Table saws-recommendations for a beginner

[ThatSickRip]

Ive got some odds and ends to do in the house, and some projects I want to try out, and its looking like a table saw purchase is on the horizon. What would be an entry level table saw? Would the Ryobi or Ridgid saws at HD be sufficient? Some of the things Ill be using it for:

behind the couch shelf/bookcase
ripping some door trim for an odd space we have
shelving, etc.

So off the bat, nothing intricate or sophisticated.

Im a Milwaukee guy, but cant see any reason to pony up $500 for their cordless one right yet

Id also like to go with a 10" blade due to my miter saw being a 10", but Im open to other sizes based on the experienced opinions

 

[stonesfan68]

The Dewalt contractor saw is very good. I have the DW745 which has been superseded by the DWE7491RS. It does everything that I ask it to do, and my uses are very much like yours.

 

[jonshonda]

The most important place to start is, what is the material size you plan on starting with? If you are going to be processing 4x8' sheets of material, you need something large and stable to use. You need lots of room, and lots of muscle to get a 4x8 sheet of anything onto a small table saw, all while being steady and safe.

For that reason along, a track saw is very popular. They are very expensive, but I would say for what you would be doing it would be a perfect application. They are much more compact to store, and have much better dust collection. Makita is very popular, and I would imagine the Bosch has to be a good option as well.

 

[ThatSickRip]

The most important place to start is, what is the material size you plan on starting with? If you are going to be processing 4x8' sheets of material, you need something large and stable to use. You need lots of room, and lots of muscle to get a 4x8 sheet of anything onto a small table saw, all while being steady and safe.

For that reason along, a track saw is very popular. They are very expensive, but I would say for what you would be doing it would be a perfect application. They are much more compact to store, and have much better dust collection. Makita is very popular, and I would imagine the Bosch has to be a good option as well.

1x6-10, maybe some 2x's

Not sure about sheets yet. Havent identified any projects that Id need that for...yet

 

[cmandp]

I can't comment with first hand experience on anything like the Dewalt or Rigid portable table saw options. I will say them seem nice and have good features, taking dado blades, having 24" or more rip capacity.

I would suggest not going with Ryobi or other saws at the low end. I've used a older Ryobi for a lot and it's hard to get a good cut. The table is not flat, there blade insert is huge and not flush with the table. It's okay for ripping framing lumber down. It did okay after a tune up, new blade, adjusting the angle stop, making the fence parallel to the blade. But you can't rip more than 10-12" or anything for even basic things like shelves accurately without lots of hassle.

I wouldn't bother with a cordless table saw unless you have uses away from mains power.

And I don't think you're going to find anything in the category you're looking at that doesn't have a 10" blade. But that's good, 10" is such a common size you can get anything you'd need in it.

Btw blades for a table saw are going to be different than your miter saw unless you're just using general purpose blades. You'll want a good 10" 24 tooth rip blade or if you are going to be cross cutting (using the miter gauge or sleds) a combination blade would be good.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Thanks! I was looking at blades and the description said they were compatible with miter and table saws, so I assumed they were the same?

Is this Ridgid acceptable for my needs?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-10-in-Pro-Jobsite-Table-Saw-with-Stand-R4514/309415135

Or would I be better off spending a little more on this DeWalt, even though its a smaller blade?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-15-Amp-Corded-8-1-4-in-Compact-Jobsite-Tablesaw-with-Bonus-Compact-Table-Saw-Stand-DWE7485WDW7451/313513771

 

[Ton ton]

I would go with dewalt. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Don1357]

The real question is whether the table saw will have a dedicated spot. If so you would want a fixed legs contractor saw. It can even grow with your needs by upgrading the fence and having extension tables built.

The heavier the table saw, the better it works. Heck often a used one off CL with cast iron wings is superior to a brand new one from HD with stamped steel wings, at half the price.

 

[dogdog]

ridgid R4520 is what I am eyeing on right now.. anything else seems too small or too big , I would go with the ridgid R4514 If I didn't already have a similar craftsman 10" I would have gotten the R4514 for mobility... R4520 for larger rip capacity.

other than HP rating or name brand, I would look at the Rip Capacity of that table saw... as well as the fence...


R4514 Rip Capacity - Right = 30"
warranty 3 year and life time service warranty.. probably gimmicky with catch never the less they have good reviews on their warranty process...


dewalt you linked = 24.5"
warranty 3 year

 

[CTyankee]

Deleted.....

 

[CTyankee]

Didn't know Dewalt made an 8 1/4 in table saw. Used the same type(with the folding stand) in the 10" size for almost 20 years. Great saws., but seems the pricing on them has increased considerably. I'd recommend that one, but the cost may be prohibitive.

 

[cmandp]

Of the 2 you've posted OP I would get the Ridgid. The 8-1/4" Dewalt is limiting you're cut depth, blade selection and table size.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Of the 2 you've posted OP I would get the Ridgid. The 8-1/4" Dewalt is limiting you're cut depth, blade selection and table size.

Thanks!

 

[Max]

I would go for a 10” blade for sure as that opens up a lot of really good blade options for you.

One big question is if you want to do rabbets or dadoes. If so, you nee a saw that will support that blade type. Not all of the lower end saws can do so.

- Max

 

[ddurrett896]

Dewalt here. Love how compact it is.

 

[ddawg16]

I can't comment with first hand experience on anything like the Dewalt or Rigid portable table saw options. I will say them seem nice and have good features, taking dado blades, having 24" or more rip capacity.

I would suggest not going with Ryobi or other saws at the low end. I've used a older Ryobi for a lot and it's hard to get a good cut. The table is not flat, there blade insert is huge and not flush with the table. It's okay for ripping framing lumber down. It did okay after a tune up, new blade, adjusting the angle stop, making the fence parallel to the blade. But you can't rip more than 10-12" or anything for even basic things like shelves accurately without lots of hassle.

I wouldn't bother with a cordless table saw unless you have uses away from mains power.

And I don't think you're going to find anything in the category you're looking at that doesn't have a 10" blade. But that's good, 10" is such a common size you can get anything you'd need in it.

Btw blades for a table saw are going to be different than your miter saw unless you're just using general purpose blades. You'll want a good 10" 24 tooth rip blade or if you are going to be cross cutting (using the miter gauge or sleds) a combination blade would be good.

What model were you using? I have the 3000...works great. I've had it about 19 years....still going strong. Good blades make the big differnce.

For the money....it's a good value.

 

[cmandp]

What model were you using? I have the 3000...works great. I've had it about 19 years....still going strong. Good blades make the big differnce.

For the money....it's a good value.

It's this one (random picture taken from google).



Model it BTS10 I think. It's my brother-in-law's saw and was used a lot on his last house. Looking at pictures of the 3000 I can tell that it's a better saw.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I remember over 30 years ago reading something Norma Abrams (New Yankee Workshop) said: When you get your first table saw get the very best one you can afford.
And he made mention of how you can get a LOT of saw if you are willing to get a used one.
Things have changed a lot since then with advent of track saws, sliding miter saws, etc. Not sure I would get a table saw if I didn't already have one.
My 2 cents.

 

[woody 73]

First off I hate it when you do not list your home state; in effect I can not look at your local CL for a good saw...

Buying a saw. Sure you can buy one of those saws that you listed but that is like buying a small canoe for a small pond; oh sure it will make you happy for a little while, but your needs will outgrow it very fast.

Then one day you will need to cut some monster piece of wood or even a large plywood board and then that small saw will tell you it ain't going to happen.

I can understand you on a limited budget we all are, but I say save up your dimes and nickels and buy a larger used saw on your local CL. Something that will laugh at plywood boards and large lumber without burning up a motor.

Woody

 

[woody 73]

I remember over 30 years ago reading something Norma Abrams (New Yankee Workshop) said: When you get your first table saw get the very best one you can afford.
And he made mention of how you can get a LOT of saw if you are willing to get a used one.
Things have changed a lot since then with advent of track saws, sliding miter saws, etc. Not sure I would get a table saw if I didn't already have one.
My 2 cents.

you beat me to it...

 

[acer66]

dewalt because of the fence.

 

[Don1357]

I remember over 30 years ago reading something Norma Abrams (New Yankee Workshop) said: When you get your first table saw get the very best one you can afford.
And he made mention of how you can get a LOT of saw if you are willing to get a used one.
Things have changed a lot since then with advent of track saws, sliding miter saws, etc. Not sure I would get a table saw if I didn't already have one.
My 2 cents.

For the occasional weekend warrior maybe, but if you are doing furniture a good table saw can't be beat. All the other gizmos that emulate what a table saw can do fail at the rock solid simplicity of setting highly accurate cuts in record time all day long. Then there's the thousand-and-one ways to affix your job to the table to make it faster and more accurate. Rabbet drawer joints? Dado blades? Edge miter joints? Using the table saw as a jointer? Router table with a wing extension?

Table saws adapt to whatever and however you want to approach woodworking. It all starts with a heavy and solid table saw and a decent accurate fence.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Ideally a track saw & table saw make a good combo, usually home depot has the ridgid contractor saw on sale for 299 around s. It's a great saw if you can get it for that price & the money you save you can look for a deal on a track saw. My track saw has become the go to to break down sheet goods quick & accurate.

 

[tarbellb]

The Dewalt is the industry standard at jobsites. You will not beat it for portability and features per dollar.

That said, the Saw Stop contractor saw might be the best jobsite saw now?

The Ridgid is only good if you cant afford the (slightly) more expensive Dewalt.

And, as all GJ "what should I buy" post, go find a a badass vintage USA beast....

 

[kngelv]

dewalt because of the fence.

This^^^^

James

 

[rcbk00]

I have the DeWalt 745 and it's a great saw. The fence is as good as everyone says it is. It's not as good as my Bosch 4000, but for the $200 or $250 I paid for it a few years ago (Black Friday sale), it's a fantastic tool. My favorite blade to use with it is the Freud 24 tooth thin kerf ripping blade. Keep in mind you can also run 7-1/4" blades on a 10" table saw. Obviously, you'll lose cutting depth, but that doesn't matter if you're cutting thinner materials. Most 7-1/4" blades are thin kerf.

 

[macgee]

I have had quite a few different table saws and I too echo the above comments about getting a portable 10" Dewalt TS for your needs.

It's compact and storable, keeps out of the way until needed. The best thing I like about the Dewalt compared to other portable TS's is the fence, it has the best one, solid, very repeatable and better than Bosch's and Ridgid"s. You can also re-adjust the table top and fence if it gets out of square/true since these do get moved around, bumped and abused. It's worth the extra money. Definitely would go with a 10" over an 8.

 

[ThatSickRip]

I remember over 30 years ago reading something Norma Abrams (New Yankee Workshop) said: When you get your first table saw get the very best one you can afford.
And he made mention of how you can get a LOT of saw if you are willing to get a used one.
Things have changed a lot since then with advent of track saws, sliding miter saws, etc. Not sure I would get a table saw if I didn't already have one.
My 2 cents.

Thats the one thing that Ive been considering as well, sliding miter saws. The 10" and 12" both offer enough to cut what I "currently" have in mind, 10-12" shelves/bookcase style projects

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I started out with one of the little Ryobis. It's ok, but limiting in its use, accuracy was poor, etc. There weren't blade adjustments on mine, you had to adjust the fence to fit the wonky angle of the blade. Good for general construction, not so much for finished goods.

I sold it and replaced it with the Delta 36-725 sold at Lowe's. I've been very happy with it so far. I'd love to have a nice 52" cabinet saw, but don't have the free space. The Delta's a good compromise.

 

[ThatSickRip]

The DeWalt 10" saws Im seeing are almost double the price of the Ridgid ($349 vs $599) and Im not sure Id use it enough or be good enough using it to justify the cost difference.

With that said, would I still be better off with the DeWalt 8 1/4" for the quality difference and learn on that? Again, not cutting anything big or large rips

 

[Hack Fabrication]

I've done a lot of home projects with my 80's vintage 10" Craftsman Flex-Drive table saw. Although I lust for an old Oliver, I don't see that becoming reality in my basement shop.

If you just want something that will rip, then get what has been recommended. Go with a decent sliding miter saw for the wider stuff you need to cross cut. Or get good with the circular saw/speed square.

A 'big' table saw will consume a lot of floor space. And you'll definitely be wanting some sort of outfeed table eventually. Everything in my basement shop has to be on casters. Floor space is a premium, so I constantly need to move things around. If your shop is small, a table saw will take up a lot of territory.

 

[Don1357]

I have had quite a few different table saws and I too echo the above comments about getting a portable 10" Dewalt TS for your needs.

It's compact and storable, keeps out of the way until needed. The best thing I like about the Dewalt compared to other portable TS's is the fence, it has the best one, solid, very repeatable and better than Bosch's and Ridgid"s. You can also re-adjust the table top and fence if it gets out of square/true since these do get moved around, bumped and abused. It's worth the extra money. Definitely would go with a 10" over an 8.

The OP has not bother to say if storability is a requirement. If so a portable is a must. If it is for a dedicated spot a portable is a poor choice as it would never be as rock stolid stable as a contractor saw on solid legs, making the portability a detraction.

 

[ThatSickRip]

The OP has not bother to say if storability is a requirement. If so a portable is a must. If it is for a dedicated spot a portable is a poor choice as it would never be as rock stolid stable as a contractor saw on solid legs, making the portability a detraction.

Sorry, yes limited space in the garage. Portable and/or rolling/folding stand would be necessary

 

[macgee]

The DeWalt 10" saws Im seeing are almost double the price of the Ridgid ($349 vs $599) and Im not sure Id use it enough or be good enough using it to justify the cost difference.

With that said, would I still be better off with the DeWalt 8 1/4" for the quality difference and learn on that? Again, not cutting anything big or large rips

$599 would be way too much, I'm scratching my head why they're asking so much for a model/design that is almost 10yrs old, there's nothing wrong with them being an older design as they pretty much nailed it in the beginning and still excellent but they must be laughing on the golf course, padding themselves on the back if they're getting that.

I still recommend a 10" DW745 but would look for one locally. Back in the say I use see them selling for $199-$250 on black friday or Fathers day sales at big box stores years ago for the same saw, so I imagine you can find a good used for a good price but you need to jump on it if they going new for $599 (Thats crazy); I could buy a good working Unisaw for that price. Looking in my area I'm seeing several new display models at stores selling for $299. Check your local Offerup, facebook marketplace for deals. Offerup seems to be the preferred place for selling big box power tools.

Where are you located? You don't have your area listed in the lot column.

 

[ThatSickRip]

$599 would be way too much, I'm scratching my head why they're asking so much for a model/design that is almost 10yrs old, there's nothing wrong with them being an older design as they pretty much nailed it in the beginning.

I still recommend a DW745 but would look for one locally. Back in the say I use see them selling for $199 on black friday or Fathers day sales at big box stores years ago so imagine you can find a good used for a good price but you need to jump on it if they going new for $599 (Thats crazy); I could buy a good working Unisaw for that price.

Where are you located? You don't have your area listed in the lot column.

VA. Checked my local CL and nada

 

[Ton ton]

Where in virginia are you ? You don't have to say the exact town- just the general area.

 

[CTyankee]

$599 would be way too much, I'm scratching my head why they're asking so much for a model/design that is almost 10yrs old, there's nothing wrong with them being an older design as they pretty much nailed it in the beginning and still excellent but they must be laughing on the golf course, padding themselves on the back if they're getting that.

I still recommend a 10" DW745 but would look for one locally. Back in the say I use see them selling for $199-$250 on black friday or Fathers day sales at big box stores years ago for the same saw, so I imagine you can find a good used for a good price but you need to jump on it if they going new for $599 (Thats crazy); I could buy a good working Unisaw for that price. Looking in my area I'm seeing several new display models at stores selling for $299. Check your local Offerup, facebook marketplace for deals. Offerup seems to be the preferred place for selling big box power tools.

Where are you located? You don't have your area listed in the lot column.

Agree on both counts. when I first glanced at the links the OP posted, I though the Dewalt was the 10" saw. Was shocked too to see how much the price has jumped. Still if I wanted a portable, I'd pick it over anything else, the fence system is far and away better than most saws costing 100's more IMO.. And just an FYI..some folks may prefer the attached wheel stand versions...I never did. It's a lot easier to lift the saw onto the truck and throw the stand in with it, then dealing with a bulky foldup contraption. And good luck getting it up a flight of stairs. YMMV.

 

[ThatSickRip]

where in virginia are you ? You don't have to say the exact town- just the general area.

sw va

 

[macgee]

VA. Checked my local CL and nada

https://offerup.com/item/detail/742255494/

 

[Tduby]

I’m surprised not more love for the rigid saw it rips 30” very portable on sale and does a damn nice job. Is it a fine cabinet saw not even close but I can throw a sheet of 3/4 plywood on it and it doesn’t tip and powers through.