Shopping for a table saw

I am looking for an inexpensive, safe and useful table saw to make my little projects both easier to repeat and complete.

i didn't want to spend more than 200.00, so I am limited for choices.

Most of the projects I undertake are with re-claimed wood or off-cuts so it still needs to be solid and capable to cut various hardwoods.

Any ideas?

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Brad

A mitre track with either a mitre gauge or sled will help with the accuracy.

I have a DIY sled for the router table that I think I can still find the how to videos for it if your interested?

All comments

Jason

Thanks for your post @Bizebod.

I will tag some of our keen woodworkers on the community, like @Wayne, @Brad, @Yorky88, @She_Skills, @woodalwaysworks, @AndrewJones, @LePallet and @Rusty-Saw. I hope they have some ideas for you about inexpensive table saws.

Jason

Brad

Inexpensive Ozito $219 at Bunnies.
Safe SawStop from $1995 specialist woodworking supply shops.
I have a Bosch GTS 10 XC with Gravity saw stand comes in the higher price range but has useful covered.

My father built a saw from a washing machine motor, had cheap covered but misses on safe and useful.

There is the Triton method of mounting a circular saw upside down in a table, it can be cheap and useful but with no riving knife I wouldn't call it safe, kickback is something to read up on.

Bizebod

I did build my own using a clamped circ saw, safe enough, but not a lot of accuracy,

i will check out the Ozito, and will also have a look at the Bosch. (If only to dream)

Aldi had one earlier in the year for 100.00, and seemed to have good reviews, I just felt I couldn't trust it wouldn't have been a waste of money.

Thanks for your input,

woodalwaysworks

I got the ozito version of the cheap Aldi table saw that you said you'd seen.

Like most table and drop saws you'r going to have to get a better quality blade when you purchase it to get a fine cut.

The straight edge was uselesss on it, i have found that on most portable table saws except the dewaults, then you are looking at spending $1000. Worth it for quality and ease of use.

I then dropped my saw into one of my work tables to give me a large cutting surface, routed out a couple of parallell tracks for a cross-cut jig for horizontal cut and mitre cuts

Brad

A mitre track with either a mitre gauge or sled will help with the accuracy.

I have a DIY sled for the router table that I think I can still find the how to videos for it if your interested?

Brad

Bella

I too saw that Aldi had one less than a month ago for under $200. My problem with Aldi electrical appliances (of any sort- computing, radio, big appliances, small ones) is that I've always had to take things back. If they were actually working when I got them home, they only lasted a couple of weeks. I've learnt my lesson well and no longer buy electrical goods from Aldi.

I've also learnt that cheaper tools generally are harder to work with, in the long run. I don't have a lot of $ to spare, but try to get the best I can afford- even if it's second hand.

There are, of course, 'men's sheds' around that often have the equipment you need. The problem is- the hours are limited and you have to lug your project to the shed. (Also, they're not women-friendly so I can't go and use their equipment!) The plus to the Men's Shed movement is that you'll have some company and often find some good advice. There'll also be someone there to dial triple 0 when you have an accident!

LePallet

Hey hate,
I’ve got this Ryobi table saw, nothing flash but does a perfect job for what I use it for and that’s Soft wood pallet timber.

Where do you live mate ? I’m thinking of getting the Ryobi one from Bunnings,

Stephen-H

Hi @Bizebod, I had a Triton 2000 work centre for years.It was the only thing I could afford at the time, also got the router/jig saw table and with these I have build many projects over the years. Accuracy is pretty good, but adjusting the depth of the saw or router is awkward. I have thought of upgrading to 'better' tables but cannot justify the cost. Triton's can be picked up on ebay/gumtree for a few hindered dollars. The Mark 3 is ok but the 2000 I find a better unit. Hope this helps

Bizebod

Thanks for your response.
I am heading toward the Ozito, as Santa was kind enough to drop off a couple of 100.00 vouchers. Stil not convinced it's the right thing to do, but for the basic repetitive cuts I am planning I think it will suffice.

Bizebod

Northern New South Wales, near the tweed.

Woodsy

Hi,

I too have the Ozito saw, It pretty much does all I need and I do agree with you about the ripping fence. Would it be possible to post a photo of what you did?

Thanks,

Woodsy

woodalwaysworks

Hi @Woodsy Sorry for the lat reply in regards to pictures of the guide rail. Busy time with Xmas. Below are a couple of pictures. Everything was custum made for the job. I bought a 10x20 hollow alloy bar and ripped a track in the centre of one side to make a T-track for the guide rail to move on.

Noyade

"My problem with Aldi electrical appliances (of any sort- computing, radio, big appliances, small ones) is that I've always had to take things back. If they were actually working when I got them home, they only lasted a couple of weeks. I've learnt my lesson well and no longer buy electrical goods from Aldi"

Bizarrely - I love taking things back to Aldi. I like to patiently wait in line with a smile on my face and when it's my turn I go into great detail with what's wrong with the product. Unlike other hardware/tool places there's no Spanish Inquisition and to shut me up and get me out of the line they quickly return my money. One day I returned three products at different times and got to know the checkout girl quite well. A great way to meet people and hone the explanation skills.

Bundaboy

Very old thread I know but just thought I would add that I have three table saws one being the Aldi version mentioned above - I have had it for 10 years and it is still being used, I like to use it for pallet and reclaimed timber use because my good blades are on my better table :-(. I am not sure how the latest one compares but that is probably one of the best buys I have ever made - but it was $150 10 years ago - goodness knows what cuts they have had to make to keep it at that price today.

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