I'm starting out in woodworking and need some advice on power saws. I want to make basic cuts in lumber, rip plywood, and perform miters. What beginner saws should I consider?
2 Answers
If you want quick and dirty cuts, a circular saw is the way to go. For more precise cuts with a clean edge, a track saw is great too, especially for panels. If you're looking for repeatable cuts on smaller pieces, a table saw is extremely handy. Just keep in mind these vary a lot in price and features, so factor in your budget!
I picked up a cheap Mastercraft table saw for $50 when it was on sale. It's not the best quality, but it gets the job done if you're willing to fiddle with jigs and the fence. If you have a bigger budget, folks really like SawStop for its safety features. Just think about what you're aiming for with your projects—if you enjoy making things work, cheaper tools might be a fun challenge. But if you want smoother sailing, be ready to invest a bit more.