Which router and/or table saw should I get?

[thaar411 10+ year member]

Going to go buy a router tonight and possible a table saw. Which one(s) would you recommend?

This was the table saw I was considering: http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=796

I can pick it up for less than $100 and I don't think I need anything extreme. Will this one be okay?

As for routers, there seems to be a pretty large selection so I'm not sure. I was possible thinking of this one since it comes with a small table: http://www.ryobitools.com/index.php/catalog/tool/r162rta/

Also, which is better: plunge or fixed and why?

And what bits should I consider picking up?

Anything else I should consider? I am going to the hardware store and getting cost +10% tonight and I'd like to expand my selection of power tools. And 60+gallon compressor is out of the question right now. I currently have a jig saw, circular saw, and cordless drill.

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[Moe Lester 10+ year member]

Nope, That tablesaw wont do jack for boxes. Its only got a 9 1/2" rip capacity. Unless you are building sealed boxes for 8s then its not going to help you.

The Home Depot link doesnt work (as usual) but you want a plunge router with a circle jig for doing cutouts. It will also work well for standard roundover and flush trimming as well as other kinds of trimming if you feel like it.

If you have a compressor I suggest you look at brad nailers //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif They make box assembly much easier and faster, especially if you are working alone on the box.

 

[thaar411 10+ year member]

link to router fixed.

And what should I be looking for in table saws then?

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

I have that table saw and it works for me.

 

[thaar411 10+ year member]

Nope, That tablesaw wont do jack for boxes. Its only got a 9 1/2" rip capacity. Unless you are building sealed boxes for 8s then its not going to help you.

So you're saying the largest cut I will be able to make will be 9.5" long?

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

No...It will work, just be sure you have rollers or help as you slide larger panels through the saw.

 

[Moe Lester 10+ year member]

If you plan on using it alot, get something with a ~30" rip capacity. That ought to be able to do any size box you could want.

9 1/2" is what it lists, There may be an optional extension to increase it. Otherwise it looks like 9 1/2" is all you can do. I have a 20" rip capacity and that still isnt nearly enough.

Youll probably want to go with a little bit better router that has a plunge base. Take a look at Bosch and Porter Cable. 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 horse will be enough for tearing through MDF. You dont really need the router table for doing flares on ports and things like that.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

What do you mean by rip capacity. You can push a board 4'

 

[thaar411 10+ year member]

Alright, I think I understand then. The guide to the right of the blade only extends to 9.5" right?

 

[Moe Lester 10+ year member]

Alright, I think I understand then. The guide to the right of the blade only extends to 9.5" right?

yep thats what it looks like.

Rip capacity = how far the fence will move to the right of the blade. Delta's site says its 9.5"

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

I see....Then yes, you are correct. It has never caused me a big problem other than I would have to cut more than once, therefore creating a ~1/16" slant on most of my boxes.

 

[thaar411 10+ year member]

So which table saw would you recommend?

 

[Moe Lester 10+ year member]

So which table saw would you recommend?

The most expensive one you can afford. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

How much do you actually have for a tablesaw?

 

[thaar411 10+ year member]

I guess I would like to keep it under $200-250 or so, if possible. I can spend more if I have to, but would rather not. Looking for best bang for the buck.

Edit: What about this one: http://www.ryobitools.com/index.php/catalog/tool/bts20/ $199 at HD and has a 27" rip capacity.

 

[Beat_Dominator 5,000+ posts]

I see....Then yes, you are correct. It has never caused me a big problem other than I would have to cut more than once, therefore creating a ~1/16" slant on most of my boxes.

x2, I just draw a line with a t-square and have a friend help hold the long end up and I go really slow. you can get extremely straight cuts as long as you are patient.