Looking for a semi disposable saw for under $200 bucks. The ones I’ve looked at so far have been the Skil 3400-12 Ryobi BTS16 and the Hitachi C10FR. All are around that 200 mark, I know these may not be quality saws, but this is what we can spend. Motor, Fence and Miter Gage are what is normally important. Can anyone say something positive about one of these models? I’m almost afraid to post for fear of the Bosch, Dewalt or nothing comments.
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Have you considered a used unit? There's always heaps of portable saws on craigslist.
Scott.
Of them 3, Hitachi gets my vote. I have a Tradesman or mastercraft, just like the Skil , I have the next bigger Ryobi ( its pretty good) and I have heard that the lil Ryobi is not so hot.
When I was shoping the Hitachi had my attn, but I wanted the Ryobi for some reason, I can't recall...and it was not much over 200. But it IS the larger one, with stand.
Steer clear of the Delta at all costs.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
none.
Hey Plum
I have to agree with Scott. Go used, either Craig's list or a pawnshop Find a better saw just as cheep.
Thanks Craig
Edited 3/4/2009 9:39 pm ET by chairmon
Sears?
Don't know about the other two but the Ryobi is pretty good saw for the price. Not meant for heavy use but I take it along for site work on cabinet installs and it does the trick. The next model up is the same saw with a lightweight sliding table and wheels added. Not worth the extra $100 IMO.
Also E-bay.
I worked the cheapo 100 buck Deltas for years... smooth the fence, blade stabilzer, and a feather board go a long way... and it's light.
I went down to the lobby
To make a small call out.
A pretty dancing girl was there,
And she began to shout,
"Go on back to see the gypsy.
He can move you from the rear,
Drive you from your fear,
Bring you through the mirror.
He did it in Las Vegas,
And he can do it here."
We have two of the Hitachis. I've been happy enough with them. They are by no means Cadillacs, but they get the job done.
I have to say I was surprised how much I like the little Ryobi. I paid about 250 Canadian for it. It has a fence that can slide out extra to rip sheets at 24 inches. It has a little slide out outfeed and the feature I'm happiest with is the compact stand. The legs fold out and it icludes wheels.
I do't build kitchen cabinets but do almost anything else. This little saw is powerful accurate and doen't take up much space in the back of my pick up.
Have a good day
Cliffy
I have an old Makita and a little $100 delta. I have used the piss out of the delta - smoking bearings, housing duck taped together, thermal switch pops a lot. I have tried to kill it but it won't die and no one will steal it. Point is, these little saws aren't all bad, don't try to make fine cabinets with one, they will handle many basic tasks and there are thousands of contractors use them every day.
I don't like the Ryobi, the Skil is ok, the Hitachi is very good - I have used one on occasion - you also might think about the Craftsman 21805 which is almost as good as the Hitachi. That is if you can handle Sears, and can get it on sale.
I have an old Makita too from the old days when i first started out. The thing is so banged up but never dies. The on off switch/button broke off many moons ago and I stuck a roofer in there with duct tape over it so I could get through that day...it's still there...lol.
Haven't used the thing in a long time so if anyone wants it come n get it. Just throw me a roach...lol
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc
http://www.ramdass.org
My old Makita is a fairly powerful saw. I have it mounted in a semi-home made stand similar to a Rousseau stand with a 28" table on the right with an after market fence. I have built a fair amount of cabinets and built-ins with it. I am saving for a Bosch but can't justify it with the mak still running strong. Too bad I am not near NY, I'd come get your saw though I am so uncool I am not sure where I would locate payment...
The only thing I hated about it is how intensly noisy it is.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc
http://www.ramdass.org
I tend to use it outside, but I also have some good hearing protectors for indoor work.
I used it mostly out doors too but it was real annoying...kinda like running your nails across a chaulkboard every time I turned it on....but it worked/s
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc
http://www.ramdass.org
Plum,
I got the BTS15 about 5 years ago as a throw away saw. I cant comment on whatever model your looking at but mine has gotten the job done. its extremely loud and the fence is junky (you have to measure every time you move it to make sure it is parallel with the blade). But for $150 I've been happy with it. Also it can cut 3 1/2" deep which helped me with ripping some 4x4s one time.
If I had to do it again I would have gotten the model with the rolling stand.
Keep in mind you could probably find a dewalt DW745 reconditioned for about $300. Very small and portable and a nicer saw.
Sometimes you just gotta spend the money. Can you borrow one for the time being?
It may be better to send $400 now as opposed to spending $200 now then the $400 later.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
In my area, on craigslist, I found at least 6 good tablesaws $200 or less.
Tu stultus es
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.