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New Homeowner First Table Saw

2K views 26 replies 18 participants last post by  lepelerin 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi All,

I just bought my first home and have developed a few projects for around the house; the only equipment I currently lack is a Table Saw. My father came down to visit and trucked the one he has (A craftsman from more than 10 years ago) and we built a few book cases. I am currently looking for my own to build a few built-in's around my fire place. My current budget is between $200 and $400. Do you all have any recommendations for my first purchase? Thanks for all your help and support! In addition I also have planned a few humidors and some adirondack chairs on my to-do list for the near future.

MT
 
#2 ·
Right at top of your budget is the Ridgid 4512 @ Home Depot that has some good reviews. i think i have heard sears sells a craftsman which is its twin.. both are at the 400-500 dollar range. Search the reviews srction on here. I really dont have any personal imput, been eyeing the ridgid for a while, but keep talking myself out of it.
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Ditto on what Tugboater78 said. That and you could look at CraigsList for used saws. There are plenty of the old Craftsman (Emerson built) 113 TS in the $100 to $200 range. You may also find a deal on an old Powermatic or Unisaw cabinet saw.

BTW: Welcome to LumberJocks & congrats on the new house!!!

EDIT: OPPS! My bad!!! I did mean 113 for the Craftsman saw. Thanks for correcting me on that EEngineer!!!
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
A full size saw with a belt drive induction motor is your best bet IMO….they'll have many advantages over the smaller portables and benchtop saws. It'll be a stretch to get a new full size saw for $400, but I've read several threads from folks who've used the Harbor Freight 20% coupon successfully at Home Depot on the Ridgid R4512….sometimes it takes more than one attempt to find a manager (or store) to cooperate.

Used is another good option. You should be able to get a great used saw for $400.

Making sense of table saw choices

Good luck and please keep us updated!
 
#7 ·
When I was in your situation I bought the Porter cable one that lowes has for $300. Its a pretty good saw, but has some limitations. If I had to do it again, I think I'd go with one of the dewalt versions and build a table or stand for it (since I plan on doing that with the porter cable). The dewalt fences are just so damn accurate.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
No major worries with the "315" series Craftsman contractor saws either…they often have better fences. The same company (TTI/Ryobi) also made the Ridgid 3650, and many of the parts are the same as with the 113 series and earlier Ridgid TS2412, 2424, and 3612 made by Emerson.
 
#13 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thank you all for your input!! I am kind of excited about this investment… I will keep an eye out on craigslist!

There isn't a portability issue… It is going to stay in my shop (garage).

I am going to try and find a craftsman 113 or 315 first. What are the major differences between them?... If i don't have any luck I will take a look at the Rigid.

I just can't wait to dive in!!

Thanks again for all your help!!!
 
#14 ·
What are the major differences between them?

i believe the 315s are a newer series buit by ryobi that did not posess emerson built motors. they usually had better fences than the older 113s. 113s usually need better fences for ease of use and accuracy.
 
#15 · (Edited by Moderator)
What are the major differences between them?

I'll add country of original and timeline. The 315 TTI/Ryobi saws were made in Asia from from roughly 1997-2004. The 113 Emerson saws were made in the US until 1997. The Emerson Ridgids were made from ~ 1997 to 2004, while the TTI/Ryobi Ridgids were made from ~ 2004 to 2008.
 
#20 ·
Overall condition is a decent indicator of how a saw was treated….clean and maintained is never a bad thing, though it's certainly possible for a saw that looks whipped to run well, or have potential to run well. With the saw unplugged, turn the blade and listen for grinding noises from the bearings. Check underneath for major cracks or breakage. Run it if possible. Don't worry too much about mechanisms that need lubing or if the fence doesn't slide smoothly….all are easily remedied. Vibration isn't a good thing, but it can also be a simple fix….if the saw vibrates a lot, remove the belt and run just the motor….it can point to a bad belt, which is easy and inexpensive to replace.
 
#21 ·
After living for over 10 years with a Craftsman contractor saw and its worthless fence, I would not try to make bookcases and built-ins with a $400 saw. In my opinion, your table saw is the most important machine you will buy. Buy the best you can and you'll be happier in the long run. I'd look for a used saw with a good quality fence or one to which you could add an after-market fence. Otherwise, like me, you'll be sorry you bought an imprecise machine. Bench top saws and entry level models are not the way to go if you're going to be making cabinetry.
 
#22 ·
Bannerpound1, I agree with the worthless fence on some of the Old Craftsman contractor saws. When I got tired of the fence on mine about 15 years ago I bought a craftsman aluminum fence for about $80.00 on sale and it has been great. Lines up every time and stays adjusted. The old Craftsman saws have a good size table and just work good and reliably at a good price once you do replace the useless fence that some of them came with.
 
#24 ·
Bad fences are the bain of table saws. Even the best saw becomes frustrating with a bad fence. Putting a good fence on a Craftsman saw (like a Vega Pro) will take the saw from zero to hero in a heartbeat. The ones with cast iron extensions are so much better than anything with stamped wings (flimsy and cheap), and the left tilt makes for a better and safer saw!
 
#25 ·
I have been running a craftsman contractor saw with a Delta T-2 fence for about 2.5 years now. Along with some other enhancements and repairs I have made along the way, I am still well under the cost of a new saw. Better still, the saw performs great.
 
#26 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'll agree that a good fence is important, and so are a few other things. Such as making sure that you have enough power going to the saw, a dedicated 115 V 20 amp circuit is about what is needed for a 1 1/2 hp motor. Align the belt pulleys, if your saw has a standard V belt on it, replace it with a link belt. And ofcouse check the trunion bars for correct alignment, and align the blade with the miter slot, use the right blade for the job and keep them sharp. That will give you a good start, After that an outfeed table, and or dust collection is allways nice to have. The right tilt verses left tilt isn't as much of an issue as some would like you to believe. Cast iron wings are the best no doubt, but the ones with finger pinching webbed holes aren't all that desirable, plus they can limit your choices for a good fence. For instance, the Unifence would not work with those type of wings.
 
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