what frigin table saw to buy!!!

[Glenbirnie]

I am looking to buy my first table saw for house renovation. I have used a Makita circular rip saw for years and have finally decided enough is enough. Im thinking of going for the DeWalt 745 I think it is, the portable site table saw at about £375. I have the usual problem I only really use tools on the weekend but when I do use them I dont like cheap tools.

When you start looking you can spend anything from £50 to £500 simply by doing a shopping search on google. Its not easy to decide!

My budget is around £300 originally but I'd spend the £375 on the DeWalt.

Any thoughts on the DeWalt versus others. Id deffo have to be under £500.

cheers

 

[ntb]

You get what you pay for with table saws. The DeWalt (or any other decent brand) will be fine for site work or if you don't have much space. Best to think about what you are going to use it for before buying though since you will get more flexibility out of something like the Axminster TS200 or TS250 package deals if you have space for them.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-hobby-ts-250-basic-table-saw-accessories-package-deal

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-hobby-ts-200-basic-table-saw-accessories-package-deal

 

[pinenot]

I would advise you buy second hand and get a good saw at a good price. By the way the DeWalt brand no longer holds as good a name as it once did...pinenot
You might like this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOX-HEAVY..._Garden_PowerTools_SM&clk_rvr_id=594471409172 Fox machines have gained quite a good reputation of late and good for your money, just make sure of the guarantee offered and availability of spares...pinenot

 

[Glenbirnie]

With your advice so far and thinking about use it will allways be used at home so it doesnt need to be portable as such. On wheels to be rolled out the garage would be good as I have a tarred drive and usually do everything outside.

Problem is I dont want somethign huge as when its used it'll be used for a project and used a lot but then not used again till the next project so something that has folding table extensions etc would be ideal.

Ive looked at axminster before are they a good brand do they make their own equipment?

What is the main difference between these compact table saws with cast iron tables and the contractor ones usually with pressed steel tables. Presumably small cast iron would be better for detail work?

How on earth do Axminster do such a range of wood working equipment yet you never see them for sale in the usual retail outlets, surprised they can compete against the economies of scale of Makita, DeWalt etc.

Thanks

 

[big-all]

if your outside make sure it has an induction motor as these are quiet and you will have little motor noise
or without and get a good impersonation off a tractor on steroids chasing a bee

 

[ntb]

I rate Axminster highly. They sell quality gear and little or no cheap crap plus the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. They are woodworking specialists rather than a general tool supplier.

The kit is made for them afaik and I couldn't tell you who by but I've had a good look round their table and band saws and came close to buying one. The only reason I didn't is a second hand Metabo came up with all the extra bits I wanted.

All the extras detach from those bundles - they are optional extras that can be added later to the basic saw.

If you have a branch near you it's worth a visit for a mooch around.

Cast iron tables give you better accuracy but are more expensive because they need to be machined accurately. I would be wary of cast iron on a cheap machine since there will be compromises with it or the rest of the machine to get to the price. It's unlikely to be an issue unless you are a cabinet maker.

 

[Norcon]

I agree about axminster. They stock quality gear.
They also do the full range of Lie Neilson hand tools.