How Should I Spend Some Money

[ishmael]

Scott,

You won't regret a table saw, especially if you have any cabinetry projects in mind.

My impression a few years back, during a visit to Woodworkers Warehouse, was that for the contractors type open stand saws some of the foreign labels (I think most of the castings and such are all foreign these days) were a better value. A review of the last few years of Fine Woodworking or Fine Home Building would give a Consumer's Report type review of the options.

The tablesaw in an interesting "weapon". So much of its versatility depends on set up (outfeed rigs, room to pass large stock, fence, etc). If you're serious about any detailed work, plan on replacing the stock fence to a pretty $ tune.

The last time I worked much with one was in a large (spacewise) shop with an old well tuned unisaw set into a sturdy plywood table of perhaps twenty square feet. Lot's of room around the saw for sheet goods, long stock, and stopping to ponder. Ideal set up, except for some of the "really" fancy saws I've seen in really special shops.

That said, with a contractor's saw and some innovative thinking, you can accomplish a tremendous amount on a non/semi-commercial level. I sold my Delta contractor's saw to a fellow I was subcontracting to 'cause he had a shop and I didn't. and we went on to build many manners of houses and cabinets with it. Check out Fine Woodworking's book on small shops. Best of luck, Jack

P.S. Do be careful. I maintain the table saw is the potentially most disasterous tool in the shop. Haven't seen a commercial guard yet that wasn't removed, and if you get into intricate work you WILL bend the rules. Bend them only as your real understanding of the tool increases. The unexpected kick, in squirrely stock, when fingers happen to be in the wrong place--the danger. Don't get cocky! Lost fingers come down to inatention and pride. He he.

Amazing really, a circular blade set into a table. Where did that come from? A Shaker woman came up with the concept in 1813, or so I hear.

Now there is a story, but the details slip the steel sieve of my mind.


Best, Jack



[This message has been edited by ishmael (edited 01-15-2001).]

[ishmael]

Scott,

You won't regret a table saw, especially if you have any cabinetry projects in mind.

My impression a few years back, during a visit to Woodworkers Warehouse, was that for the contractors type open stand saws some of the foreign labels (I think most of the castings and such are all foreign these days) were a better value. A review of the last few years of Fine Woodworking or Fine Home Building would give a Consumer's Report type review of the options.

The tablesaw in an interesting "weapon". So much of its versatility depends on set up (outfeed rigs, room to pass large stock, fence, etc). If you're serious about any detailed work, plan on replacing the stock fence to a pretty $ tune.

The last time I worked much with one was in a large (spacewise) shop with an old well tuned unisaw set into a sturdy plywood table of perhaps twenty square feet. Lot's of room around the saw for sheet goods, long stock, and stopping to ponder. Ideal set up, except for some of the "really" fancy saws I've seen in really special shops.

That said, with a contractor's saw and some innovative thinking, you can accomplish a tremendous amount on a non/semi-commercial level. I sold my Delta contractor's saw to a fellow I was subcontracting to 'cause he had a shop and I didn't. and we went on to build many manners of houses and cabinets with it. Check out Fine Woodworking's book on small shops. Best of luck, Jack

P.S. Do be careful. I maintain the table saw is the potentially most disasterous tool in the shop. Haven't seen a commercial guard yet that wasn't removed, and if you get into intricate work you WILL bend the rules. Bend them only as your real understanding of the tool increases. The unexpected kick, in squirrely stock, when fingers happen to be in the wrong place--the danger. Don't get cocky! Lost fingers come down to inatention and pride. He he.

Amazing really, a circular blade set into a table. Where did that come from? A Shaker woman came up with the concept in 1813, or so I hear.

Now there is a story, but the details slip the steel sieve of my mind.


Best, Jack



[This message has been edited by ishmael (edited 01-15-2001).]

[Ed Harrow]

I hear the bankruptcy business is picking up... Maybe a bandsaw in your future, too?

[Ed Harrow]

I hear the bankruptcy business is picking up... Maybe a bandsaw in your future, too?

[Ed Harrow]

I hear the bankruptcy business is picking up... Maybe a bandsaw in your future, too?

[NormMessinger]

And, Scott. If you do cut off a finger take it with you to the emergency room. Chances are good they can tack it back on. If you don't have the proper saline solution in which to transport it, fresh urine, preferable male, works just fine.

Enjoy your saw. Good choice.

--Norm

[NormMessinger]

And, Scott. If you do cut off a finger take it with you to the emergency room. Chances are good they can tack it back on. If you don't have the proper saline solution in which to transport it, fresh urine, preferable male, works just fine.

Enjoy your saw. Good choice.

--Norm

[NormMessinger]

And, Scott. If you do cut off a finger take it with you to the emergency room. Chances are good they can tack it back on. If you don't have the proper saline solution in which to transport it, fresh urine, preferable male, works just fine.

Enjoy your saw. Good choice.

--Norm

[TomRobb]

Preferably male? Why? Urine might work, btw. A nurse once told me that unless you're sick w/ a kidney infection, urine is sterile.

[TomRobb]

Preferably male? Why? Urine might work, btw. A nurse once told me that unless you're sick w/ a kidney infection, urine is sterile.

[TomRobb]

Preferably male? Why? Urine might work, btw. A nurse once told me that unless you're sick w/ a kidney infection, urine is sterile.

[NormMessinger]

Female urine is less likely to be sterile, for reasons of extraurethra anatomy, but if one has a finger flopping around loose in a pile of sawdust the important thing is to not let it dry out.

I bought a Craftsman-they-don't-make-them-like-that-any-more radial arm saw about 40 years ago. Took it home and set it up. First night I had a dream that I had cut my hand of at the wrist. Took the hand to the dr. who asked what I wanted him to do with that. "Well I was hoping you could sew it back on." "Oh, I guess I could but it would sure be a lot of trouble."

I still have all my birth parts (Yes Scott, all) but that dream is still in my mind when ever I fire up a saw or someone brings up the topic.

Be ye carefull but not afraid.

--Norm

[NormMessinger]

Female urine is less likely to be sterile, for reasons of extraurethra anatomy, but if one has a finger flopping around loose in a pile of sawdust the important thing is to not let it dry out.

I bought a Craftsman-they-don't-make-them-like-that-any-more radial arm saw about 40 years ago. Took it home and set it up. First night I had a dream that I had cut my hand of at the wrist. Took the hand to the dr. who asked what I wanted him to do with that. "Well I was hoping you could sew it back on." "Oh, I guess I could but it would sure be a lot of trouble."

I still have all my birth parts (Yes Scott, all) but that dream is still in my mind when ever I fire up a saw or someone brings up the topic.

Be ye carefull but not afraid.

--Norm

[NormMessinger]

Female urine is less likely to be sterile, for reasons of extraurethra anatomy, but if one has a finger flopping around loose in a pile of sawdust the important thing is to not let it dry out.

I bought a Craftsman-they-don't-make-them-like-that-any-more radial arm saw about 40 years ago. Took it home and set it up. First night I had a dream that I had cut my hand of at the wrist. Took the hand to the dr. who asked what I wanted him to do with that. "Well I was hoping you could sew it back on." "Oh, I guess I could but it would sure be a lot of trouble."

I still have all my birth parts (Yes Scott, all) but that dream is still in my mind when ever I fire up a saw or someone brings up the topic.

Be ye carefull but not afraid.

--Norm

[Alan D. Hyde]

Herb Smith, and others with schooner and larger-vessel building experience, like chain saws.

I use three Stihls, an 065, an 041, and an 015, and they are all very useful.

I don't think they are any more dangerous than a skil saw, and you can work to + or - an 1/8 inch if you're careful.

But they don't seem to get much respect. No air of antiquity or craftsmanlike allure, I guess.

But they can be effective at getting the job done. Comments, anyone?

Alan

[This message has been edited by Alan D. Hyde (edited 01-23-2001).]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Herb Smith, and others with schooner and larger-vessel building experience, like chain saws.

I use three Stihls, an 065, an 041, and an 015, and they are all very useful.

I don't think they are any more dangerous than a skil saw, and you can work to + or - an 1/8 inch if you're careful.

But they don't seem to get much respect. No air of antiquity or craftsmanlike allure, I guess.

But they can be effective at getting the job done. Comments, anyone?

Alan

[This message has been edited by Alan D. Hyde (edited 01-23-2001).]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Herb Smith, and others with schooner and larger-vessel building experience, like chain saws.

I use three Stihls, an 065, an 041, and an 015, and they are all very useful.

I don't think they are any more dangerous than a skil saw, and you can work to + or - an 1/8 inch if you're careful.

But they don't seem to get much respect. No air of antiquity or craftsmanlike allure, I guess.

But they can be effective at getting the job done. Comments, anyone?

Alan

[This message has been edited by Alan D. Hyde (edited 01-23-2001).]

[Syd MacDonald]

Your right Allan. Try splitting a 4x4 sheet of plywood in two to get it down to managable size using a skill saw or a table saw with out extension tables while working by yourself. Drop it down onto two 2x4's, strike a chalk line and rip it with a chainsaw.

[Syd MacDonald]

Your right Allan. Try splitting a 4x4 sheet of plywood in two to get it down to managable size using a skill saw or a table saw with out extension tables while working by yourself. Drop it down onto two 2x4's, strike a chalk line and rip it with a chainsaw.

[Syd MacDonald]

Your right Allan. Try splitting a 4x4 sheet of plywood in two to get it down to managable size using a skill saw or a table saw with out extension tables while working by yourself. Drop it down onto two 2x4's, strike a chalk line and rip it with a chainsaw.

[Ed Harrow]

I have a personal and intense dislike of chainsaws. (At least I still have all my parts.)

[Ed Harrow]

I have a personal and intense dislike of chainsaws. (At least I still have all my parts.)

[Ed Harrow]

I have a personal and intense dislike of chainsaws. (At least I still have all my parts.)

[Alan D. Hyde]

Ed-------

It is ironic that chainsaws, which are OBVIOUSLY dangerous, are for that reason often less dangerous than skil saws and table and band saws, with their various guards, which sometimes lull their users into a false sense of security (and the guards are impossible to work with and must be removed).

I say God bless Mr. Stihl.

BUT... be careful.

Alan


[This message has been edited by Alan D. Hyde (edited 01-25-2001).]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Ed-------

It is ironic that chainsaws, which are OBVIOUSLY dangerous, are for that reason often less dangerous than skil saws and table and band saws, with their various guards, which sometimes lull their users into a false sense of security (and the guards are impossible to work with and must be removed).

I say God bless Mr. Stihl.

BUT... be careful.

Alan


[This message has been edited by Alan D. Hyde (edited 01-25-2001).]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Ed-------

It is ironic that chainsaws, which are OBVIOUSLY dangerous, are for that reason often less dangerous than skil saws and table and band saws, with their various guards, which sometimes lull their users into a false sense of security (and the guards are impossible to work with and must be removed).

I say God bless Mr. Stihl.

BUT... be careful.

Alan


[This message has been edited by Alan D. Hyde (edited 01-25-2001).]

[Matt J.]

I like chainsaws... can't help it.
trying to cut my keel timber, after which is the stern knee and post. The timbers for these parts are too large to even consider getting onto a table saw, bandsaw, etc... they each weigh several hundred pounds, and although I'm brazen, I've learned that my back will kick my butt inthe morning.

The fella I bought the timbers from had a Husqvarna (350?) and I've now decided tha although by the time I can afford it I won't need it, I will have one of those eventually. That thing sliced my timbers (15" x 10" +/- in cross section) like my table saw cutting poplar. I've been making due with Dad's Homelite

[Matt J.]

I like chainsaws... can't help it.
trying to cut my keel timber, after which is the stern knee and post. The timbers for these parts are too large to even consider getting onto a table saw, bandsaw, etc... they each weigh several hundred pounds, and although I'm brazen, I've learned that my back will kick my butt inthe morning.

The fella I bought the timbers from had a Husqvarna (350?) and I've now decided tha although by the time I can afford it I won't need it, I will have one of those eventually. That thing sliced my timbers (15" x 10" +/- in cross section) like my table saw cutting poplar. I've been making due with Dad's Homelite

[Matt J.]

I like chainsaws... can't help it.
trying to cut my keel timber, after which is the stern knee and post. The timbers for these parts are too large to even consider getting onto a table saw, bandsaw, etc... they each weigh several hundred pounds, and although I'm brazen, I've learned that my back will kick my butt inthe morning.

The fella I bought the timbers from had a Husqvarna (350?) and I've now decided tha although by the time I can afford it I won't need it, I will have one of those eventually. That thing sliced my timbers (15" x 10" +/- in cross section) like my table saw cutting poplar. I've been making due with Dad's Homelite

[Ron Williamson]

The log housebuilders thatI used to work with,in Alberta and B.C.could split a scribe line with a chainsaw at walking speed.
What most people don't realize about chainsaws, is that they are variable speed,and you can match it to the job.

[Ron Williamson]

The log housebuilders thatI used to work with,in Alberta and B.C.could split a scribe line with a chainsaw at walking speed.
What most people don't realize about chainsaws, is that they are variable speed,and you can match it to the job.

[Ron Williamson]

The log housebuilders thatI used to work with,in Alberta and B.C.could split a scribe line with a chainsaw at walking speed.
What most people don't realize about chainsaws, is that they are variable speed,and you can match it to the job.

[Ed Harrow]

I used a chainsaw for two - three years while earning tuition money as a tree climber. It's a good thing or, when I got into an arguement with one, I'd probably have been much the worse for the encounter.

That use was not sufficient to come closs to making me feel like a pro; I've seen pros use chainsaws, and what they do with them has to be, as some of you have stated, seen to be believed.

Yes, indeed, paranoia is a good thing...

Ed

[This message has been edited by Ed Harrow (edited 01-29-2001).]

[Ed Harrow]

I used a chainsaw for two - three years while earning tuition money as a tree climber. It's a good thing or, when I got into an arguement with one, I'd probably have been much the worse for the encounter.

That use was not sufficient to come closs to making me feel like a pro; I've seen pros use chainsaws, and what they do with them has to be, as some of you have stated, seen to be believed.

Yes, indeed, paranoia is a good thing...

Ed

[This message has been edited by Ed Harrow (edited 01-29-2001).]

[Ed Harrow]

I used a chainsaw for two - three years while earning tuition money as a tree climber. It's a good thing or, when I got into an arguement with one, I'd probably have been much the worse for the encounter.

That use was not sufficient to come closs to making me feel like a pro; I've seen pros use chainsaws, and what they do with them has to be, as some of you have stated, seen to be believed.

Yes, indeed, paranoia is a good thing...

Ed

[This message has been edited by Ed Harrow (edited 01-29-2001).]

[paladin]

In reference to bad dreams with table saws...and another business before wooden boat building, the phrase brought most to mind is "Perfect paranoia is perfect awareness".

[paladin]

In reference to bad dreams with table saws...and another business before wooden boat building, the phrase brought most to mind is "Perfect paranoia is perfect awareness".

[paladin]

In reference to bad dreams with table saws...and another business before wooden boat building, the phrase brought most to mind is "Perfect paranoia is perfect awareness".

[Scott Rosen]

No one will ever accuse me of being fast at these things. I finally got the saw: a Delta 10" Contractor's Saw with a Beisemeyer fence. Took delivery of three boxes this morning. My wife is already asking me when her Adarondack furniture will be done.

[Scott Rosen]

No one will ever accuse me of being fast at these things. I finally got the saw: a Delta 10" Contractor's Saw with a Beisemeyer fence. Took delivery of three boxes this morning. My wife is already asking me when her Adarondack furniture will be done.

[Scott Rosen]

No one will ever accuse me of being fast at these things. I finally got the saw: a Delta 10" Contractor's Saw with a Beisemeyer fence. Took delivery of three boxes this morning. My wife is already asking me when her Adarondack furniture will be done.

[Alan Peck]

If you don't have your plans yet for your Adirondack furniture you might check "The Winfield Collection" catalog.

They have plans for some Adirondack chairs. I built two chairs with the plans and am very pleased with them. I think the plans are better than most because the chairs have curved backs and seats and don't use an ugly brace between the legs and the back.

I think you can get a catalog by calling 1 800 946-3435

[Alan Peck]

If you don't have your plans yet for your Adirondack furniture you might check "The Winfield Collection" catalog.

They have plans for some Adirondack chairs. I built two chairs with the plans and am very pleased with them. I think the plans are better than most because the chairs have curved backs and seats and don't use an ugly brace between the legs and the back.

I think you can get a catalog by calling 1 800 946-3435

[Alan Peck]

If you don't have your plans yet for your Adirondack furniture you might check "The Winfield Collection" catalog.

They have plans for some Adirondack chairs. I built two chairs with the plans and am very pleased with them. I think the plans are better than most because the chairs have curved backs and seats and don't use an ugly brace between the legs and the back.

I think you can get a catalog by calling 1 800 946-3435

[RGM]

Scott, congradulations on the new addition to your family. Perhaps you can convince your wonderful, loving and caring wife that instead of Adirondack furniture what she really needs is a nice new moisture meter, if their isn't one in the family yet.
Isn't love grand.

[RGM]

Scott, congradulations on the new addition to your family. Perhaps you can convince your wonderful, loving and caring wife that instead of Adirondack furniture what she really needs is a nice new moisture meter, if their isn't one in the family yet.
Isn't love grand.

[RGM]

Scott, congradulations on the new addition to your family. Perhaps you can convince your wonderful, loving and caring wife that instead of Adirondack furniture what she really needs is a nice new moisture meter, if their isn't one in the family yet.
Isn't love grand.

[Ed Harrow]

Besides (if you don't have a bandsaw) making those chairs sounds like the perfect excuse to get one (a bandsaw).

Nice saw Scott, I'm really glad I sprung for the money for mine. Also, somebody out there makes some pretty clever gizmos to align the saw, making it nearly as easy as a cabinet saw. If you're interested, and I find them again, I'll let you know.

Don't forget to make the SLAT for your saw!

[Ed Harrow]

Besides (if you don't have a bandsaw) making those chairs sounds like the perfect excuse to get one (a bandsaw).

Nice saw Scott, I'm really glad I sprung for the money for mine. Also, somebody out there makes some pretty clever gizmos to align the saw, making it nearly as easy as a cabinet saw. If you're interested, and I find them again, I'll let you know.

Don't forget to make the SLAT for your saw!

[Ed Harrow]

Besides (if you don't have a bandsaw) making those chairs sounds like the perfect excuse to get one (a bandsaw).

Nice saw Scott, I'm really glad I sprung for the money for mine. Also, somebody out there makes some pretty clever gizmos to align the saw, making it nearly as easy as a cabinet saw. If you're interested, and I find them again, I'll let you know.

Don't forget to make the SLAT for your saw!