what saw to buy

[bluezomo]

I have only little space, about 12 sqm but with a door to the garden so I can go outside when weather permits.
What saw is best for little space?
I thought of a Festool precisio 70, but some recommend a plunge-cut circular saw.

 

[bluezomo]

I have only little space, about 12 sqm but with a door to the garden so I can go outside when weather permits.
What saw is best for little space?
I thought of a Festool precisio 70, but some recommend a plunge-cut circular saw.

I think also about a
* Holzprofi SF 3

A combined machine including a router would be even better.

• Are there any rules, e.g. if you have less than xx sqm use a plunge saw, if you go for combi machine you need at least xy sqm, etc.?
• Same for budget. How much to spend on a saw in relation to full budget (well, it will depend on what you do, of course, but a rule of thumb for a general purpose ...)

 

[MarineBob]

Not sure what kind of work you are interested in but I think the best investment is a table saw. You can do a lot with one. Here's a suggestion. In my area you can find a half decent used portable type table saw for $50 or so. Might want to try one of these to get the idea for not much $$$$ and it it works for your stuff, buy a better model that is not so light. FWIW, my table saw rules are these: never change a blade with it plugged in. Never reach across/over a spinning blade. Never do a rip cut if the fence is closer that your spread fingers without using a push stick. Always have on your safety glasses. Never start the blade spinning if you are standing in line with it. I've been sawing since I was 14 or 15 and still got all my fingers so I have confidence in these rules

 

[SandburRanch]

Not so portable as some portables but it can be made to drive around the shop or outdoors like a wheelbarrow .

Look for a pre owned Rockwell 10 in good condition . If you aren't familiar with a table saw condition , take a someone that is with you to make certain it all functions as it should . In good condition they can often be bought for $200.00 to $250.00

 

[MarineBob]

I agree with the heavier saw, I have been using my Craftsman since the late 70's, Certainly a lot better than the lighter saws, but Sears must have made a zillion of these with the cast iron table. They are still available on Craigs list and such for any where in the $100-200 range, sometimes with a bunch of accessories. I guess there are 2 sides to first table saw if you are not sure. The heavy saws are a lot better but tough to move around in small spaces. One more thought, look for the belt drive models of what ever looks good

 

[SandburRanch]

those Craftsman saws with the angle iron rails were sold as pre-owned because the owner / operator never read the operating manual .

One of my sons bought one that was never assembled as the book says . When raising the blade the belt got so tight the motor wouldn't start . Easy fix , don't tighten one bolt that will prevent the motor pivoting as designed . That info. is in the manual .

Reason 2 their sold is that those with angle iron rails would never align the rip fence parallel to the table miter slots if the manual wasn't followed for operating . If anyone is having those problems that info. is also in the manual or I can tell you the solution i found .

 

[MarineBob]

I agree the fence on these saws is the weak spot. I don't think I ever just set it and sawed. But so long as you spend 20 seconds to check the parallelism with the miter gauge slot you are fine. I think a lot of people spent some money on an upgraded fence which might be worth the trouble if you got the money to spend. There are better saws but from my experience you will spend quite a bit more money for not a lot better machine

 

[SandburRanch]

If the fence is removed and turned over we can see 2 lugs in the head closest to the operator . To operate the head , i'll call it , if we push it toward the back side of the saw we can see the far end of the fence align itself parallel to the miter slots .

 

[SandburRanch]

 

[SandburRanch]

I recall a tv show in which the fellow used only a skill saw and he was an accomplished wood worker with that saw building some fine looking projects .