Table Saw: Dewalt 745 or Craftsman 315

[DBordello]

I recently picked up a Dewalt 745 from Home Depot. I have not unpacked it, but am excited about the rack and pinon fence.

However, I just found a Craftsman 315 on craigslist: http://corvallis.craigslist.org/tls/4838311357.html

Which table saw do you believe would be better for a beginner woodworker? To me, it seems like an accurate fence is very important. However, the thought of a larger saw, with more work space is appealing.

 

[rapid robert]

I think I would stick with the dewalt, better brand and the portability of that dewalt saw could prove very useful.

 

[DBordello]

I think I would stick with the dewalt, better brand and the portability of that dewalt saw could prove very useful.

This is an interesting prospective. I was thinking the large stand, etc, was an advantage. As it stands (ha), I would currently have to use the Dewalt on the floor. That being said, building a new table is in order.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Don't work off the floor, it's not safe! I finally put legs and wheels on my portable at the same height as my plastic 8 ft table and use it as the outfeed. Should have done that years ago.

 

[DBordello]

Don't work off the floor, it's not safe! I finally put legs and wheels on my portable at the same height as my plastic 8 ft table and use it as the outfeed. Should have done that years ago.

Noted, I was half joking around. However, I will be sure to keep it off the floor.

 

[juwasco]

go to youtube and look up Ron Paulk....hes got a table that he designed specifically for use with the DeWalt portables....

 

[Catadj78]

Craftsman.

I too like the Dewalt IF I was hauling it around.

The stand is very important I think.

 

[DBordello]

go to youtube and look up Ron Paulk....hes got a table that he designed specifically for use with the DeWalt portables....

How did you read my mind? I was currently looking at table saw stands. I assume this is the one you were referencing:

That design is interesting. However, I currently thinking about a stand-alone stand on casters. I am even toying with the idea of a larger combined miter/table saw workstation. However, I am still trying to conceptualize that without too many compromises.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

go to youtube and look up Ron Paulk....hes got a table that he designed specifically for use with the DeWalt portables....

WOW, you think he isnt OCD , that trailer looks like an operating room, I despise neat freaks like that cause I can never get to that level of order...

 

[Sal Bandini]

I have the Bosch 4100 portable saw and it does not have rack and pinion fence. However, the fence is very parallel to the blade whenever I move it and I can get very accurate with my cuts. Therefore, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the rack and pinion.

Go check out the Craftsman. You might be surprised on how accurate it cuts. If you have the room, the larger table is always an advantage.

 

[DBordello]

I appreciate everybody's advice. I think I might try to go check it out. However, at the moment I am leaning towards inertia, and sticking with the Dewalt.

 

[tarbellb]

Avoid Craftsman. I had their portable saw, which is a lower tier of quality, but really Craftsman has not made a good working shop tool like this for decades now.

The very best scenario for that saw is the same rebranded version of the Steel City that Craftsman was also selling. In that case.....maybe. Anything else avoid and be happy with your well priced entry level Dewalt.

Oh yeah, just build a nice stand. And if your looking for a excellent outfeed stand look no further then the Ridgid Flipflop stands sold at HD- http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Flip-Top-Portable-Work-Support-AC9934/100618242

 

[txvwnut]

I've had two craftsman table saws, the key word being had. Both had aluminum tables and made marks all over any kind of light colored hard wood especially maple and lacked in the power department too.
I now have a Jet with a cast iron table and exacta fence and probalby wouldn't have anything else.
I did seriously look at Dewalt Rigid and Bosch before I found the Jet on c-list.

 

[DBordello]

Avoid Craftsman. I had their portable saw, which is a lower tier of quality, but really Craftsman has not made a good working shop tool like this for decades now.

The very best scenario for that saw is the same rebranded version of the Steel City that Craftsman was also selling. In that case.....maybe. Anything else avoid and be happy with your well priced entry level Dewalt.

Oh yeah, just build a nice stand. And if your looking for a excellent outfeed stand look no further then the Ridgid Flipflop stands sold at HD- http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Flip-Top-Portable-Work-Support-AC9934/100618242

I think that is a good plan. Thank you for the insight.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Dewalt went back up to $299 @ HD.

 

[404]

Noted, I was half joking around. However, I will be sure to keep it off the floor.

Good, because when one falls forward kneeling the choices are cut off a hand or split forehead.

I like a table height that leaves the saw above my hips, No chance of falling into it.

 

[404]

Why doesn't he have a Festool table saw?

The editing in that video drove me nuts. And yeah, he's way too much of a neat freak.

He is dead broke after paying for the Festool stuff shown there.

 

[DBordello]

Good, because when one falls forward kneeling the choices are cut off a hand or split forehead.

I like a table height that leaves the saw above my hips, No chance of falling into it.

Noted. I'll be sure not to use it on the ground.