need some insights on tool purchase...

[timber715]

I'm looking to add a tool in my arsenal, but can't decide on what to get first... my choices are:
1. miter saw
2. circular saw
3. table saw
I'm loving my scrollsaw but can hardly cut straight specially long ones. wanting to get a miter saw but dont really know if it can cut long straight pieces... and i like the portability of the circular saw but have no real use for its portability. I like the table saw bec it can cut very long straight pieces and can do the things a miter saw can but can it cut metals as well?
I ask because I'm not very familiar with these tools and I would like one that can compliment my scrollsaw as well...

[Lois from Mississauga]

All are good, but it depends on your $pending ability. Circular Saw - less than $100US. Mitre Saw - you can get one for less than $200, Table saw - anywhere from$400 up.
The more you spend, the easier it is to work with. You can do ton's with a table saw, but can still get by with a circular saw for some projects. A mitre saw is great, but you can only do short cuts.

[silverstar]

I would say go with the table saw. You will get much more use from it. I got a JET saw with stand for only $189 and I love my JET tools.

[AKAkopa]

If you are in need of making long straight cuts the tablesaw would be your best option IMHO. Price wise--the circular saw would be the best option. Whatever you choose--go with the best you can afford for the dependability (again IMHO) and best features.

[timber715]

A mitre saw is great, but you can only do short cuts.

that was what i was afraid of, so best bet for me is to get a table saw? I also do a little metal work for my personal pleasure, can it cut metal? such as pipes or aluminum? forgive my noobness...

[timber715]

now that that is settled, what would you recommend a good table saw with a reasonable price. lowest price but doesn't sacrifice quality and durability...

[JohnB]

G'day Timber,
Any saw can cut Metals if you use the right blade, Cut-off disk. But you'll bugger up a table saw pretty quick doing that. You can use it cut aluminium, with a very fine tungsten blade, but you have to make sure you clean it down good afterwards because any little pieces left behind will scratch any timber you want to cut.

For steel, I'd suggest you get a cut-off saw. There relatively inexpensive and designed for the job.

[earlinjax]

Timber,
Just my two cents but evaluate a table saw carefully. I had an inexpensive saw and seldom could get square repeatable cuts. Poor table, poor fence = poor results. I got the Rigid from HD a while back and am very pleased. Would I have liked a more expensive one? Yes, but couldn't justify it for my use. I don't make furniture so am happy for now.

Earl

[tomsteve]

ya get what ya pay for, here. the rip fence is a major factor. rigid, delta, bosch, jet. that's 4 brands that i have heard good things about. i have a delta and love it. it was a closeout. $578.00 saw alone and i got the saw and fence for $400.00. look around and see what ya like. i guess theres a big to-do about left- tilt vs. right-tilt.

[Marsha]

I have a sliding miter saw, cuts boards upto 12" wide and I love it. Bought it at a Canadian Tire sale for $ 249.00.I wouldn't give you a nickel for a circular saw, they scare the crap outta me. The table saw is good to have, but I get hubby to do most the cutting on it.
That's my 2¢ worth
Marsha