I'm in a bit of a pickle about buying a table saw. I live in a townhome without a garage, but I do have some outdoor space that's fenced in and big enough for some storage, though not a full shop. Right now, I keep my tools and most wood in a couple closets in my finished basement and take everything outside to work on projects. I usually use a 10" compound miter saw and a circular saw for cutting, plus a jigsaw and trim router. I'm thinking about getting a table saw for more consistent and faster cuts, especially for smaller pieces like strips for cutting boards or hooks. The problem is, there's no way to store a table saw inside, even a jobsite model. I've considered my options:
1) Storing a table saw outside using a tarp, a storage box, or a small shed (I live in the mid-Atlantic, in DC).
2) Getting a track saw to keep inside, even though it doesn't have the same capabilities as a table saw.
3) Just improving my skills with the tools I already have and accepting the limitations.
Are there any suggestions for making a table saw work outside, or are there better alternatives?
5 Answers
Honestly, I’d go for the track saw and build a portable table. It gives you a lot of flexibility and accuracy. If you're up for it, check out the Festool options too. They’re pricier but really impressive once you get the hang of them.
I'm also in DC and would be wary of just using a tarp due to humidity. But a well-built shed can make storing your saw outside a solid option.
I used to live in a DC townhouse too. I covered my jobsite saw with a grill cover when not in use. I’d recommend getting a jobsite saw with a stand—it’s manageable. If I could do it again, I’d opt for a contractor saw with wheels and a bigger tarp.
Getting a Dewalt jobsite table saw has been a game changer for me in terms of speed and accuracy. With the right setup, you can do a lot of what a miter saw does with a table saw. You might find that you use the circular saw less once you get the table saw!
You should be okay to keep a table saw outside as long as you protect it from the weather. A small shed would be great for storage, though a tarp can be a bit risky. I built a shed for my tools—it worked well for me! Track saws are handy but aren't great for quick, repeatable cuts, which is where a table saw shines.
Exactly! If you're making a lot of repeat cuts for projects, it’s hard to beat the precision of a table saw.
Yeah, but a tarp could also become a security risk. You might end up with a missing saw by morning, especially in a city like DC where demand might be low but still present.