My old skilsaw table saw is getting pretty inadequate for my projects. However, I’d like to keep my budget under $500 for a new one. Any recommendations? I’m a newbie, but I do want to tackle some serious projects, I’m pretty fond of arts and crafts furniture.
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At that price point you may need to post a couple of saws you feel are adequate. We can probably provide some guidance in selecting between but, I would find it hard to advise a particular sub-$500 tablesaw to make furniture. It surely can be done but, I would be better at picking saw "A" over saw "B" at this tier.
I'm not sure you'll find a decent new saw in that price range. If it were me, I'd be looking at used saws.
Thanks for the comments. I understand that under $500 might be unrealistic. I'm curious what a minimum price point might be, and what some recommendations would be at that level. Thank you in advance
At $500 you can probably find a used unisaw. Anything new at that price is not "furniture grade".
I know it's just over budget, but I just got the dewalt 7491rs. $580 at the orange store. I absolutely love it. Big rip capacity. Lots of power. Does 2" red oak as fast as my old tablesaw did plywood. I was not sure I needed the foldup rolling stand, but would not trade it now. I like that I can just fold and roll out of the way to make space, as it is getting tight in my shop. The big thing I like on this saw over cheaper models is that I can still run my dado blades in it. Some cheaper models would not accept dado blades. Hope this helps.
Checked craigslist in my area (San Diego). Only thing under $500 was used Craftsman saws. Unisaws ran $800-$1,000. I have an old Craftsman saw with Biesemeyer fence which I tried to sell but no buyers. Check out your local craiglist.
I was in your same position and ended up getting the DeWalt DW745 as a gift. It’s a great saw, but one point to consider is the length of the arbor doesn’t accommodate dado stacks if you’ll be needing that.
Look for a old Unisaw I bought mine om kiji here In Canada and I paid 600 bucks because the Saw is 1 1/2hp not a problem cutting hardwood lumber and it works great, deals can be had just be patient.
I absolutely understand budget constraints. We all have them. But you are at that proverbial crossroads and have to decide what kind of a woodworker you want to be. The tablesaw is the heart of the shop (mine is anyway) and you shouldn't skimp for immediate gratification. Save up and buy a really good saw (new or used). If you are patient, you might find a school or open shop or individual that is upgrading and liquidating a nice SawStop or Powermatic.
Don't overlook an INCA machine- the 250 model is the basic cabinet makers saw and the 259 model includes a horizontal boring attachment, that I use extensively for making mortices. INCA machines are noted for their high precision- check out articles in Fine Woodworking. I've made a lot of furniture with this saw and really enjoy how well it performs (as long as I do also).
My curiosity was piqued by this post, as I know nothing about Inca machines. I did come across this, well within the $500 limit. https://www.shoppok.com/capecod/a,41,204445,Inca-table-saw-plus----400--N--Eastham-.htm
Thanks again for all the comments. I'd be interested in the Inca saw, but those listings are out east, I live near st louis.
Unless you find a great deal, you're going to be limited to a contractor type saw, which will still be a big step up from what you've got.
Personally, there are two names I avoid in ww'ing machinery: Central Machinery (Harbor Freight) and Craftsman. Sad to say, Delta is rapidly becoming another one.
That said, the older Delta contractor saw are good machines. Same with C'man. Regardless of what machine you look at, the fence would be the deciding factor.
What you want is a "Beiesmeyer" type lever locking fence with either a tubular or square steel rail.
I bought the Bosch 4100 as much for the limited space as limited budget. I struggle everyday to make accurate and straight cuts but its doing the job. I only have to satisfy myself.
What about Shop Fox W1819?
A decent or better saw, as I understand it, but certainly not near the $500 point when new, when it's around $2K; I've not seen any used ones listed, but I'd be surprised to find one near $500. As an aside, I'd be surprised as well to find any decent used 220V/3 hp saw anywhere near that $500 mark. Had to chuckle at the mention of the PM 66; a used one in any kind of decent shape is usually at or above $1500-2000. Granted, it's a great saw, but if you find one that's usable, and $500, look to see if the serial number is filed off....
I have the Bosch GTS1031 portable table saws and am very satisfied. Still, I'm using the stock blade, and get very nice cuts.
When I googled found this table saws execelent
https://www.auditpowertools.com/best-portable-table-saws/
Not to beat a dead horse but look at the used market. Much more bang for the buck.
Used Unisaw is the best bang for the buck. They have been made since the 30's (I think) and the design has remained basically the same till recently. Easy to find parts for, not that they need any very often.
It might take some shopping to find one but you will probably never outgrow it. And if you see one advertised DO NOT hesitate. They sell fast for a reason.
Powermatic 66 would be another great choice but they are harder to find and usually bring more money.
Mine is a 1946 model and you couldn't take it away from me. Still has the original fence, not as nice as the new stuff but it works perfectly if a bit slower to use.
Keep saving and Looking, eventually savings and opportunity will meet. You will also be able to better spot the overpriced losers. Don't limit yourself to only one outlet. Some older people will only post in the want ads not realizing most people don't get the paper anymore. Offer Up, Craig's list, ebay and estate sales. If you are a good saver you may even break into the "New Saw' kingdom with enough time.
As contractor-style saws go, the DeWalt 745 (now replaced by the 7491, I believe) is a decent saw, and with proper care and attention can do reasonably well, though a new one is gonna go past the $500 mark, unless you pick up a used one. (And be careful there--some are used but well-cared-for, others are used, abused, banged on, and busted from poor treatment on job sites, etc.) I've also been modestly impressed by a friend's Bosch (can't recall model number, but it's their portable 10" contractor saw). Unsure of price as a new item, but worth considering, perhaps.
Patience and lots of careful searching for a used table saw can often yield a much better saw, though I'd very much doubt you'll find one under $500 (or even close) that doesn't have some significant "issues". FWIW: An uncle living several hundred miles from The Big City not too long ago sold his old Delta Unisaw (circa 1975) for $1000, and the buyer drove from that Big City to pick it up. All within 24 hr of his online listing.
If I may, I'd also suggest you carefully consider what things you most want the saw to do (and do well) for you. For instance, if its cuts will be followed by hand planing for smoothing/joinery, you might be able to focus on square & parallel, tolerating some blade marks, etc. that will be planed out. But if you're wanting to be able to cut miters dead on, do lots of dado cuts, rip 8/4 or thicker hardwoods, etc., the game becomes much different.
Which ever saw you end up with, new or used, check that it either has a riving knife or if it can be retrofitted and that it has a sturdy fence or an aftermarket can be installed. From a safety perspective.
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