jim wrote:
On Feb 7, 8:49 pm, "Pete C." wrote:
James wrote:

I am not a carpenter or even a handyman. The only kind of saw I have owned
for 25 years is a skill saw. Even with very casual use, I am still not
good at using a skill saw to cut a straight edge on a piece of plywood or a
2 x 4 !!
Perhaps several times a year, I will have a need to cut 2 x 4's , some
trim pieces , and perhaps some plywood. Because I am not really skilled
at using a skill saw, I have thought of getting a bare bones, but quality
table saw. Again, I just need something that will allow me to cut boards
and trim pieces and end up with a straight cut. It doesn't have to be very
high powered, or have a lot of fancy adjustments. I guess just an
adjustable fence (isn't that what they call it........ the piece you move
left and right, and put your stock up against for cutting?) and I guess
something that adjusts the depth of a cut. I don't think I would need any
angle cutting, such as a miter saw is used for.
So, what is a recommended brand, and/or a particular saw not exceeding $150
? Can I get a quality one for that price ??
I am thinking of looking at Sears and Home Depot, but wanted to get comments
here first.
Thanks for any advice !!
James
I think your price range is low for a decent unit. A Ryobi *might* be
passable as some of their other products are. For my occasional table
saw needs I have a Bosch (branded) TS4000? contractors saw that has been
very good. I recall it being closer to $400 though.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Not sure of the price but have always ahd good luck with Craftsmen

Going through a similar mental exercise (Plus some hands-on
experimenting, visiting my father's place where all needed tools are
available), and came to the following conclusions:
1. The low end table saws with the tiny tables are useless for ripping
plywood and panels more than a couple feet on a side, unless you rig all
sorts of tall sawhorses, and/or have a helper available. And unless you
have a walkout basement, barn, or extra bay in the garage, they are pain
in the ass to store and set up. Surprisingly easy to get them out of
adjustment if they get moved around a lot.

2. A cheap power miter saw beats the heck out of a table saw for trim
miters and cutting 2x4s square for framing projects. (I can't freehand
square cuts any more either.) And they are easy to move around,
especially if you spring for a fold-up stand.

3. For once-in-a-blue-moon panel ripping, several solid sawhorses, and 4
carefully placed 2x4s, plus a metal rip guide (a long straight piece of
metal channel) and some clamps, will let you rip panels with a skilsaw
about as well as a tiny table saw will. Just slide the saw up the rip
guide, and the cut is straight. I wouldn't use something like that for
production work, because it takes too long to set up each cut, but if
you are only cutting a few boards a year, it works. Once you learn the
right offset for your skilsaw/blade combination, setting the fence to
the right offset on the raw material doesn't take long. One strong clamp
at each end, and a stiff enough fence, and the cut is straight enough
for anything short of fine cabinetry. Laying out the loose 2x4s properly
under the work piece keeps the cut from binding up, or the wood from
splintering at the end. (and keeps you from cutting into the sawhorses.)

Anyway, once weather warms up, and I get off my ass and actually start
on my long-postponed projects here, that is the approach I plan to take.
Already have the miter saw, and a half-ass skilsaw (which may need
replacing, since bearings are a tad sloppy.) So all I need is some
better sawhorses, and some2x4s and a piece of metal channel. I think I
have enough clamps laying around....

--
aem sends...