Hey everyone! I'm planning to build a nightstand out of walnut and realized I'll need a table saw for trimming a wider glued piece. I've been looking into options, and DeWalt seems to be a go-to for compact and affordable jobsite saws. I see a lot of advice pointing towards getting a 10-inch saw. However, my budget's a bit tight, as the DeWalt 10-inch model runs about $1000 CAD after tax, compared to just $400 for the 8 1/4-inch version. For small furniture projects like a nightstand or coffee table, is the 10-inch saw really worth the extra cash? I also found a budget-friendly Craftsman 10-inch saw, but I'm wondering if it's a good choice for a beginner and whether it can handle harder woods, or if it might struggle. Should I save up for the DeWalt, or is there a solid reason to get the Craftsman instead?
3 Answers
If you're on a budget, I'd recommend checking out the Skil instead of the Craftsman. It’s cheaper, and for standard rip cuts and crosscuts, it does the job well. Just watch out if you're planning to use it with jigs; the 8.5-inch models can struggle with that. But for basic furniture making, you shouldn't have any trouble!
You might want to consider looking for used tools. A 10-inch saw will definitely give you the ability to cut thicker material, which can be a big help down the line. Just be careful with your local listings; they can sometimes be overpriced or in poor condition. But if you can find a well-maintained used one, that could strike a balance between budget and capability!
I've been looking, but all the used ones nearby seem to be priced like new, or they're not in great shape. It's frustrating!
If you're new to woodworking, I think an 8 1/4-inch saw would work just fine for your projects like a nightstand or coffee table. I have the DeWalt 8.5-inch, and it's been great for cutting 1.5" thick walnut without problems. However, I did switch from a DeWalt 10-inch to 8-inch, and while the cutting capacity was limited, for simpler stuff, it gets the job done! Just keep in mind that an 8.5-inch isn't ideal for bigger cuts or using jigs like dado cuts, so if you plan to expand into more complex projects later, the 10-inch could be worth it. But if you're sticking to smaller projects, you might save some cash with the 8.25!
That's good to know! I want to keep things simple for now, but I've heard mixed things about accuracy with cheaper models like Skil. Have you experienced any issues?
Seems like the Skil might be a solid option! I've read about accuracy issues with cheaper table saws, though. Do you have any personal experience with Skil's accuracy?