Hookup

I have a table saw that I've had for about 5 years. It costs about $200, max. Don't know the brand name, but it probably doesnt matter you've all seen these lower-end table saws. It still cuts, never been serviced, I have a dato(sp) kit for it, but I think it can only cut 1/2" wide..

I want to get into making cabinets and drawers for my home-office and would like to know if this saw can do the job or should I look at an upgrade.

My shop space will be very small, so full cabinet saws are no where near an option.

Anyone have any thoughts and/or recommendations?

knotscott

Saws like that are limited by accuracy, mass/stability, work space, and long term reliability....but they can cut wood. They can also be a bit frustrating. I probably would opt to get something bigger like a full size contractor saw, hybrid, or even a cabinet saw if budget allows. If you do decide to keep it, it'd be best to mount in something like the work station shown below.

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Hookup

wow, that is exactly what I need to build... What do you think of the Dewalt TrackSAW as a tablesaw replacement?

knotscott

I've never used any of that type of saw system, but have read arguments for and against them. From a glance, it's hard for me to imagine it replacing my TS with that type system, but my understanding is that they do offer the capability for good cuts.

dbhost

The TrackSaw appears to be nothing more than a fixed circular saw / straight edge type rig. I am not even going to give that a second glance.

Knotscott has a point on the benchtop saws like yours. You CAN use the saw to do what you want it to do, but depending on what saw it is, it may be a frustrating experience, ESPECIALLY if you are dealing with a direct drive saw, with only 1/2" Dado capacity.

I know a LOT of guys feel like they have GOT to have lots of mass, and HP for their table saws, and that's fine, it's sort of the brute force approach to woodworking. I use a Ryobi BT3100-1 which is a well regarded, very accurate table saw, somewhere between a contractors table saw, and a Hybrid of sorts. It lacks the cast iron top in favor of aluminum (never any warping or rust to worry about!), is belt driven, expandable as all get out, and laser beam accurate. with the micro adjuster on the fence, I can dial in 1/32" incriments no problem. The reason I mention this saw is besides the accuracy, it lives on as the Sears Craftsman Professional model #21829, on a very nice folding stand, basically set up as a job site saw, but belt drive. LOTS of information on this saw can be had from www.bt3central.com.

Another option higher up the price scale, that looks REALLY good is the new Ridgid R4511 granite top saw. Those that want mass will be happy with this saw. The fence appears similar to the Delta T2, and Orion / Steel City appear to be deeply involved in the design / manufacturing of this saw.

BOTH of these saws are mentioned for a BIG reason. They are both equipped with a proper riving knife, which is a VERY important safety feature, the riving knife is a type of splitter that raises, lowers, and tilts with the blade, keeping at a constant distance from the blade, and not allowing the work piece to close in on itself. This is a HUGE safety benefit and should not be overlooked if at all possible...

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