Replies

1. 
   PeteMoss | Dec 19, 2005 06:51am | #1

   I am not familiar with the Tradesman tablesaw, but I do own one of the 100 dollar Delta Shopmaster tablesaws. I will say that the Delta is better than nothing, but not by much. You pretty much have to get a better blade than what comes with it. It has a universal direct drive motor and as such is very loud. Max rip capacity is about 11 inches, which is just enough to make me mad. That said, for certain types of work it is ok. I have found that since the machine is fairly underpowered, a thin kerf blade does help. Also, I have been much happier since giving up on the plastic miter guage that came with it and building a crosscut sled. Anyway, at the time I was just happy to have a tablesaw. Especially one that I could afford and would fit in the utility closet of my garden home. In retrospect, I wouldn't do it again if there was any possible way to save up a few hundred dollars more and get a decent contractor saw.

   In fact, my wife does't know it yet, but the 11 inch rip capacity made me so mad that I foresee a General cabinet saw in my future.

   Good luck.

2. 
   HomeHack | Dec 19, 2005 01:55pm | #2

   Ryan,

     I used this trick on a Craftsman Cheapy saw, might work for you.

     Take a 2 1/2 to 3 foot piece of 1x anything. With the splitter removed, cut a kerf in the board so that the kerf overhangs the back of the saw far enough reach the back of the splitter. But don't cut all the way through.

     Now, with the saw turned off, slide the board onto the saw, with the blade in the kerf, you can then run the splitter up the kerf for near perfect alignment.

     Remember to use the straightest board you can find, if it's warped or starts pinching, find something better. Hope this helps.

    

1. 
   RyanC | Dec 20, 2005 01:12am | #4

   thanks for all the help the "1x anything" seems like it will help alot.

      Ryan C.

    

3. 
   Knotscott | Dec 19, 2005 07:00pm | #3

   Hi Ryan - I doubt you'll be satisfied with any of them in that range...they're often barely capable of doing the task at hand and many of the mechanism are so sloppy they can pose added risk. 

   IMO you'd be better off trying to find a decent used contractor saw near your price range.  Something cast iron with an induction motor would likely be a step up...lots of older Sears and Delta saws fit this description. 

   Another logical move is to simply save longer and get a better saw in the $400-$500 range if you can.  If that's not possible, you might check into the Ryobi BT-3100 at Home Depot.  It was recently on sale for $199 with a $50 rebate...they may be over but could be worth checking.  IMO the BT has some limitations compared to a good contractor saw, but is good enough to do good work and is substantially better than most $100 saws.