

The heavier the better, and NO question... Made in USA.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

The currently available "Biesemeyer fence" is made offshore... NOT NOT the same as original.

But... it's all OK, cause there ARE a few aftermarket USA made upgrade BASED on the original Bies design that ARE good.

Figure ballpark $400 for the fence system w table extension.. and Ya you can hang a Router in that extension no problem.

Worth EVERY PENNY if you do not want to manually parallel your old fence to the blade for every diff width cut.

Totally self squaring to the nuts,, a DREAM.

Marc