Table saw advice

[thecopperfish]

I'm thinking of buying a table saw in the range of $200-$300 dollars. That is my price limit. My shop is in a tiny bedroom so it will have to live on our large covered porch. I would love to have a large, expensive one but that is not an option. Does anyone have any recommendations for a small saw in that price range? I've been thinking about one of the Craftsman saws or a Skil brand saw that Home Depot carries and I've attached pics of both. I would really appreciate some input. I've never used a table saw but I'm wanting to do some things that almost require one. I've been studying up on how to use them, safety issues and things like that. Anyway, if you have some recommendations or comments I would appreciate them.
Thanks,
Chris

[Bill Wilson]

Sorry I can't be of much help regarding actual practical experience, but I have read on other forums that the Ryobi BT series table saws have quite a dedicated following. You may want to check them out. I think there is even a Ryobi forum where you can get input from users.

Good luck!

[Mike Crosa]

I would take a look at the Ryobi BT300X one hell of a saw for the price.

Mike

[earlinjax]

Just my advice. The best day in the shop was the day I got rid of my Ryobi BT and got a real saw. Never could get more that one square cut. I bought the Rigid at HD and really like it. A contractor friend has the portable version which is closer to your price range and he says it is an outstanding saw.

Good luck.

Earl

[Mick Walker]

Chris, I would check out some garage sales. I found a perfect 1960 era, 10" Craftsman table saw with stand for $40.00. Hardly used and was in like new condition.

[William Young]

I have to agree with this

Just my advice. The best day in the shop was the day I got rid of my Ryobi BT and got a real saw.

Better to buy a real saw that will give repetitive accurate cuts than forever adjusting a BT300X to try to maintain any degree of accuracy. Unless of course they have improved them greatly from when I had mine.

I now have a contractors quality saw with 2 HP motor . It has a very accurate fence and that is another thing you want to watch for. Some of the cheaper saws have a mickey mouse fence that can cause you a lot of grief and be a cause for dangerous kickbacks . A good fence alone is worth more than the total price of some cheap saws.

My saw cost a lot more than your present budget but Mick has a good idea about looking for a good used and better quality saw. You could probably get one of equal value or even better than mine that would be well within your price range.

Is the covered porch heated for winter time? If not, keep all the cast iron top and non painted parts well waxed with Johnson's Paste wax or equivalent. (no wax containing silicon) to prevent rust from moisture in the air. If you see one for sale with sheet metal or aluminum alloy top walk away. You just don't need it. DAMHIKT
W.Y.

[stevebuk]

got to agree with the above statments, i have just returned a tablesaw because the rip guide was so poor it might as well not be there, and if you cant cut acurately, then dump it..

[workin for wood]

Don't spend your money twice, you need power and quality. The best saws have a completely solid top, no grates for wood to pop into, and a good biesmeiyer fence or beismeiyer copycat at least. If you have $300 you can get into one of these saws, but it'll be a used on and require a bit of research to find, but at least you won't spend your money twice. Those little bench saws that you have shown do work ok at a construction site, but they lack in power and safety. They don't have the power to rip an 8' long 1x12 of oak, which is heavy and can cause the tiny saw to tip as well. Basically all stuff most everyone else is saying too. Check ebay, local paper, local tool stores, pawn shops and there is always a place that sells reconditioned old tools in your area if you are stubborn enough to find them. Call the local cabinet shops and they'll help point you where to shop. Try to get a jet or powermatic with at least 1 1/2 hp. Oh...check local auctioneers too. A 5-10 yrs old powermatic contractor saw is 5 times the saw as those little desk top saws, even if it is dirty with a bit or rust or rust pitting on it.

[William Young]

Yes Jeff , I agree to a certain extent with your statement

The best saws have a completely solid top, no grates for wood to pop into,

That also puts a saw into another higher price range catagory which was out of my budjet at the time and I couldn't find a good used one with solid extensions.
The slotted extensions on mine have never been a problem and I have never got wood get caught in them . Perhaps that could happen on some cheaper ones. Of course they are cast iron and are machined perfectly flat to match up with the solid cast iron middle part of the table which isn't slotted.
I have found those slots to be extremley helpful in many cases for slipping a clamp through the slot to glue up pieces of wood on top of the extensions.
I also clamp pieces to it the same way when cutting slots with my biscuit joiner because it lines everything up accuratly on a dead flat surface.
Therefore it is a matter of preference whether a person wants to pay more for solid extensions or pay less for good high quality cast iron slotted ones that can be used as dual purpose . If I had to buy another saw of any size I would still get the slotted extensions because for me they are an advantage.
W.Y.

[lucky788scroller]

Wether your wings are a solid flat surface, or the open variety is a minor thing to consider. I agree with Mick about looking for a used craftsman, or other brand contractors tablesaw.Craigslist is a great place to find used tools, as is watching the auction listings in your paper. Judging by what youve said, I dont think you need to worry so much about ripping a 8 foot long 1X12 of oak. If you do plan on it, chances are your porch isnt going to be big enough ! If possible, do not get a direct drive saw, opt for a belt driven saw, they are so much smoother operating.A fence is a very important part indeed, so a good fence trumps many other things.I aslso would say stay away from the Ryobis, and others that look like they have all been cloned with one.
In your pricerange, the one that I would pick that looks to me to be about the best of the choices is the Jet 708315LSB . It comes with a set of legs,it is belt driven, so less vibration,and it has a 5 year warranty. It runs about $250, and for that price I dont know of any other new saw I'd consider. But, DO check your local area for a good used saw , you might hit the jackpot! Dale