Replies

1. 
   billballeza | Feb 21, 2004 06:54am | #1

   I think most tablesaw motors can easily be rewired to 220. I know mine can.

   It's a.....

   craftsman.

2. 
   Dustmight | Feb 21, 2004 06:49pm | #2

   CME - It would be helpful to know more about your preference of saw type and price range. (cab saw vs contractor saw, etc) PM saws are excellent ... so are the Canadian-made Generals. Delta, Jet, General International, Grizzly, Shop Fox and Bridgewood also have some machines that are worthy of consideration with different pros and cons at a variety of price points.

   I'm personally very happy with my GI 50-185 contractor saw.

1. 
   cme | Feb 23, 2004 07:01am | #4

   I'm just starting the shopping process.  Powermatic is the only one I've used extensively, I know its good, and I'm comfortable with it.  The only lighterwight saws I've used were pretty dinky and made me nervous.  I'm willing to scrape up the money to get something I'll be happy with for a long, long time.  On the other hand, if I move yet again I'll wish I had something more portable.

3. 
   InfantTree | Feb 23, 2004 05:02am | #3

   I love my Delta contractor's saw.  It has a Beisemer-style fence and runs on 110V.  It's small, but good enough to build cabinets and the occassional furniture piece. 

   I eventually chose it over a comparable (but more lavich) Grizzly saw simply because I wanted to support my local tool store and knew where I could take it for repairs.

   If I had more room and money, I'd probably have gone with a different saw, but I have absolutely no complaints with this one.  I've worked professionaly with Powermatics, Unisaws, and larger Deltas.  I like the bigger toys...but don't really need them for the home shop. 

   A smaller table saw just means doing things in more steps.  After teaching woodworking in Central America with an ancient Craftsman shop (not the good old, old craftsman either) I've found that one can make a Hepplwhite reproduction with a rusty screwdriver, an arkansas stone and a length of rope if you really wanted to.

   So, stay in budget and take care of whatever you buy.  I would have to emphatically demand that you stay with a caste top though.  None of the stamped, aluminium junk that the local harware giants try to pass off for shop tools.

   Chad 

   ...oh yeah, If you're going to try the Hepplewhite repoduction make sure you start with a flat-head screwdriver.  Too much work with a Phillips-head.

   When you need help, call in the InfantTree.
1. 
   cme | Feb 23, 2004 07:07am | #5

   I'll keep choice of screwdriver in mind.

   I will do mostly furniture, not so much with sheet goods.  I've never gotten the chance to use a really good contractor saw -- only a dubious (to me) one.   I like the idea of being able to move it more easily, but what do I lose to get that?

   Cheryl

1. 
   InfantTree | Feb 23, 2004 10:39pm | #8

   Hi Cheryl,

   A contractors saw does have some draw backs...but none that are all that bad. 

   First, the motor is behind the saw instead of under it.  I don't really like that because scraps (off-fall) tend to hit it and I have to take the depth into consideration when storing it against the wall (mobile-base). 

   Second, the open base makes saw dust more of an issue.  I tend to clean often when making something and having the open base actually is a faster option for my shop since I lack a dust-collection system (other than my broom, shop vac and long-haired cat that likes to roll around in the piles and take large amounts of it into our house)

   Third, motor size can be an issue.  My Delta contractors saw feels good enough moving through 8/4 oak.  It's not like the saws I used to use in professional cabinet shops, but I take my time and get the results I want.

   Finally, top size can be limiting.  Since you don't anticipate sheet goods as a major issue, then this shouldn't be a factor for you.  I cut sheet goods all the time and simply use a circular saw, a couple of saw horses and an aluminum straight edge.  The results are as good as any $20,000 panel saw I've used.

   I'm not a rich guy and I don't do this kind of work to feed my family any more.  I do make about a fourth of my income still as cabinet maker/remodeler but I don't feel rushed about the jobs like I once did. 

   I look at purchases by the up-front cost because I have to.  I can't make large investments at this point in my life.  If you are considering a small shop, then I would recommend that you start small, and get bigger if you need to.  This philosophy has thus far provided me with a full shop of tools without going into heavy debt.  I can't keep up with the big boys in terms of production...but I never feel the urge to go beg a few hours of shop time off of an old employer either.

   Well, I need to cut this short...back to work.

   ChadWhen you need help, call in the InfantTree.

4. 
   jamorris | Feb 23, 2004 07:21am | #6

   There are some fine table saws out there to choose from. If price is not a major concern, and you really have some room don't get a cheap lightweight table saw. Something with at least 24" on each side of the blade and room to extend the top further is nice because you never seem to be able to plan for whatever project will come up. DeWalt, Delta, and JET all make some very good heavy taqble saws with good rip fences and miter gauges.

1. 
   cme | Feb 23, 2004 07:32am | #7

   Price is a concern, but I'll take my time & save and/or find a good deal on something.  I'm happy about finally being able to consider such a large tool (I live in an apartment now).  I always had access to good shops until a couple of years ago and didn't really need my own stuff.