Smaller Table Saws…
After several years of wanting to set up my woodworking shop and putting it off because of time and space considerations, I have decided to set up a shop in my garage with the intention of moving into a larger place in three years. I have looked at many of the smaller 10″ saws including the Bosch, Dewalt, Ryobi and Dewalt. The one I liked the most was the Hitachi because of its metal construction and the fence which seemed the best out of all of the smaller footprint saws. I haven’t found a Makita on display in a store yet. I have a Hitachi 10″ sliding miter now, and I am very pleased with the quality and performance. Any of you seasoned sawdust makers have any suggestions? I intend to move up to a larger footprint saw in three years and want the smaller one now because of size restrictions.
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I like the Bosch 4000 a lot. It does everything I want it to do and it does it all very well. I don't think the plastic construction of the case is an issue, it has caused no problem at all. I like the fact that you can adjust the blade to be parallel with the miter slot, a feature usually only found on bigger saws. The fence is also adjustable to be parallel with the blade. And the scale on the fence is accurate, adjustable and reliable so all cuts are right on the money. The motor (with it's feedback ciruitry) has more then enough power, in fact this is the only TS that I have never bogged down. Dust collection is great (with a vacuum), it does not vibrate and is not too loud. Toolcrib (Amazon.com) has good prices that include a stand and outfeed guides.
I can't offer advice about brands. I'm not in the US and don't know what you have available. But I can make some observations that may be useful.
When I set out to re-establish a functional workshop 18 months or so ago, I wanted effective gear at the lowest price. I wasn't sure I'd have the time, or the inclination, to do a lot of woodwork.
So I bought a bottom-of-the-market Ryobi table saw and a thicknessor, and some hand tools, and refurbished my old ELU mitre saw. At a local auction I bought a 14" Taiwan bandsaw (great buy - less than $US100). I'm functional, but it's frustrating.
A few months later I made the decision to turn my pile of hoarded native timber into a collection of 'family' furniture, and I've begun to trade up. First to a Makita LS1013 slide compound saw (a great machine), next (when I recover from the sticker shock) to a Minimax sliding table saw, and then to an under and over thicknessor/planer.
I'm also about to embark on a giant throw-out, and reclaim ALL of my oversize double garage as workshop space.
Why am I telling you this? Two reasons; first, the Makita saw reminded me what an enormous difference good machines make (hence the Minimax). Second, if you're committed to working with wood, buy the best gear you can afford - maybe even better than you can afford. As my old mother used to say ... no-one ever regretted buying quality. It won't seem so expensive next year, or in 10 years, and you'll still be using it.
This forum will give you all the help you need to pick best value (I hope). When you've decided what you want, swallow hard and buy it.
I've got a Makita for on site work and a Jet contractor at home. Get a contractor saw and put some wheels on it. They are not much more than a portable. I do like the break on the portable.
I bought a Makita 8" TS back in the early '80's, when I first started setting up shop. The saw has performed admireably for 20 years, I still use it for site work because it's so easy to move. I also bought the Rousseau TS stand which has made all the difference as to the usefulness of the saw. My shopmade outfeed table makes handling long stock a breeze. Of course, now I have a 10" Unisaw with 5hp motor in my shop. It handles any thing I can throw at it. The 8" Makita is the precurser to the new 10" models out nowadays, so I'm sure improvements have been made.Buck
Northwest,
If I was in your situation, knowing what I know today, I'd fight like hell to accomodate a cabinet saw from the get go in your limited space . The cabinet saws footprint is actually smaller than the contractor saw, contains the saw dust, is much easier and quicker to set up than a portable contractors saw and provides extra space on the table that is critical to both quality and safety...eg. 13" before the saw blade. There are cabinet saws that can accomodate both 115 and converted to 220 latter on. Your in the best position to judge your situation....just my two cents.
Buy a cabinet saw over a contractors saw.. it fits in a smaller space.
Look at the Grizzley line ( grizzley.com ) for cheap but well made basic machines. Their 10" saw is $825.00
My experiance with that line has really been excellant. (as has others on this board)
Everyone's recommendations have been greatly appreciated. I am considering a cabinet saw, or contractor as well. I will make a decision next month.
What's a couple of feet of space and a little more money for quality and satisfaction?
I just joined this forum recently and have found a great group of people who are not afraid to share their knowledge and experiences.
One more question though, dose anyone own the Hitachi table saw?
Edited 5/5/2004 12:00 am ET by northwest
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