Hello, I’m looking for an affordable table saw
The guy I work with owns a ryobi bts20 while i figured it would sUck weve been using it for over a year and it is a very good saw.
They dont make that saw anymore I tried out the bts21 and is absoulte junk, nothing like the 20, also bought the hitachi that sells for 250.00 but was so disappointed I immedatly returned it.
Is there a saw for 300 dollars that is respectable and not cheep junk?
I can usually find quality tools that I can afford if I look long enough but this one is stumping me
Am I gonna have to just save up more money? This is how I make my living but I’ve got kids to feed and Its hard to purchase new tools unless I find a good deal
Thank you
Replies
danno7x,
Look to the top left of this page, up over the list of posted topics, and click on ADVANCED SEARCH. Then type in "table saws", or "portable table saws". Maybe try "contractor's saws" . You should find a lot of past discussions on the subject.
oldfred
I'd be watching Craig's List (http://www.craigslist.org) for a used saw. I've seen several very nice ones cheap over the last several months with the downturn in work.
HTHPaulB
Thanks I havnt had luck with the search but didnt know bout advanced search worked much better
The creigs list around here is rarely the place for a deal, dont know what it is about this area but people always think what they have is worth twice what it really is, but I will keep looking Thank you
You might look for a used Makita portable table saw.They seem not to ever die from the reviews and I've seen them used on CL around here for $50-100 quite frequently.Depends on what you need from a saw too though. If you just need it for ripping small fillers and 2x stock - that's diff from needing something capable of building furniture quality in the field.If you need it more for high quality uses, than the Bosch, Ridgid or Dewalt are the goto saws.If you don't need the 24" rip capability - the Home Depot's around me have started clearing the new 16" rip capability Dewalt 745 saws (they weigh 45lbs) for $299 - from $369.This might be a tool to spend the money on so get the quality and longevity you'll benefit from.JT
That is one great little saw. I got mine for $299.00 at HD.[email protected]
thanks everyone for the suggestions
I have a craftsman that doesn't seem to want to die. You might try sears.Mine is kind of a poa but with a good blade and proper fence alignment it cuts well. I paid around $400 for it 6 years ago and now I think they are less than $200. I don't know if they are built with the same quality they used to be but if it fits the budget.
I'll second the suggestions to look for a good used saw.
I've bought 4 1960's and 70's Sears cast iron saws at garage sales for under $100, only neeeded $20 worth of new bearings to run true. they are heavy though.
Even got a free lightweight Delta 9" TS off craigslist once, but it needed the arbor chucked into a lathe and the arbor faced off up to cut true.
Look at the advanced search also for 'tuning' a TS, can make a world of difference even for an out-of-box new saw.
I went for the Bosch with the gravity rise stand, but that's about double your budget. Before this one I was using a DeWalt with 16" rip capacity and was really happy with it. Sold it on Craigs list when I got the bosch.
I still have my li'l Delta shopmaster 10", but as it's somewhat power challenged I keep an 8" blade in it for less stress on the motor. It's handy for toting around for miscelaneous tasks and is good enough to rip 2x stock. It's even somewhat accurate! You can get the delta for about $100, or $80 used.
Check out Ebay, there's always something there and some sellers offer free shipping. --------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
I just went through this choice myself. I ended up with the Bosch-$500 or so, but Dewalt makes a smaller version of their contractor's saw that goes for $300. It looks very sturdy and has their rack + pinion fence which is probably the best (for the portables) out there. It is smaller tho so depends on with of cut you need.
Honestly I chose the Bosch because of the soft start motor( had a Ryoby that jumped off the floor when you started it).Not a real necessity.
Re. Craigs list round there.
Thats cause between fort drum and the river work, the economy doesnt cycle same as it does in other parts i have seen.
I have a place on Chippewa Bay.
Wish i were there.
Jeff in PA
your exactaley right about the econemy here.
Are you familar with the area or a former local?
Plus the winters here make it so hard to work everyday
Oh I see you have a place in chippewa bay Ive never been there,
I work mostly from Clayton to Watertown along the water,
Some work on Wellesly Island. Beautiful in the summer but expensive to live on the river.
I am just above Alex Bay.
Friend is a local builder in that area and a good friend of mine grew up in Clayton and since moved down to PA. We all go up there as much as we can to get away from this hustle and bustle.
When I am up, I discuss the building economy with him and compare notes.
If interested look me up next time your up.
I find its hard to find contactors to work for around here who do quality work.
Too many hacks, espically those who cash in on the fort drum expansion work.
I refuse to work for someone who dosent want to do expert work, we arent able to do million dollar homes but we did do one last year. that was an exception, mostly small additions.
I see too many guys in this area who are in it for a quick buck and do s### work.
I find those bigger higher end jobs fun and challenging, but that work is scarse around here.
Anyways take care, later