table saw for <$300?

[gychang]

Since there are new ones on the horizon and people have different needs hope u can take this question with a kinder and gentler heart.

I am a weekend speaker cabinet/rare simple furniture maker. I have tried to avoid table saw (using circular saw and straight edge), but have decided I will have to buy a table saw for accurate 90 degree cuts etc.

Obvious safety and accuracy are main concerns. Am not good in recognizing a good used power tools.

There are too many choices, can someone recommend me a model? It would be a big plus if I can also mount my Hitachi router sometimes...

gychang

[cgallery]

I'd look for a used BT3K or BT3100. Honestly, I don't think a more flexible, practical table saw was ever made. And you can find used ones for $100-$300, depending on accessories, age, and reasonableness of seller.

[steve-u]

I agree with Cgallery about the BT3100. However you may also want to look at a better system than using a straight edge as another option. I don't have one to recommend from personal use but perhaps others will. You could build your own or buy one. The links below may be helpful examples.

Good luck! Steve


http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...o/cut-plywood-
without-a-tablesaw.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Clamp-50-Inch-...858353&sr=1-18

http://www.amazon.com/EZ-Smart-Tool-...858118&sr=1-15

http://www.amazon.com/EZ-Smart-Guide...858118&sr=1-17

[steve-u]

Sorry I will try to repost the first link from my reply. There is a video at that link.

Steve

http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...-tablesaw.aspx

[Knottscott]

$300 should buy you a good used saw. Keep your eyes peeled on Craigslist, Ebay, local classifieds, and the free classifieds on these wwing boards.

[JR]

There seems to be one or two guys in Long Beach that advertise used tools on Craigslist on a regular basis. They're in the Los Angeles tools listings, so I don' t know if they show on the OC listings.

Their products seem too be fairly heavy iron, so you might not get down to $300. But for $500 you might get a nice cabinet saw.

JR

[sweensdv]

I'll echo the others who said a used saw will get you the most bang for your buck. Even though you say you don't feel qualified enough to properly judge the condition of a used saw, maybe you know someone who is and is willing to help you out.

[BrazosJake]

Look for one of the old Emerson-built Craftsman saws on Craigslist, they can often be had for a Cnote or even less. The stock fence usually has to go and they usually need some work. I bought one to get into a TS as cheaply as possible, here's the rundown:

Craftsman saw: $150 on CL
Fence (Jet) $80 on Ebay
Jessem MiteRExcel $100 on CL
PALs alignment system $11 Woodcraft closeout
Link Belt $22 from woodcraft

I probably could have got the seller down even more on the saw, but folks around here are sure proud of those things, and the CL bargains disappear faster than I can pounce. The miter gauge blew my budget, but it's the Rockler version of the Jessem which retails for $269, so when I saw it NIB on CL for $100, I was powerless:-) And, of course, Lowes starts closing out the Unifence and T2 after I bought the Jet. All that's left is to make a ZCI and splitter (or buy the Microjig) and a new switch, but it's in usable condition now.

I highly recommend the PALs for getting a TS blade aligned.

[p8ntblr]

Yah, if you're not in a hurry keep your eye on a CL. I upgraded from a Delta Contractor's to Ridgid Contractor's, then now a Craftsman 22114. The profits from the first 2 paid for the 3rd one so I ended up getting a free saw. If it's a great deal make sure to act fast as they'll sell fast. But also make sure you know what you're getting. As with all used tools Caveat Emptor (buyer beware).