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Table Saw Help for a New Guy!

2K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  knotscott 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello. I am recently getting back into woodworking since high school. Wanting to start out with some key tools I need some help with table saws. I don't have a ton of money to spend but wanted to get something that would cut accurate, be reliable, and somewhat portable (move around garage). 110v

Complete Projects:
Decorative Shelf
Stripped, Sanded, and Refinished old coffee tables
Garage workbench and storage with cabinets and drawers

Possible Projects:
Storage shelving
Cabinets
Dart board case
Bean Bags Set (cornhole)
Decorative Shelves
General home DIY

I found the Craftsman Evolv 10" Table Saw for $100 and bought it know I could return if needed. My question - is this a sufficient table for what I plan to do? Would a used table off Craigslist be a better option? If so, I will need some help on a decent one that won't break the bank. I see quite a few of the older craftsman and delta models in the Chicago area, but am not sure what to look for/avoid.

Craigslist ones <$200:
Table Asphalt Automotive tire Automotive exterior Road surface

Table Automotive tire Sawhorse Gas Folding table

Wood Floor Flooring Gas Engineering


Any help is appreciated!!
 

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#2 ·
I actually own the the saw in the first picture, I bought it new in 2005 it has it's quirks but it's been a decent saw. To set the fence I measure from the front of the blade as well as the back, I've never paid attention to the tape measure on the fence guide, it ain't right. Last year the motor bearings went out so it was either replace motor ($100) or replace bearings ($5), I changed the bearings. Well it worked great until about a month ago and it's not cutting square anymore, so it's time for a new saw for me. But it's been a good saw, I bought it cause that's what I could afford.

My dad owns one similar to the one in the 3rd picture, he's used it reliably for at least 25 years with minor fixes and he upgraded the fence.

I would go with either the 2nd or 3rd depending on condition/price and how they run, and buy a good blade because that will make a world of difference.
 
#4 ·
make sure that the fence will clamp parallel to the blade.

If this is the extent of the projects you want to make you might look into a community workshop also called a MakerSpace. They usually have better quality tools.
 
#5 ·
I would look up how to tune a table saw.

I had a Delta table saw where the cast iron table was warped. Evidently the hi-lo differential was around 1/8". It took me a long time to figured it out why my cross cuts are messed up. If the table isn't reasonably flat, the saw is probably not worth messing with (too costly to tune or impossible to tune)! Use a good straight edge and lay it on top of the table at various position and check for light. Though it won't be perfectly flat, it needs to be within your expectation.

I believe other potential saw problems are more likely to solved by tuning or you have to live with the inconvenience (Ex: fence setting). There just isn't much you can do to fix a warped table.
 
#7 ·
either of the two c-man saws pictured will run circles around the newer c-man. their fences are much maligned, but slap a t2 on them and there's not much in a hobbyists shop they wont be able to handle.
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
Get the older versions…. with the motor hanging off the back.
I would go for the third one, with cast iron wings.
An after market fence and good blade would be necessary.

DEFINATELY read and follow ALL of Knotscott's advice & link….
He is the resident tablesaw & blade guru!!!

Happy hunting….
 
#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
either of the two c-man saws pictured will run circles around the newer c-man. their fences are much maligned, but slap a t2 on them and there s not much in a hobbyists shop they wont be able to handle.

- toolie

All three are craftsman but would the one on the top be a good choice? Or should I get the older versions?

- mattgill4
The top one is aluminum and plastic, vs cast iron and steel on the bottom two. It also has a loud direct drive universal motor, vs a quiet belt drive induction motor with more torque. The bottom two have considerably more room in front of the blade too, and heavier cast iron surfaces. I'd go for the third one first, or the 2nd one. You're likely to outgrow the first one pretty quickly…it'd be light, loud, sloppy, and have next to no upgrade potential. The bottom two have tons of upgrade potential, and can be fairly respectable saws right from the start.
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
either of the two c-man saws pictured will run circles around the newer c-man. their fences are much maligned, but slap a t2 on them and there s not much in a hobbyists shop they wont be able to handle.

- toolie

All three are craftsman but would the one on the top be a good choice? Or should I get the older versions?

- mattgill4

The top one is aluminum and plastic, vs cast iron and steel on the bottom two. It also has a loud direct drive universal motor, vs a quiet belt drive induction motor with more torque. The bottom two have considerably more room in front of the blade too, and heavier cast iron surfaces. I d go for the third one first, or the 2nd one. You re likely to outgrow the first one pretty quickly…it d be light, loud, sloppy, and have next to no upgrade potential. The bottom two have tons of upgrade potential, and can be fairly respectable saws right from the start.

- knotscott
Thanks for the insight everyone.. Based on budget and proximity I have it down to these two below (pictures and prices). I'm already close to my max budget (got a nicer new blade) and wanted to make sure it was completely necessary for me to upgrade the fence (seem like that is expensive) for it to be usable/good. Also, with the price difference would it be a better idea to spend the extra $ for #2 (looks better from pictures)? When I go to check them out what should I be looking for… flatness of top, straight fence, visually good condition.. well running motor (how would I know?)..other issues?

I have space in the garage but I would only want it laying around when being used.. maybe move it to the basement after a project is complete.. if this is possible? do the wings adjust at all?

#1. Craftsman $100 firm:
Table Audio equipment Electronic instrument Gas Electronic device


#2. Older Craftsman $200 but maybe can get down to $175ish:
Wood Flooring Gas Machine tool Engineering

Wood Flooring Floor Tool Gas

Automotive tire Motor vehicle Tire Bumper Wheel


I appreciate the help!!
Matt
 

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#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
It's hard to tell from the pic, but I'm concerned that "#1. Craftsman $100 firm:" in post #10 is a compact saw that's not full size….make sure that it does have a direct drive universal motor too. A full size table would be about 27" deep. A belt drive induction motor would be hanging off the back and would run as quiet as a fan motor….a universal motor will scream like a circular saw.

Option #2 is a decent saw at a fair price with lots of upgrade potential down the road.
 
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