Circular Saw or Table Saw?

[iwaters]

I am in the process of setting up a workshop for woodworking, only a diy hobby type thing! I don't have huge amounts of money to spend on tools and I can't decide whether it is better to by a decent circular saw and take some time to make some jigs etc., or to buy one of the budget tables saws? I have read a few articles and most say that the table saw is really important but the cheap ones are rubbish. I guess to begin with it will be mainly used for ripping sheet goods and the odd cross cut or bevel cuts. I'm not bothered about being able to cut tenons or anything like that as I would like to learn to do this by hand first. Which ever tool I get what spec should I be looking for in terms of power etc.?

Thanks

 

[big-all]

assuming you mean a table or chopsaw

the ryobi 1525 is a good saw at the price

combination saws are a good compromise

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/kgt300-double-bevel-mitre-tabl-2
you can get a half decent one for about £250

or a flip saw mines cost around £490

heres the clark one [red] and a dewalt flip saw in both modes




although cutting sheet material is far easier with a circular saw and strait edge

as you need 20ft clear and lots of support for an 8x4ft sheet

 

[Jasonb]

I guess to begin with it will be mainly used for ripping sheet goods and the odd cross cut or bevel cuts.

If its for sheet goods then a circular saw and straight edge will be best, the small cheap tablesaws are not large enough to handle shhet materials.

Jason

 

[oilman]

Look at the Festool TS55 and guide rail.

Then look here especially the jigs forum.

This will help with handling sheets.

Put a vacuum cleaner on the saw, and life is much cleaner than a table saw.

 

[Seaco]

I have a tablesaw and use it alot but I've seen this on Youtube and really like the idea I think I'm going to have a go at making my own!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qo6My4vTPg

 

[harryc]

Have you thought about the Triton Workcentre. It's pretty accurate and if you are only doing DIY it can be folded away.

have a look on Ebay might be able to pick up a decent one for less than £150

Harry