"Mike" wrote in message
It's easy to say that I would have not purchased a small Craftsman
table saw 7 years ago, and instead saved up for a really nice table
saw. Then again, 7 years ago I had no idea that I'd be so into
woodworking years down the road - so maybe that $200 saw shouldn't be
considered a mistake.

Not a mistake at all. I did the same thing, not knowing if I had the talent
to do reasonably decent woodwork; turns out I can do OK. I used that saw
for two years and gave it away and bought a Delta contractors saw.

I do regret buying that Craftsman router though. I've not bought a cheap
tool since so it was a lesson learned.