I have gotten the go ahead from Mrs. Skip to buy myself a table saw under $500. Thus far I have found a Ryobi that seems to be a good deal ( with base, router mount and a few accessories) Does anyone have recommendations for products?
thanks
I have gotten the go ahead from Mrs. Skip to buy myself a table saw under $500. Thus far I have found a Ryobi that seems to be a good deal ( with base, router mount and a few accessories) Does anyone have recommendations for products?
thanks
I have gotten the go ahead from Mrs. Skip to buy myself a table saw under $500. Thus far I have found a Ryobi that seems to be a good deal ( with base, router mount and a few accessories) Does anyone have recommendations for products?
thanks
I have gotten the go ahead from Mrs. Skip to buy myself a table saw under $500. Thus far I have found a Ryobi that seems to be a good deal ( with base, router mount and a few accessories) Does anyone have recommendations for products?
thanks
Retro Member #1235
Consider used equipment. I sold my old tablesaw (an ancient 10" craftsman) to another guy at CTI. He's in love. He did all the stuff that I should have done (new fence, side table, welded the dammn legs and fitted one of those anti-vibration belts). I'm sure he has <$400 invested and he has a saw "With a motor big enough to cut the Queen Mary in two."
I got a Delta Contractor with unifence and 30+" table for about $800. Nice saw, but who got the better deal...
[This message has been edited by Ed Harrow (edited 11-15-2000).]
Retro Member #1235
Consider used equipment. I sold my old tablesaw (an ancient 10" craftsman) to another guy at CTI. He's in love. He did all the stuff that I should have done (new fence, side table, welded the dammn legs and fitted one of those anti-vibration belts). I'm sure he has <$400 invested and he has a saw "With a motor big enough to cut the Queen Mary in two."
I got a Delta Contractor with unifence and 30+" table for about $800. Nice saw, but who got the better deal...
[This message has been edited by Ed Harrow (edited 11-15-2000).]
Retro Member #1235
Consider used equipment. I sold my old tablesaw (an ancient 10" craftsman) to another guy at CTI. He's in love. He did all the stuff that I should have done (new fence, side table, welded the dammn legs and fitted one of those anti-vibration belts). I'm sure he has <$400 invested and he has a saw "With a motor big enough to cut the Queen Mary in two."
I got a Delta Contractor with unifence and 30+" table for about $800. Nice saw, but who got the better deal...
[This message has been edited by Ed Harrow (edited 11-15-2000).]
Check ALL the schools in your area. They usually have top of the line equipment and occasionally sell off equipment when they're ready to get new. Personally, if I
was more interested in boatbuilding than furniture/cabinet making I believe I would wine and dine Mrs. Skip into the best 14" bandsaw I could manage.
Check ALL the schools in your area. They usually have top of the line equipment and occasionally sell off equipment when they're ready to get new. Personally, if I
was more interested in boatbuilding than furniture/cabinet making I believe I would wine and dine Mrs. Skip into the best 14" bandsaw I could manage.
Check ALL the schools in your area. They usually have top of the line equipment and occasionally sell off equipment when they're ready to get new. Personally, if I
was more interested in boatbuilding than furniture/cabinet making I believe I would wine and dine Mrs. Skip into the best 14" bandsaw I could manage.
Senior Member
i'll second the bandsaw. i have a tablesaw and a radial arm saw that mostly collect dust and tools and junk. you can do most everything with the band saw.
Senior Member
i'll second the bandsaw. i have a tablesaw and a radial arm saw that mostly collect dust and tools and junk. you can do most everything with the band saw.
Senior Member
i'll second the bandsaw. i have a tablesaw and a radial arm saw that mostly collect dust and tools and junk. you can do most everything with the band saw.
I donno, Doc. I have all three. If I had to part with two I'd give up the radial arm saw and the band saw, in that order. Depends on what kinda work one wants to do I guess.
But that arguement doesn't help Skip choose. I'd go with a contractor type saw, 10", avoiding Ryobi if possible for the money.
A used saw might be good. Mine is a 1949 or so Atlas my dad traded a '27 Dodge and some money for. Ya cant get that much cast iron in a Ryobi or Craftsman.
Let me ask the experts in the Compuserve Woodworking Forum and see what they say.
--Norm
I donno, Doc. I have all three. If I had to part with two I'd give up the radial arm saw and the band saw, in that order. Depends on what kinda work one wants to do I guess.
But that arguement doesn't help Skip choose. I'd go with a contractor type saw, 10", avoiding Ryobi if possible for the money.
A used saw might be good. Mine is a 1949 or so Atlas my dad traded a '27 Dodge and some money for. Ya cant get that much cast iron in a Ryobi or Craftsman.
Let me ask the experts in the Compuserve Woodworking Forum and see what they say.
--Norm
I donno, Doc. I have all three. If I had to part with two I'd give up the radial arm saw and the band saw, in that order. Depends on what kinda work one wants to do I guess.
But that arguement doesn't help Skip choose. I'd go with a contractor type saw, 10", avoiding Ryobi if possible for the money.
A used saw might be good. Mine is a 1949 or so Atlas my dad traded a '27 Dodge and some money for. Ya cant get that much cast iron in a Ryobi or Craftsman.
Let me ask the experts in the Compuserve Woodworking Forum and see what they say.
--Norm
Thanks thus far guys, for the record I have a great bandsaw already.
Thanks thus far guys, for the record I have a great bandsaw already.
Thanks thus far guys, for the record I have a great bandsaw already.
Senior Member
A kind of related comment, reflecting my waste nothing (or pack rat) predelictions:
It's common to see old washers or dryers put out by the road for pick up by the trash people.
Every one I've ever stopped and looked at has had a working electric motor in it, which can be removed and used for lots of different things around the shop. No point letting 'em go to waste. Never hurts to have a few extras, anyway.
Alan
Senior Member
A kind of related comment, reflecting my waste nothing (or pack rat) predelictions:
It's common to see old washers or dryers put out by the road for pick up by the trash people.
Every one I've ever stopped and looked at has had a working electric motor in it, which can be removed and used for lots of different things around the shop. No point letting 'em go to waste. Never hurts to have a few extras, anyway.
Alan
Senior Member
A kind of related comment, reflecting my waste nothing (or pack rat) predelictions:
It's common to see old washers or dryers put out by the road for pick up by the trash people.
Every one I've ever stopped and looked at has had a working electric motor in it, which can be removed and used for lots of different things around the shop. No point letting 'em go to waste. Never hurts to have a few extras, anyway.
Alan
LPBC member
Induction motors like you get in Electra beckum/ Metabo are nice to work with. those screaming skull brush motors.....!
LPBC member
Induction motors like you get in Electra beckum/ Metabo are nice to work with. those screaming skull brush motors.....!
LPBC member
Induction motors like you get in Electra beckum/ Metabo are nice to work with. those screaming skull brush motors.....!
Senior Member
I bought the JET Contractor's Saw for just under $500 and I'm very happy with it. I think it was $549 with a $50 rebate when I bought it.
Amazon.com bought Tool Crib, a well-known mail order supplier, and they do have free shipping through Christmas on any item over $100. Their price on the saw is $525 with a $25 rebate, so you get it under your $500 limit. Here's the URL for it at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...023581-7053357
Another good choice is the Delta, but it is usually $150 to $200 more. I've used both, and I like my Jet better, but it just barely edges out the Delta for me.
Some people also like Grizzly, but I have no hand's on experience with them. They are a little cheaper, though.
My opinion of the Royobi and Ridgid brands are that they contain too many plastic and light-weight parts. The difference between my Jet and my old Craftsman (made by Emerson, who now makes the Ridgid for Home Depot) is huge. I would never go back to a cheaper saw.
(And I'll second Norm's sentiment ... I have a 14" band saw, and it sure is useful. But you'd have a fight to make me give up my tablesaw.)
Senior Member
I bought the JET Contractor's Saw for just under $500 and I'm very happy with it. I think it was $549 with a $50 rebate when I bought it.
Amazon.com bought Tool Crib, a well-known mail order supplier, and they do have free shipping through Christmas on any item over $100. Their price on the saw is $525 with a $25 rebate, so you get it under your $500 limit. Here's the URL for it at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...023581-7053357
Another good choice is the Delta, but it is usually $150 to $200 more. I've used both, and I like my Jet better, but it just barely edges out the Delta for me.
Some people also like Grizzly, but I have no hand's on experience with them. They are a little cheaper, though.
My opinion of the Royobi and Ridgid brands are that they contain too many plastic and light-weight parts. The difference between my Jet and my old Craftsman (made by Emerson, who now makes the Ridgid for Home Depot) is huge. I would never go back to a cheaper saw.
(And I'll second Norm's sentiment ... I have a 14" band saw, and it sure is useful. But you'd have a fight to make me give up my tablesaw.)
Senior Member
I bought the JET Contractor's Saw for just under $500 and I'm very happy with it. I think it was $549 with a $50 rebate when I bought it.
Amazon.com bought Tool Crib, a well-known mail order supplier, and they do have free shipping through Christmas on any item over $100. Their price on the saw is $525 with a $25 rebate, so you get it under your $500 limit. Here's the URL for it at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...023581-7053357
Another good choice is the Delta, but it is usually $150 to $200 more. I've used both, and I like my Jet better, but it just barely edges out the Delta for me.
Some people also like Grizzly, but I have no hand's on experience with them. They are a little cheaper, though.
My opinion of the Royobi and Ridgid brands are that they contain too many plastic and light-weight parts. The difference between my Jet and my old Craftsman (made by Emerson, who now makes the Ridgid for Home Depot) is huge. I would never go back to a cheaper saw.
(And I'll second Norm's sentiment ... I have a 14" band saw, and it sure is useful. But you'd have a fight to make me give up my tablesaw.)
I have one Ryobi tool in my shop - and wil not have another - my objection is that the folks in their parts department really don't care if you get any parts or not- I was attempting to order a new belt for a spindle sander and they could care less if I got it or not. Eventually managed to obtain one-finally.
Most of their tools seem to be very lightly built. Of course, I'm in love with my ancient Delta Uni-saw with it's 3 hp motor!!
I have one Ryobi tool in my shop - and wil not have another - my objection is that the folks in their parts department really don't care if you get any parts or not- I was attempting to order a new belt for a spindle sander and they could care less if I got it or not. Eventually managed to obtain one-finally.
Most of their tools seem to be very lightly built. Of course, I'm in love with my ancient Delta Uni-saw with it's 3 hp motor!!
I have one Ryobi tool in my shop - and wil not have another - my objection is that the folks in their parts department really don't care if you get any parts or not- I was attempting to order a new belt for a spindle sander and they could care less if I got it or not. Eventually managed to obtain one-finally.
Most of their tools seem to be very lightly built. Of course, I'm in love with my ancient Delta Uni-saw with it's 3 hp motor!!
Senior Member
norm, i'd part with my radialarm saw first also. mostly a waste of space. a circular saw can do most of that work.
ps norm, i switched to my given name because another forumite was using "doc" and i didn't want to cause a problem or confusion.
[This message has been edited by bob goeckel (edited 11-15-2000).]
Senior Member
norm, i'd part with my radialarm saw first also. mostly a waste of space. a circular saw can do most of that work.
ps norm, i switched to my given name because another forumite was using "doc" and i didn't want to cause a problem or confusion.
[This message has been edited by bob goeckel (edited 11-15-2000).]
Senior Member
norm, i'd part with my radialarm saw first also. mostly a waste of space. a circular saw can do most of that work.
ps norm, i switched to my given name because another forumite was using "doc" and i didn't want to cause a problem or confusion.
[This message has been edited by bob goeckel (edited 11-15-2000).]
I bought the ryobi saw last year and have been very happy with it. I could have gotten a saw with a larger table for about the same money but didn't have room in my shop for it. The Ryobi is adjustable enough to allow me to do most of the things a larger saw would do on a smaller storage footprint. If you have the room you would probably find something like a standard Delta, not the contractor size, easier to use. The house brand saws that Home Depot is selling now look like a good buy for the money. One thing to consider is that there are lots of accessories available for a standard Delta type saw while for the most part you are restricted to items specially made for the Ryobi.
I bought the ryobi saw last year and have been very happy with it. I could have gotten a saw with a larger table for about the same money but didn't have room in my shop for it. The Ryobi is adjustable enough to allow me to do most of the things a larger saw would do on a smaller storage footprint. If you have the room you would probably find something like a standard Delta, not the contractor size, easier to use. The house brand saws that Home Depot is selling now look like a good buy for the money. One thing to consider is that there are lots of accessories available for a standard Delta type saw while for the most part you are restricted to items specially made for the Ryobi.
I bought the ryobi saw last year and have been very happy with it. I could have gotten a saw with a larger table for about the same money but didn't have room in my shop for it. The Ryobi is adjustable enough to allow me to do most of the things a larger saw would do on a smaller storage footprint. If you have the room you would probably find something like a standard Delta, not the contractor size, easier to use. The house brand saws that Home Depot is selling now look like a good buy for the money. One thing to consider is that there are lots of accessories available for a standard Delta type saw while for the most part you are restricted to items specially made for the Ryobi.
Senior Member
Fine Homebuilding magazine - I think the last issue - had a comparison of all the popular 10" portable saws. Sorry I don't have the copy anymore because I lent it to distant
friend, but it may still be on the store shelves. FHB is a mag that is second only to WB.
Senior Member
Fine Homebuilding magazine - I think the last issue - had a comparison of all the popular 10" portable saws. Sorry I don't have the copy anymore because I lent it to distant
friend, but it may still be on the store shelves. FHB is a mag that is second only to WB.
Senior Member
Fine Homebuilding magazine - I think the last issue - had a comparison of all the popular 10" portable saws. Sorry I don't have the copy anymore because I lent it to distant
friend, but it may still be on the store shelves. FHB is a mag that is second only to WB.
Senior Member
If you can wait, look used. I saw an old Craftsman 8" (to be any good Craftman have to be old!) just recently advertised for fifty bucks. Can do a great deal of work with an 8 inch.
Going new, the Taiwanese have caught up and sometimes surpassed us in the quality control area. Fifteen years ago, I wouldn't have bought one, but the last I looked they looked as good as all but top of the line Delta.
I've looked at the Ryobi you mention but, never used one. They look nifty and, if not for heavy use, would probably be fine.
Depending on what you're gonna do with it, as mentioned above you might want to consider a bandsaw first. Probably more versatile but, not as good obviously for much ripping or for cabinet work. Good luck.
Senior Member
If you can wait, look used. I saw an old Craftsman 8" (to be any good Craftman have to be old!) just recently advertised for fifty bucks. Can do a great deal of work with an 8 inch.
Going new, the Taiwanese have caught up and sometimes surpassed us in the quality control area. Fifteen years ago, I wouldn't have bought one, but the last I looked they looked as good as all but top of the line Delta.
I've looked at the Ryobi you mention but, never used one. They look nifty and, if not for heavy use, would probably be fine.
Depending on what you're gonna do with it, as mentioned above you might want to consider a bandsaw first. Probably more versatile but, not as good obviously for much ripping or for cabinet work. Good luck.
Senior Member
If you can wait, look used. I saw an old Craftsman 8" (to be any good Craftman have to be old!) just recently advertised for fifty bucks. Can do a great deal of work with an 8 inch.
Going new, the Taiwanese have caught up and sometimes surpassed us in the quality control area. Fifteen years ago, I wouldn't have bought one, but the last I looked they looked as good as all but top of the line Delta.
I've looked at the Ryobi you mention but, never used one. They look nifty and, if not for heavy use, would probably be fine.
Depending on what you're gonna do with it, as mentioned above you might want to consider a bandsaw first. Probably more versatile but, not as good obviously for much ripping or for cabinet work. Good luck.
Senior Member
Look in Harbor Freight tools. If you are careful you can find some good deals. They have a 10" Delta for $380. I've seen DeWalt portables new and reconditioned at better than retail prices. They have some tools in there that I wouldn't buy, but if you stick to the name brands there pretty good and any order over $50 shipping is free.
http://www.harborfreight.com
Chad
Senior Member
Look in Harbor Freight tools. If you are careful you can find some good deals. They have a 10" Delta for $380. I've seen DeWalt portables new and reconditioned at better than retail prices. They have some tools in there that I wouldn't buy, but if you stick to the name brands there pretty good and any order over $50 shipping is free.
http://www.harborfreight.com
Chad
Senior Member
Look in Harbor Freight tools. If you are careful you can find some good deals. They have a 10" Delta for $380. I've seen DeWalt portables new and reconditioned at better than retail prices. They have some tools in there that I wouldn't buy, but if you stick to the name brands there pretty good and any order over $50 shipping is free.
http://www.harborfreight.com
Chad
I've owned a Forrest 40 tooth blade for eight years. Once a year it goes back to New Jersey to be flattened, sharpened, and polished. The charge is $23 up front and if there is any other work done (teeth replaced) they send a bill back with the blade. Square-shooters, always "done me right". As far as Grizzly....
The ONLY tool I purchased and ended up selling with pleasure was a Grizzly 10" disc/ 48" belt combo sander. The damn thing chewed up more belts than a Lab pup.
I've owned a Forrest 40 tooth blade for eight years. Once a year it goes back to New Jersey to be flattened, sharpened, and polished. The charge is $23 up front and if there is any other work done (teeth replaced) they send a bill back with the blade. Square-shooters, always "done me right". As far as Grizzly....
The ONLY tool I purchased and ended up selling with pleasure was a Grizzly 10" disc/ 48" belt combo sander. The damn thing chewed up more belts than a Lab pup.
I've owned a Forrest 40 tooth blade for eight years. Once a year it goes back to New Jersey to be flattened, sharpened, and polished. The charge is $23 up front and if there is any other work done (teeth replaced) they send a bill back with the blade. Square-shooters, always "done me right". As far as Grizzly....
The ONLY tool I purchased and ended up selling with pleasure was a Grizzly 10" disc/ 48" belt combo sander. The damn thing chewed up more belts than a Lab pup.
Senior Member
I grew up with two homemade table saws Dad made. They did a lot of good work, but didn't tilt.
The manufactured saws in the home shop range in the days before WW II were all tilting table; an abominable device.
Right after WW II Sears brought out an 8" tilting arbor table saw for $50 and for another $25 you got a ½ HP motor. That rig served me well until just before 1960 when I bought the Craftsman floor model industrial 10" saw with 1 HP motor for $200. That is a beauty. I added a couple of table extensions and about ten years ago bought a 5 HP motor so I don't getshut down from kicking the thermal switch on the motor any more.
Senior Member
I grew up with two homemade table saws Dad made. They did a lot of good work, but didn't tilt.
The manufactured saws in the home shop range in the days before WW II were all tilting table; an abominable device.
Right after WW II Sears brought out an 8" tilting arbor table saw for $50 and for another $25 you got a ½ HP motor. That rig served me well until just before 1960 when I bought the Craftsman floor model industrial 10" saw with 1 HP motor for $200. That is a beauty. I added a couple of table extensions and about ten years ago bought a 5 HP motor so I don't getshut down from kicking the thermal switch on the motor any more.
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