Hi everyone! It's my first time posting, so sorry if this question pops up often, but I'm on the hunt for a table saw. I've spent the last year diving into hand tool woodworking, using hand saws, planes, and chisels. However, I have some larger projects coming up that will require ripping bigger boards, and I need to do so with a good level of accuracy. While I'm okay with hand tools for smaller tasks and know how to clean up any wonky cuts, I really want to avoid ripping hundreds of feet of hardwood by hand. I've checked out a variety of saws, from tabletop to jobsite to contractor and hybrid models, but I'm confused about what would best suit my needs. I don't plan on relying on a table saw for all my work; I'll still stick with hand tools for most joinery. Yet, I need something that's powerful enough to handle tough hardwoods efficiently. I have enough space for a decent hybrid saw, but a full-sized commercial cabinet saw is out of the question. My main concerns are accuracy and durability. If cheaper jobsite saws held their accuracy better, I'd lean towards one of those to save some cash, but reviews have been inconsistent. I'd prefer not to deal with an aftermarket fence. Overall, I'm just a hobbyist working on fine woodworking projects, but I'd like the flexibility to tackle larger projects without the backache of ripping big boards by hand. So, do you think a budget-friendly jobsite saw could work, or should I invest in a higher-quality contractor or hybrid saw? Any specific recommendations?
3 Answers
You might want to consider checking out bandsaws as well. Just keep in mind that if you don’t have a thickness planer or jointer, you’ll still need to do some handwork even with a table saw. From experience, jobsite saws can be a bit tricky; my 10" Dewalt struggles with ripping hardwood, especially when using a thin kerf blade. I’d suggest looking into hybrid or contractor saws for a better experience!
First off, knowing your budget is super important! If you can go for it, the SawStop is a solid choice due to its top-notch build quality and safety features too. Just remember, safety should always be a priority! If you're trying to stay under $1,200, it might be a stretch, but worth looking into if you've got some extra cash.
Have you looked into track saws? They’re really handy for accurate cuts and can handle a variety of projects, especially when you’re dealing with larger sheets.
I’m trying to keep it under $1,000 really. SawStop sounds great, but I’m not a huge fan of the company. I’m hoping their patents expire soon to give me more options.