I’ve been working with my boss for the past seven months and now I think it’s time that I start building my own kit of basic power tools. I’m looking for advice on what table saw to purchase (it needs to be portable). We use a Bosch and I’ve got no complaints but is there something better and possibly cheaper? I’m also interested in picking up a good chop saw. Right now we use a Bosch (non-slider) two way saw. I’ve priced them out and they are quite expensive. Any one have a suggestion?
Much appreciated folks….. “Breaktime” has been my source for advice and support in this transition year to my new career.
ciao
Jean-Paul (JP)
Replies
JP,
When I first started buying power tools I bought a non-sliding cms, but returned it after a couple of uses in favor of the slider. In my opinion the slider is worth the extra cost. I have a couple of the Makita 10" sliders and like them very much. A lot of people here also like the Bosch and DW ones as well, but it probably comes down to which one you feel comfortable with.
I also have the Bosch table saw, and like it a lot. I think a lot of people have really liked that new, smaller DW one, but I'm sure they'll be around shortly to chime in.
What kind of work do you do mostly? What power tools do you already own? People here are going to want to know that in order to make better suggestions.
Peace,
Casey
There are lots of good quality power tools out there if yo know what to look for, and where NOT to look.
Bosch is a very respected name, and deservedly so. Their portable table saw is broadly used by pro's. To save a few bucks, while getting many of the same features, look at the Rigid portable. Also a very good saw (but not a Bosch!)
As for miter saws, the same is true -- Bosch is a very good name, widely used by pro's. But so is Dewalt, Makita, and Hitachi.
Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
JP-
I've got an old Delta portable saw that I'm hoping will die so I can replace it with the new, small DeWalt.
I've used both the Bosch and the Rigid, and they are nice saws, but too big and heavy for my needs.
As far as miter saws go, I've had a DeWalt 705 for years. Its been a real solid, reliable workhorse. It handles about 90% of what I need a chop saw for. I also have a Bosch 12" slider, but that only comes out when I need the extra capacity.
I have the Delta portable saw. Definitely not in the same category as the Bosch, but I don't use it for fine work. It couldn't handle it anyway. I don't recommend that saw as your primary.
For my compound miter saw, I have the non-sliding 10" DeWalt and love it. It weighs 33 pounds and has a handle on top, so it goes anywhere easily. I haven't needed a sliding saw on my jobs, so I don't miss that feature. I do miss the fact that the motor can only be tilted over to the left when doing a compound miter, but I rarely need to tilt it the other way and have always been able to work around it. The weight is still the big thing; I really don't want to be hauling something much heavier out on a job.
George Patterson
Edited 7/7/2007 9:21 pm ET by grpphoto
The Ryobi table saw sold at HD is very good for the price. it comes with a folding wheeled stand.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I also have the Bosch Tablesaw. Love it. I have read that the Ryobi table saw is supposed to be pretty good and well priced.
Currently I am running with a Delta 10" Mitre saw. I just barely get buy with it. I always leav it laying around but no will steal it. I'm leaning towards the Dewalt Compound 12" (no Slide) Direct Drive. I've never cared for the sliding compound mitre saws. I like things simple.
Dave
If you feel that you need your own power tools to make a better contribution at work, well, thanks on behalf of all of us employers out there! If you're planning to do some side work or jobs at home, then read on. If not, your investment really should be in hand tools first, as these are what employees are normally expected to supply. If you have plans to stay in the trade for a while, the had tools should be of top quality as you'll use them every day and keep them for decades.
Power tools: since you're in Canada, have a look at King Canada. They're Chinese-made and basic, but their 10" slider was my first saw and it did me fine for several years of side jobs before I could afford something better. It's still going and I keep it for framing and rough work. Home Hardware carries this brand and they sell a ton of them to people who don't want to spend a lot of money and don't intend to use it day in, day out. Tool guys at my local HH say they have very few returns with King.
For trim work, a mitre saw should be able to bevel both ways, so that puts you up a price category right there. For crown moulding, you'll drive yourself nucking futs if you can't bevel left and right.
I've used Bosch, Makita and DeWalt mitre saws extensively for previous employers. When I went on my own I bought the Bosch 10" slider. The Makita motors last forever but the ancillary controls always seemed to break off or come loose. The DeWalt was solid too, but the Bosch with its up front controls and mitre fine adjustment is just a bit better again. And it was dead square in both axes, right out of the box. They all cost the same - at MSRP anyway. Deals do come along.
My vote is for Bosch on the table saw front too. I'm not a Bosch tragic, but it's the best in category out there right now. However, any table saw is a questionable purchase so early on in your career. I'd suggest you get more mileage on the boss's tools so you'll have a better idea of what you're looking for in your own. There are so many specialities within carpentry that have such different needs that it's ahrd to tell what would be appropriate for you at this time.
Thanks for your time and great advice. First off, I just want to say that my boss has been fanstastic and very patient with me as I learn the ropes and he has put absolutely zero pressure on me to invest in my own power tools. I have already picked up the Mak drills and impact drivers which I use every day on the job. However I think it's time for me to start doing some big time investment so that I can hone my skill at home and in some small side-gigs. I guess I already knew that most people would be in favour of the Bosch series (as is my boss) and having only used them I imagine I've been spoiled for the rest. We do home reno and new-build finished carpentry.
ciao
JP
Keep an eye out for used stuff. Maybe someone you know is thinking of upgrading and wants to sell their used stuff to you. Ebay, craigs list, etc. are your friends. Amazon Recon gets some pretty high reviews here too. You have lots of options.
Don't get stuck in the brand name game.
MP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPONTneuaF4
All the above posts are good and my own advice is the same. I have had the DeWalt 705 miter saw for at least a dozen years and still use it as my primary saw. It is the workhorse of all miter saws. I also have the DW 12" slider, another great saw, but only use it when I need it. Makita and Bosch are really good too. It's the little things about a saw that make the difference, but they all cut accurately. I would suggest a 12" non slider as your first miter saw.Tablesaws...The Makita 2708 with Rousseau table setup is my main field saw. You can only get that on E-bay now, and you'll pay the same price that it sold for 20 years ago, and for good reason, it's another workhorse. I've had it for 2 decades. Also I have the DW 10" table saw that I keep in my garage for home use, again a great saw.Although I tend to steer towards DW and makita with these tools, I have used the Bosch Miter and table and they are great tools.You might want to look at the Ryobi table if you want to save money. I have heard good things about that.
Check out toolking.com. They have a lot of factory refurbished tools at some really good prices. Refurbished is a good way to start the collection rolling. I've had great like with them.
As for table saws I have an old 8 1/2" makita that was passed to me from my father. Things still kicking, but I recently stepped upto the Bosch 4000, equipped witht he gravity rise stand. Can't say enough about that thing. I bought that saw off of craigslist/boston. Fellow used it once, and I snagged it for $350, practically brand new.
Keep your eyes and ears open for good deals, you'll find what you need!
Good Luck!