I’m moving to a new shop in another basement. I’m hoping in about 5-6 years to build a second garage and make it my permanent shop. After hiring some muscle to help me move my Powermatic 66 with 52 inch fence out of the basement I currently live in, I quickly remember why I hated having a shop in the basement! Whew, that sucker was heavy.
So I don’t want to move a large cabinet saw into my new shop, nor do I want it to take up that much space. I am curious and need some input here…. all I need a table saw for is repeated ripping. I use a Festool plunge saw for sheet goods, I use a router for dados. Can I use a bandsaw for ripping? How will the cut fare? If my thinking is OK on this, I would purchase a MM16 to do the job (easier to manuever and smaller footprint for a small shop). Again, that is… if my thinking is OK on this. You would have some insight that perhaps I’m over-looking.
Any thoughts?
Mahalo!(Thank you)
Replies
I've had a MM16 for a little over a year now. With the Lenox Tri-Master blade on it, that thing cuts as smooth as my PM66. Dust collection on the BS might be slightly more problematic than the TS though. Resawing on the MM16 is what finally drove me to purchase a cyclone DC. I have similar space issues and went with the shorter rails on the PM66 (no outrigger extension table legs). Switching rails and extension tables might be another option for you.
If you build it he will come.
Thanks for the input. I wasn't sure how smooth the cut would be with an MM16. I've read good things about that Lenox blade though.
I have to agree with Doug, Koa. You could take off the extensions to get a smaller foot-print on your TS. I basically use mine to rip when I'm dealing with 2" stock or under. I really need no extentions for what I use it for.
I rip on my 18" BS for + 2" stock, but I do rip about 2 mm proud as I'm going to shoot the edge with a hand plane or take it to the jointer anyway. I do the same with my TS except in the initial stages of sizing rough lumber down to square before I do create the final surfaces with a hand plane, jointer or planer.
Ripping on a BS is slower, but if you are not commercial as I suspect you're not.. what does a little more time mean? Not much, IMO. :>)
Regards...
Sarge.. jt
Thanks for the input. You hit the nail on the head. I'm not commercial and I am willing to sacrifice a little more time to meet my conditions. Besides, who rushes woodworking anyway? :-) Thanks again.
I use my band saw all the time for ripping, since I don't have a TS. Surface finish isn't as good as a TS, but I always take a couple of passes with a jointer plane anyway before glue-ups.
Pete
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