One might think that a small inexpensive table saw would be good for small projects. While a smaller inexpensive table saws will do the job, I personally believe that a better table saw can be easier to use and produce better results with less frustration, no matter the project. Based on my personal bias, I believe the greatest value would be achieved from the best table saw your budget will support.
A sliding miter saw and a track saw/circular saw with clamping straightedge would do what you need as well. and you could use the space a table saw takes up for an assembly table.
If you're only doing small stuff, you may be better off with a bandsaw than a TS. A good bandsaw can resaw, rip and crosscut and can also do curves and detail work.
If a bandsaw isn't sufficient, see JBrow and shipwright's comments.
The old Delta tilt-top units are very accurate for
joinery due to the fixed arbor. The old INCA tilt
tops are no longer as sought-after as they once
were (there's a cool mortiser than attaches to the
side) and they are even more robust than the
Delta with, if memory serves, a 22mm bore and the
actual shaft is almost twice as thick. They run
with little vibration and the accessories are well
designed.
I use a printer's slug saw for fine work. It doesn't
tilt but it has some wicked cool features for holding
and stopping cuts on little pieces. It only makes
dead-square cuts though angles can be improvised
in the miter axis.
If you are really never going to process panels larger
than 4 sq. ft or so you don't need a tilting-arbor saw,
imo. Small tilt-top saws also take up very little space.
I have one that rips up to 24" or so, a Kity made in
France… sort of a flimsier version of the INCA.
A sliding miter saw and a track saw/circular saw with clamping straightedge would do what you need as well. and you could use the space a table saw takes up for an assembly table.
- dhazelton
"Small items for the wall" - what's wrong with a sliding miter saw? They would excel at making little shelves, boxes, picture frames etc.
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