tnitz

The benchtop tools I own were purchased for one of two reasons, related. Without a large shop I need to be able to work outside, often dodging rain. Also, I like being able to set up multiple setups enabled because I didn't pay as much as larger tools. In some cases price was the factor. For example I needed a bandsaw but didn't have space or money to buy the large one I wanted so bought a "temporary" benchtop model. It's turned out that I've been able to do everything I needed with it so was able to buy other tools instead. Doesn't mean I won't eventually own the larger machine, it just means that the little one has served me quite well.

In general, unless you want to build a bunch of jigs to make benchtop tools work somewhat like floor machines (which I don't really believe in) you have to be prepared to be alot more careful in machining and be prepared to cope with some slop.

Also, if the reason for the benchtop models is portability, I've found dedicated stands to make a huge difference. Rousseau, for example, sells tablesaw stands that make a world of difference. The additional cost is not insignificant and buying a contractor saw is a better value, but for moving machines to a jobsite it really makes a huge difference.