Buying a table saw. Advice?

[scoob8000 10+ year member]

Any tips for things to look for when buying a table saw?

How much ripping capacity does one really need? 24 - 30" seems like the highest side of the norm.

I've been eyeballing a semi-portable craftsman unit for $199. But the only reason is Sears now has lay-a-way again. I'd put it on lay-a-way and have my fiance' pay it off for me for Christmas.

I've also been looking for used units on Craigslist, but not much luck there.

Tried to make a few circular saw jigs, but a table saw seems so much easier and precise.

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[ahillworks 10+ year member]

Well craftsman would be good since they have one of the best replacement options around. But if you need a decent one for about 100 bucks or less check out homedepo or harborfrieght.

 

[rollerdj 10+ year member]

one think i ALWAYS look for is a nice fence. if you get one thats loose it will screw your cuts up in a big hurry. some craftman table saws come with nice aftermarket fences allready on them. can't go wrong with a lot of deltas stuff eather.

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

I got mine from sears , its a craftsman with like a 42" rip guide for like $180 bucks. Check out sears you can find some good deals there

 

[rollerdj 10+ year member]

i found a really nice delta at the pawn shop for 150. does some nice cuts for how much i spent.

 

[theothermike 10+ year member]

best table saws

or a

ridgid ts3660 cast iron table saw.

both are awesome.

 

[kmanian 5,000+ posts]

For a portabe saw, look at the ridgid from HD, light weight, good fence and reasonable price.

I have 2 of them, and one Bosch, they have all replace the dewalt. I like the ridgid better than the Bosch

 

[IDSkoT 5,000+ posts]

I got a Craftsman 3HP tablesaw. Rips through ANYTHING. Even took it to some PVC, and it tore it up, no problem.

The fence is a bit bent (O_O. I unlocked it once, went to lock it and realized it was really bent... I have to tighten it a bit, measure before and after the blade, and tap it until it's straight. It's a flat btch. I need a new fence.), and I need extensions. Mine is only 24" //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

 

[scoob8000 10+ year member]

Gonna make one last attempt at a straight cut jig for my circular saw, if it fails me I'm buying a saw on black Friday. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[1rockford1 5,000+ posts]

dont cut your fingers off. thats a good start.

 

[bigaudiofanatic 10+ year member]

My father has a Bosch and I'll tell you what is has been great for my building of boxes.