Table saw suggestions

[kjackson]

When we moved, I left behind my old table saw as the new place doesn't really have room for a saw that is always up. So, I'm in need of a job-site type saw that can be folded up and tucked away. There are plenty on the market, from those that cost as much as the next boat I'm going to build to those that are about the same price as a circular saw.

While I don't use a table saw all that much, there are things that are best done on one.

I'd really like a saw that is under $400..suggestions?

Thanks,

Keith

[pee wee]

I've used a Ryobi contractor's saw that was not bad- had the extruded aluminum fence and it locked square to the blade. The Grizzly saw I used to have was not satisfactory, but the new ones may be better.

[Boater45]

My friend has this Ryobi from Home Depot. He ordered a reconditioned one for around $200 and hasnt had an issue with it.

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware ... reId=10051

[Cracker Larry]

I've also got a Ryobi and it works OK for light jobs. Not good for heavy. It's been a decent saw for the price, but if I were doing it again, I'd probably get a Dewalt.

[topwater]

Handyman magazine just did a test of contractor size saws . I dont know if it was last months issue
or this months. " was reading it in a doctors office ". If it were me i would look at a dewalt or a
porter cable.

[pee wee]

If it were me i would look at a dewalt or a
porter cable.

I'd rather have those brands than a Ryobi or Grizzly (or Rigid, etc.), but price is going to be a big indicator of quality here. I've got a Powermatic cabinet saw that I love and depend on- it makes me want to buy other Powermatic tools, and I have. However, once you get down to the cheapies you will find that Powermatic doesn't actually make the tool, it's a Chinese tool with their name slapped on it. I think the other manufacturers do the same thing, so having a Porter Cable name on it (or Delta, etc.) doesn't mean you're getting the known quality of that brand.
If I were shopping for that level of saw there are two things I'd look at- does the fence regularly lock firmly and square to the blade, and is there any wobble or play to the motor shaft (can you detect any play when you wiggle the blade).
Depending on the kind of work I was going to be doing, I'd also consider replacing the blade with something a lot better than what comes with it (but it's probably o.k. for ripping sheer clamp strips and 2 x 4's.

[Aripeka Angler]

I'd really like a saw that is under $400..suggestions?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DEWALT-10-in-Co ... 5ae5866d4a

[pee wee]

I'd really like a saw that is under $400..suggestions?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DEWALT-10-in-Co ... 5ae5866d4a

That saw is being sold on Amazon for $339, also free shipping (vs. $357). The Bosch saw for around $370 has 18" rip capacity instead of 16", but costs more.

[Bowmovement]

I have this Dewalt and no complaints so far. Maybe Ryobi has gotten better over the years but I had 2 drills from them about 8 years ago and they lasted a total 2 hours. Have not bought anything Ryobi since.

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/machinery-p ... 745_2.aspx

Matt

[Southern Gent]

Don't forget Craigs List posting. My table saw circa 1955 Sears Craftsman Cast Iron 9" with good saw blade and added support wings. I have helped a couple buddies buy saws off Craigs list for a couple hundred bucks with assorted saw blades.