portable table saw?????

[volpster31]

in looking into buying a table saw and am wondering if theirs any downside to getting a portable model...im figuring if i can fold it up id save some space in the garage....im limited to sears because i have $350 in gift cards....
give me your opinions

 

[mjozefow]

Bosch, hands down. Not sure if you can go through Sears though.

 

[ghnl]

What sort of projects do you anticipate using the table saw for?

IMO, the limitations to many small saws are their small tables & awkward fences. If you are making small items you won't be troubled by the small tables. If you're needing to cut sheets of plywood or rip long pieces of lumber you'll be frustrated.

An aftermarket fence is a worthy investment (if they are available for portable table saws). You won't realize how nice one is until you use it. Then you'll hate the crappy fences most saws come with.

One option is to make a larger table that holds/surrounds the small table saw. That way you can always remove the saw if you need to take it with you to a job site. But it'd negate your stated desire to save some space in your garage/workshop. But if you built it on wheels then you can move it aside when not in use...

Or maybe something like this: (from the New Yankee Workshop)

 

[djd99]

My GF bought me this one last summer from sears and so far it's been good machine, I can rip large 4x8 sheets up to 30" with no problem. It seems to have plenty of power If you have a sharp blade. Straight cuts and when your done fold it up. If you want a pick let me no I'll get ya one tomorro.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...nch+&+Stationary+Power+Tools&sName=Table+Saws

 

[TudorWagon]

I've been looking for a replacement table saw as well -- have been focusing mostly at sears and looked at that one posted above too. It seems OK, but the fence is too easy to get locked off-square. That is something my current saw does too. Drives me crazy. I doubt I'd ever use the router table -- though having it might be worth it.

I'm pretty picky these days about quality, and features for the money. I don't also have the space in my garage to set up something all the time -- and often have to haul it off-site to a job I'm doing for somebody. So a portable saw is a must. At the big orange box store today I saw this Ridgid saw... which I think, so far, is the best I've seen so far. The fence is really nice, and the table extension is smooth and flat with the main table. It is essentially the same price as the Craftsman.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/TS2410LS-Table-Saw/EN/index.htm

One thing I like about it, that seems to be a HUGE thing lacking on other portable units (less than $500 -- including the one mentioned above) is an arbor long enough to use a dado blade. I've got two nice dado blades I've not been able to use since I got rid of my cast saw in favor of my current portable.

Just thought I'd share.

 

[Rory Bellows]

Look used. Craigslist is your friend. Search Craig's helper and you'll find lots of potential new saws.

http://www.searchtempest.com/

Sorry didn't read about your gift cards. Maybe buy used and get some new tools from sears.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Since your stuck with Sears, the two I would recommend that are sold there: The Bosch 4100 and the Craftsman (BT3100 clone) 21829. Both are well liked but the Bosch is considered more durable, while the 21829 is considered more accurate by those that have had the BT series (BT3central.com).

 

[nate379]

Funny I read this now.

I was cleaning out my pile of junk in the woods behind my house today and I found a table saw under a tarp that I forgot I had

It's a Delta Shopmaster.