LumberJocks

Table Saw Upgrade for New Hobbyist

« back to Woodworking Tools, Hardware and Accessories forum

Forum topic by tarheelod posted 67 days ago 322 views 0 times favorited 12 replies Add to Favorites
View tarheelod's profile

tarheelod

2 posts in 67 days


67 days ago

Topic tags/keywords: tablesaw

Hi all. Let me apologize if this is an oft repeated question. I am posting during a busy work day and haven’t been able to peruse the forums as thoroughly as I would like. Oh, and I just registered on the site this morning.

I am a beginning woodworker. I have a few projects under my belt and have been enjoying the hobby. I started off with a Craftsman Table Saw:

It has done ok, but I can’t stand that the miter slots are an off size and the table is not as sturdy as I would like. I am now in the market for an upgrade. My shop is my garage, which needs to store 2 cars when I don’t have a project to work on. So, I need a saw that I can put against the wall when not in use. I would prefer something on casters as opposed to a portable tabletop saw.

As far as budget goes, I am not too sure. I have seen some that look pretty good between $500 and $1000. The lower the better, since this is a relatively new hobby.

The only stores near me are Home Depot and Lowes, so that limits my options. There is a WoodCraft store about an hour and half away that I can go to if the selection is better.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Jeff

View Damian Penney's profile

Damian Penney

729 posts in 528 days


67 days ago

How about the Rigid TS3650?

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

View Damian Penney's profile

Damian Penney

729 posts in 528 days


67 days ago

Here is a review of it comes with wheels so you can stow it away.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

View John Gray's profile

John Gray

882 posts in 422 days


67 days ago

Ridigid TS3650 I’ve had one for over a year and thik it’s a great saw.

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

View DaveH's profile

DaveH

274 posts in 315 days


67 days ago

Take a look at the Sears hybrids or the grizzly G0478. I use a Grizzly 1023slx and have really liked it. What ever you get you should plan on a mobile base for it.

-- Dave Herron, Boise, ID -- “That which does not crash the browser, makes it stronger”

View waroland's profile

waroland

34 posts in 423 days


67 days ago

Where are you located. There is a nice JET cabinet on Craigslist in Nashville,TN under “tools”. Here is link: http://nashville.craigslist.org/tls/854144158.html

-- waroland, Mount Juliet, TN

View Scott Bryan's profile

Scott Bryan

9873 posts in 358 days


67 days ago

You might also want to look on Amazon.com. They have reasonable prices on name brand saws and offer free super saver shipping on some.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

View tarheelod's profile

tarheelod

2 posts in 67 days


67 days ago

I am in eastern NC. I love the tool section of Craig’s List as well. Unfortunately no one has been selling around here.

View NY_Rocking_Chairs's profile

NY_Rocking_Chairs

277 posts in 134 days


67 days ago

There are quite a few online retailers who offer free or very reasonable shipping. Grizzly, Toolking. I suggest you start off doing research in some of the tool review forums and once you decide or narrow down the saw, start looking for retailers and the best deal. I have not paid shipping on a power tool in 7 years except for Grizzly stuff.

-- Rich, WNY, www.nyrockingchairs.com

View Tarheel's profile

Tarheel

10 posts in 66 days


66 days ago

Thanks all for replying. From what I have been able to see on-line, I need to decide if the Ridgid will do the job or if I want to save up for the Grizzly.

(I couldn’t log in my original account, must of mispelled the original email addy)

View hcbph's profile

hcbph

12 posts in 155 days


66 days ago

If you get out your tape measure, I think you’ll find that a hybrid or cabinet saw will stick out a little less than a contractor saw due to the motor not hanging out the back. Watch places like CL and your classified ads and you’ll probably find something at a reasonable price if you’re patient.

Paul

View Scott Wigginton's profile

Scott Wigginton

33 posts in 282 days


65 days ago

Amazon currently has a sale on the DeWalt 746 for $490 (usually $800-$900). It does not come with a fence like the 746X, however you can upgrade to a better 3rd party fence than the 746X comes with like a Biesemeyer and still be under the cost of a new 746X.

-- Scott

View Doug S.'s profile

Doug S.

217 posts in 245 days


65 days ago

Paul: If you get out your tape measure, I think you’ll find that a hybrid or cabinet saw will stick out a little less than a contractor saw due to the motor not hanging out the back

Exactly. I switched from a CMan contractor to a PM66 with the shorter rails, also in a 2 car garage shared by cars. The PM66 was maybe 6” longer but the depth up against the wall was less. Dont recall the exact difference, but maybe 3-4”. I kick myself for not having done it sooner.

-- Use the fence Luke

You must be signed in to reply.

Your Online Shop - Your Support Is Greatly Appreciated - Your Woodworking Showcase - 3 Ways To Help, Financially - Your Woodworking Community

Woodworking StoreApparel StoreMake a Donation
Bookmark And Share This Page
  • View all advertisers
  • Advertise with us

DISCLAIMER: All views and comments posted by members are not necessarily those of LumberJocks.com or of those working on the site.

Latest Projects | Latest Blog Entries | Latest Forum Topics

HomeRefurbers.com

Latest Projects | Latest Blog Entries | Latest Forum Topics

GardenTenders.com :: gardening showcase