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Which ts for fine work. Small projects?

1K views 15 replies 11 participants last post by  dhazelton 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I want to build small side tables and small items for the wall. Etc. what ts should I get for something like that?
 
#2 ·
HardasWood,

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.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
I want to build small side tables and small items for the wall. Etc. what ts should I get for something like that?

- HardasWood
Not many … start with these:

1. combination square
2. sliding bevel
3. scratch awl
4. marking knife
5. tape measure
6. crosscut hand saw
7. rip hand saw
8. dovetail saw
9. coping saw
10. block plane
11. chisel set (1", 3/4", 1/2", 1/4")
12. small claw hammer
13. wooden mallet
14. honing guide
15. sharpening stone
16. phillips screw driver
17. flat screw driver
18. pliers
19. adjustable wrench
20. Hand drill (manual)
21. drill bit set

... anything else is just luxury!

--------------------

SORRY! I mistook "ts" for tools … duh!
 
#7 ·
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.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
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.
 
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