I'm getting into woodworking and need some guidance on choosing my first saw. I have experience working in other people's workshops but haven't set up my own yet. I'm leaning towards a tabletop bandsaw since I have a bit of practice with it, but I already own a jigsaw, which makes me wonder if a bandsaw is necessary. I want something that can handle medium-sized hardwood and cut precisely to reduce sanding. My budget is around $800 AUD (about $520 USD or £380 GBP). Is a bandsaw really the way to go, or would another type of saw be better?
5 Answers
It really depends on what projects you plan to tackle. For most woodworkers, a table saw is crucial because it's super versatile. Given your budget, I'd suggest looking for a used one—many last forever with just a bit of calibration to ensure they're precise. If you can find an old Craftsman table saw, you might be in luck! They often go for a great price and perform well after some adjustments.
I haven't checked the second-hand market yet, but I've seen some new models online that are reasonably priced.
In terms of getting the best bang for your buck, a table saw is the best option if you’re only picking one saw. In the US, second-hand options are plentiful, so I suggest looking there. A jobsite saw could definitely work for you—affordable and compact. You can always upgrade once you're more settled in your woodworking journey!
That makes sense! I might need to plan for both a table saw and a bandsaw eventually.
Definitely skip the bandsaw for now! Go with a table saw, and you could even build a sled for crosscuts, which is a handy technique for accuracy.
It largely comes down to what you’ll be using it for, but generally a table saw is essential for most woodworking tasks, from home repairs to furniture making. Personally, I love my Bosch portable table saw, it's stable and pretty compact. It might be over budget, but definitely worth considering if it fits your needs.
Honestly, if you’re just starting out, I wouldn’t recommend a bandsaw, especially not the tabletop versions—they tend to be less accurate. Stick with your jigsaw for now and save for a larger bandsaw later on. A table saw will serve you much better for a wider range of projects.
I'm considering both a table saw for my larger projects and maybe a bandsaw for the smaller stuff. Have you found any good options for budget table saws?