Hobby Woodworker small shop table saw options
I build mainly small to medium sized furniture for my two young sons and wife. My shop can only take up about 1/2 of a two car garage. I can’t really fit a large table saw into my space limits, but I want a table saw that can cut precisely.
I was thinking of getting a small, relatively inexpensive benchtop table saw that has a riving knife, then discarding the less than adequate fence and putting one of the smaller incra fence systems on it.
Do you think this setup is a good idea? I won’t be ripping large panels. Most of the wood I’ll be working with will be under 12 inches wide, 2.5″ thick, and usually under 4ft long. I do need enough precision to make quality joints though. I’m wondering if vibration or some other factor will be insurrmountable for such a set-up. If you think this will work for my needs, do you have a particular saw suggestion?
Thanks
Dr Y
Replies
New Saw
Doc
There is nothing like a cabinet grade saw. Kind of the Blue Cross + Blue Shield of saws. I would oversize to the cabinet saw because at some point you will grow into it anyway. The saw also makes a great work table when you're not cutting. I have a plywood top to cover mine when I use it as a bench. You can make it mobile with a base and push it to the side when not in use,
SA
I agree that if possible, you should consider a cabinet saw. With a short fence, and without the wings, cabinet saws, such as the Unisaw take up very little space--the top without wings is 27 deep and 20" wide, and the base more like 20x20. The motor doesn't overhang. The fence does take up additional space, but can be cut to any length if you need. But such a saw will be precise, and with only an occasional tune up, stay that way for as long as you will be doing woodwork. And, should space open up, it would be expandable.
I should also point out that car undercarriages suffer less corrosion from road salt, etc. when not stored in a garage.
Table saw
Doc. I use a Bosch 4100 table saw with the folding base. I find this saw to be very accurate with the stock fence. I can fold the whole rig up and move it around easily. I noticed today that they have come out with an even more portable benchtop version. which looks very interesting. I bought mine at the local Lowes. I've included a photo of the saw in my shop. Good luck, BHD
I second that
I've got a buddy that bought a bosch portable saw a while back and so far it's a winner. Lots of great freatures. Amazing accuracy for what it is. And a surprising amount of power.
Table Saw Choice
Doc, Here is an example of the Bosch Table Saw's ability. I have been milling 2 3/4"X3/4"X 34" white Pine "Blanks" for beadboard wainscotting on our screened in porch. The Pine was harvested from out property and it's rough form is 2"X14"X14'. I have made about 100 "Blanks" in the past few days. I'm now ready to hand plane them and run them through to router.The saw is absolutely dead on accurate. I also use a set of freud Dado blades on the saw with equally fine results. LOL, BHD
Thanks for the input!
I feel much more confident that a well chosen small saw can get me what I need.
....much appreciated.
dr y
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