Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Apr 14, 2007 01:22am | #1

   The way I see many pickets made is that you buy 1x4 or 1x6, crosscut it to length, maybe cut some fancy outline at the top, or even some fancy pattern in the middle.   That is, there isn't much need for a table saw or a rail system.    

1. 
   Charles_Wilson | Apr 14, 2007 03:37am | #3

   In order to save money, I am getting cedar material that is going to need to ripped and cross-cut.Chuck

1. 
   Buster2000 | Apr 16, 2007 09:26pm | #5

   Chuck,

   If you had to buy a table saw would you be saving any money?

   Buster

2. 
   forestgirl | Apr 14, 2007 01:40am | #2

   I'd skip all of those brands and go to the Craftsman hybrid.  This is coming from a pretty die-hard Craftsman-avoider, mind you, but the newish "ZIP code" saw has impressed all the owners who've posted here and at WWA.  The better version of it has a good fnece, and tune-up adjustments are easier than on a traditional contractor saw or most of the hybrids.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

3. 
   davidwood | Apr 16, 2007 07:03pm | #4

   Chuck.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRlrs438-kc

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6J21F9EOWg&mode=user&search=

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPgdY9IDVoM

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAkWQjVL-Rw

   Enjoy.

   david.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/16/2007 12:05 pm ET by davidwood

1. 
   Charles_Wilson | Apr 16, 2007 11:31pm | #7

   Got it David. That was part of the route that I was thinking. I think that I am going to hold off on the saw as I wanted to move my workshop into the basement. I have too much to do to get it ready. When the basement is done, the stationary tools will come.Thanks,
   Chuck

4. 
   Knotscott | Apr 16, 2007 09:41pm | #6

   I've never used an EZ or Fesstool type setup so can't comment on one. I utilize the large cast iron surface on my TS often for things other than cutting, and am also quite comfortable ripping on the TS.

   If you pursue a TS, there are very few advantages of the contractor saw design over a hybrid. The outboard motor poses some logistical obstacles that you can easily avoid these days.

5. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 17, 2007 08:02am | #8

   If you already have the EZ guide, I would certainly consider buying a circular saw -- all of which should get you through your picket fence in good order.

   However, if you are certain about having a TS in your future, this would be the time.

   There are some who say the EZ (or Festool) can replace the TS, but I am not one of them.

   Also, if you don't need a regular cabinet saw, you might consider a portable like the Bosch 4000:

   http://www99.epinions.com/content_10870099588

   They have a "new and improved" model coming out soon...........

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

6. 
   quietude | Apr 17, 2007 09:06am | #9

   I built a gothic style picket fence a while back out of cedar pickets. I own both a table saw and a festool system. I took cedar fence boards (1x6) and ripped them in half, then used a drill press with a hole saw to cut scallops just below the head, used the miter saw to cut the point, and just for good measure used the drill press to punch a hole through the heads of the pickets. I love my festool system, but would and did use the table saw for this application. I find that the festool is great for sheet goods, and a few hardwood applications, but that for something involving hundreds of narrow cuts it is slower without any tangible quality improvements. Also if you build a reasonable sled for your tablesaw, your crosscuts shouldn't suffer at all (though for a picket fence a chopsaw is great).

7. 
   Sasquatch | Apr 17, 2007 05:48pm | #10

   If you do go for a TS, I would like to recommend the Ridgid TS3650.

   I really like the way I was able to tune the saw.  It took me one day to build and tune it.  The cuts are absolutely perfect, within the limitations of my own eyesight.

   I haven't had this much fun with a TS since I bought my Craftsman nearly 20 years ago.

1. 
   Charles_Wilson | Apr 17, 2007 06:43pm | #11

   How is the dust collection on the saw?Chuck

1. 
   Sasquatch | Apr 18, 2007 06:00am | #13

   I would rate it as not bad, with a vac attached.  There is some sawdust that remains on the table and some gets to the floor.  They have an attachment, which I do not plan to buy; however, I may make one myself.  It is basically a four-sided cone that fits under the table.  I do not think it will do much for the dust on the table.  That is a minor problem for me.

   Given the other advantages of the saw for such a low price, I think it is a very good deal.  I actually got mine with the recent 15% discount.

   Today, just for fun, I tackled two projects that I had on the back burner for a few months.  I was able to make each cut just once,

8. 
   YesMaam27577 | Apr 17, 2007 07:44pm | #12

   I've owned a stationary TS for many years. When I was running my handyman business ('02 thru '06) I got LOTS of calls to stick-build custom fencing.

   I bought the Rigid portable TS, and I've never looked back. Did all of the work on-site. Rip to width, cut to length (with the slider), and shape as needed with router and saber saw. It made for very efficient work.

    

    

    

    

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