Hey everyone! I'm in the process of saving up for a table saw to enhance my woodworking projects. Currently, I have a router, a circular saw, and a miter saw, but I'm a bit torn on which entry-level saw to pick. There's a Delta 10" 36-600 available nearby for $200 — does anyone think this would be a good buy? I've also seen several old Craftsman models in various conditions. However, my last experience with a Craftsman router was less than ideal due to the difficulty in finding replacement parts. Would it be better to invest in a new job site saw, or is getting an older model acceptable? I'm looking for something with good dust collection and power. Looking forward to your insights!
3 Answers
The Skil table saw is a great recommendation for beginners on a budget! It works well for casual woodworking and could be a good fit if you’re just starting out.
From my own experience with an old Craftsman table saw, dust collection isn't great. They weren't really built with that in mind. That said, I do enjoy my old Craftsman — there are lots of fun modifications you can do! Just make sure any old Craftsman you consider is a belt drive, not direct drive.
If the Delta is in decent condition, I'd take it over a new jobsite saw in that price range. The Delta features a cast top and wings, while cheaper jobsite saws are usually made from stamped steel or aluminum. Just make sure to check the Delta thoroughly to ensure it runs well and is serviceable.