Economical Power Saws

[demsvmejm]

I'm looking to purchase both a table saw and a compound miter saw. I do not want to spend over $300.00 for both, I would really like to stay below $250 less taxes. <br /><br />I looked at Lowes and was recommended to buy the Delta Shop****** (can't remember the exact name) for the table saw, and the Delta miter saw was also recommended but I think I'd spring the extra $$$ for the low priced Hitachi. I looked at HomeDepot and all they have in the low price range was Ryobi, both saws are $99.00. <br /><br />eeboater posted a Q about H-D's Ryobi table saw with rave reviews. Anyone have a new or differing opinion? Or would I be better off to just buy Craftsman?<br /><br />I will be using these saws very infrequently. They truly will do homeowner duty. I don;t want to cheap out and regret it later, but I also don't need professional quality. I just want reliable, reasonably accurate cuts and durable (for my use) tools .

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Economical Power Saws

I am no expert in this field but if you truly need both, spend more on the table saw as the fence and surface area are very important. Cheap table saws have frustrating fences. I would also go for the belt drive over direct drive. I bought a table saw from sears and don't get as much use out of it as I thought. I use a good quality circular saw usually instead of the table saw.<br /><br />As far as mitre saws are concerned, I have used two low end delta models and they have been very good.

 

[ob]

Re: Economical Power Saws

Two things to consider when looking for a "good" table saw that will make accurate cuts that you require,will be the design of the fence and the quality of the blade.Rip your first 8 ft. piece of 3/4" plywood through a cheapy and you'll see what I mean.<br /><br />Edit: deja vu rogerwa

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Economical Power Saws

I've used many different table saws and used the experience from them to buy my own.<br /><br />Here was the criteria that I looked for:<br />1. Double V belt drive<br />2. Cast Iron saw bed and extensions<br />3. Solid fence with a good lock down<br />4. Push bar guides without any variance<br />5. Worm gear angle/blade adjustment mechanism<br />6. Heavy to prevent pushing the saw around when ripping very large pieces<br /><br />Problem was with my requirements was that the new saws that met my requiemnts was very high end out of my budget. I finally found my only and last table saw at an aution ($300 Atlas). It was made in the 50's and makes cuts more precise than any new models at HD or Lowes.<br /><br />Blades make a very important part of the saw as well. For my finish carpentry, I use a Freud 80+ tooth saw. Makes for a nice clean cut that requires very little sanding and does not splintter the backside of the wood.<br /><br />I suggest looking around at auctions for an old saw. The new ones just can't compare to the old school ones. Just my opinion,,,,,,Good Luck on you decesion..........SS

 

[20/20]

Re: Economical Power Saws

Harbor Freight!!! If you don't have one close by then ask for a free catalog.

 

[tommays]

Re: Economical Power Saws

A cheep chop saw is usally safe to use a cheep table saw is and accident waiting to happen <br /><br /><br />I second SS i found a used all iron Delta 9" for 200 dollars <br /><br />The 9" blades are a littel harder to find but the saw is dead on the money and does not have all the dangers of the el-chepo saws wanting to kick back because the rip fence is allways crooked<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Economical Power Saws

I have both the Ryobi Table Saw and 10" Compound Miter Saw for which you are inquiring. <br /><br />Table Saw<br />It works fine for me, but I am no real carpenter. I don't have to cut full sheets of plywood or anything. I use it for ripping boards and it does well. I had to rip some very old 2 x 6 (real 2x6's) stored in my grandpa's old building. This wood seemed petrified it was so hard! I used it for the top of my arbor (seen HERE ). It also came in handy with my laminate flooring project when I had to rip a piece for along a wall.<br /><br />Miter Saw<br />I installed laminate flooring (seen HERE ) and this saw did great with it. The only problem is that I had to cut one side of the plank of flooring and then flip it for about 1 1/2" was left uncut. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten the 12" saw. Mine has a little laser light which is nice.<br /><br />For me, the saws are perfect. Although table saws are dangerous, at least I am not trying to cut small boards with a circular saw now. Whatever you do, be careful and have fun "creating".

 

[JRJ]

Re: Economical Power Saws

Check Sears.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Economical Power Saws

My business neighbor who installs cabinetry and countertops has "jobsite" Ryobi from HD. His has scissor folding legs that when folded work like a wheel-barrow to move it around. He said it is great for somethings, not so hot for others. But he strongly recommended it for my expressed use. And he discouraged me from Craftsman saying they were very lightweight. I still think I like the Hitachi miter and Delta table saws at Lowes.<br /><br />But I will still accept any other suggestions and conside rtham all as I do appreciate everyone's time and opinions.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Economical Power Saws

David,<br /><br />The Delta used to be a reasonable brand but was purchased a couple of years ago by Black and Decker I think, and turned into a retail product. Nothing special about them anymore. Hitachi makes good upper middle range stuff from my experience. As for the miter saw, I would recommend finding one with ball bearings not sleave bearings as the sleave bearings will wear and make the blade somewhat wabbly (not to the eye), making straight and consistant cuts difficult.<br /><br />Just my 2 cents. Hey I was in Traverse City this week!!! But just for work. Got in at about 9.30pm.

 

[Link]

Re: Economical Power Saws

David<br />Ryobi makes a cheap $100.00 class table saw. (if you can call it that) you can pick it up with one hand and pack it around. I bought it for a one time use a few years ago. 1999 or 2000<br />Direct drive motors have come along way since the 70's. <br />We only planed on using it for one small job. It worked so well that we used it for years on job sites. The first time we needed to rip a 2X6 we just rolled our eyes and said good bye to it.. we were amazed at how well it did the job.<br /><br />For casual use and 100.00 it works fine.<br /><br />Miter saw.<br />Check out Lowes for the GMC 10" compound miter saw. $175.00<br /><br /> http://www.epinions.com/content_153960812164 <br /><br />Throw away the 24 tooth blade it comes with and install a Freud Avanti 80 tooth blade.<br /><br />I just did that last night.<br /><br />All of the above advise is good and there is nothing like a belt driven cast iron table saw!<br /><br />But thats not what you were asking about

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Economical Power Saws

Low end consumer power tools are just that. Will work well enought for DIY projects around the house. They will even pull some heavy duty time if your not in a hurry. And as stated before opt for a high quality blade, they make all the differance in the world, but may cost you upwards of half the saw cost.