Band saw or table saw

[John Sipsas]

Hey guys,
I am on a budget and just want to get some feedback on a saw.  Should my 1st saw purchase be a band saw or table saw?  My wife got me the kreg jig for Christmas and wants a toy box for the kids.  I am also a novice woodworker so if you all could help me out.

[Claude Bradford]

I would go for a band saw.  It is very versatile and that with the right jigs, you can eliminate the table saw.  I owned a table saw for many years and just had a band saw.  I wonder how I survived without one. 

 

[Gary roofner]

I recommend craigs list to shoping on any given day you can buy a good saw for $75 - $100.

[Ken Darga]

???  A ''good'' saw for 75- $100 ???

You're kiddin'--- right?

[Gary roofner]

Here is an example http://binghamton.craigslist.org/tls/3155732072.html. That local to me be worth looking at.

Only problem is he may not know what he is looking for but maybe he has a friend that could go with him.

[RCW]

Get a table saw but first get all the information you can get you hands on about the use and safety of the table saw. It is an invaluable tool and also the most danger tool you will ever own. Be diligent and be safe at all times. I highly recommend  getting a microjig  griper. Look up their web site and watch their videos. I would not use a table saw without one.  microjig.com

[Ken Darga]

Gary,

Nice find!  That's a ''steal'' for $100---take it and run!

Gary roofner said:

Here is an example http://binghamton.craigslist.org/tls/3155732072.html. That local to me be worth looking at.

Only problem is he may not know what he is looking for but maybe he has a friend that could go with him.

[Gary roofner]

My only point was good deals can be had on craigs list at least in my area. I don't need a saw.  I look most everyday and can find a deal like that every week.

[George Crable]

I have to agree.  Safety, attention to details and diligence are important considerations when owning a table saw.  Be safe all the time and never mind the distractions when operating it, how little they may be. 

[William Brady]

Both are essential since both cater to different needs. 

[Marc Oshiro]

I don't really want to start a new thread if I don't have to so will post my question here.

I want to upgrade my table saw but my budget is pretty small I want to keep it under $400.  I am thinking of getting the Dewalt DEW7480.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWE7480-10-Inch-Site-Pro-Guarding/dp/B...

Seem good and reviews have been good, but it does not accept a dado blade.  Now mind you I have never used one being a novice/intermediate wood worker (more novice).  But will I regret it later?  Right now it is selling for $329, and it is a Amazon Prime options so free shipping for me.

What do you all think or is there a better option.  I am leaning toward the contractor options vs floor as I don''t have a lot of space in the garage.

Thanks

[Ken Darga]

Marc,

For lots of available info, enter the subject and do a search herein---

search field located in the upper RH corner of this page.

Lots of info available to help you make a choice.

Peruse the Bosch 1031, portable job site saw.

Great unit.

I like the features it offers over other similar brands.

It has an arbor length that will accommodate dado blade width of 1/2", more than is offered by other models.

The Bosch offers several optional accessories, for their 1031.

I'd suggest obtaining a 60-80 fine tooth blade for smoother cuts, cutting plywood and with minimal to no tear-out.

It's advantageous to have 7-1/4"  blades---

less expensive than a 10" blades---

and it'll fit the Bosch as well as applicable circular saws.

A 7" will suffice for most cutting operations, which don't need a 10" blade.

The only advantage to a 10" blade, is that it'll cut thru thicker stock.

Make a shop-made cross-cut sled for the saw.

The small mier guages, furnished with the portable saws are almost useless without an extension.

A shop-made extension can be easily made and fastened to the ajustable miter guage.

For an accurate setup, us a combination square or protractor for you're set-ups.

Portable job site saws can be placed on a floor, patio, deck, driveway,  or, on an adjustable portable stand.

The partable saws make for great job-site use.

I have one and use it more often than my bigger machine, 

and find the portability more universal.

If you need to cut large sheets, or the like, use and circular hand saw and straight edge.

For long stock, such as molding and the like, the material can be cut with a hand saw and a miter box,

or chop saw, or miter slide saw.  

For most home owner use, a 10" miter saw is adequate.

Happy woodworking and make lots of sawdust.

Marc Oshiro said:

I don't really want to start a new thread if I don't have to so will post my question here.

I want to upgrade my table saw but my budget is pretty small I want to keep it under $400.  I am thinking of getting the Dewalt DEW7480.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWE7480-10-Inch-Site-Pro-Guarding/dp/B...

Seem good and reviews have been good, but it does not accept a dado blade.  Now mind you I have never used one being a novice/intermediate wood worker (more novice).  But will I regret it later?  Right now it is selling for $329, and it is a Amazon Prime options so free shipping for me.

What do you all think or is there a better option.  I am leaning toward the contractor options vs floor as I don''t have a lot of space in the garage.

Thanks

[Steve McCullough]

John, I have both.  I have a table top band saw and a contractors grade Ryobi table saw.  My table saw has lots of limitations and isn't as accurate as a professional cabinet makers saw, but it does ok if I take my time and triple measure for square.  I would recommend also a good miter saw preferably a double bevel sliding compound where you can cut larger pieces of wood. 

Best tip I could give anybody is to let them cut your plywood at the store.  Home Depot and Lowes will rip or cross cut for free and if you are by yourself, its a lot easier to handle.