"Mears" wrote in message
oups.com...
I recently decided to buy a table saw. Initially, it will be used for
ripping lumber and various other small projects. I'm not looking to
spend a lot of money since it's not something I'll be using every day.
In fact, it will be living 1100 miles away from me in my parents garage
and I'll only use it when I vacation back home until I buy a house.
I've been doing research, and it looks like the TS350 has quite a few
positive features for its price, but a smallish motor. I did a search
on this saw, but haven't found a lot of info on it, except for the
reviews at amazon.com. I thought it would be a good idea to see if any
hobbyists have experience with this particular model.

Isn't this one of the models that uses a direct drive motor? If so, then
the motor is the Achille's heel of the saw. The universal motor is not as
reliable as those on the more expensive saws (no surprise, I suppose). In
addition, if the motor ever burns out, a new motor can easily cost as much
as the entire saw.

However, given the usage you expect to see, the saw should last long enough
for you to be able to afford at least a contractor saw. Everybody has a
budget; yours just won't admit to buying a contractor saw (which could
easily outlast you) at this time. Don't push hardwood through very fast
though.
Jim