Oops! Just re-read my previous post and meant parallelism and not
perpendicularity of blade to miter slots and fence to blade. Giving myself
10 lashes...ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch...

"Chuck Hoffman" wrote in message
om...
You have most of what you need to get started. I'd add a cord or cordless
drill/screwdriver and a comprehensive set of bits if you don't have them.

The most important machine in any woodworker's shop is the table saw.
Even
though yours is old and has only an 8-inch blade, it should serve you well
IF you can do precise work with it. You will need to thoroughly check it,
i.e.,
* arbor runout
* condition and sharpness of blade
* blade runout
* perpendicularity of blade to miter slots
* perpendicularity of fence to blade
* straightness of fence from front to back
* fit of the miter gauge in the slots (should have little/no side-play)
* ability to precisely set miter gauge to various angles (don't rely on
the
built-in protractor)
* MOST IMPORTANT - a good blade guard that includes a "splitter"

ALWAYS use the blade guard/splitter if at all possible.

I don't want to scare or discourage you with the labor involved in
tuning/adjusting your table saw but it is very important that it be done.
Many injuries occur because of out-of-adjustment tools and a poorly tuned
table saw can be very dangerous. It can kick work pieces and/or off-cuts
back at the operator with tremendous force.

There are several good paperback books and magazines that include
step-by-step procedures for tuning/adjusting your table saw. (Perhaps
others could chime in here with some titles.) You can usually find these
in
well-stocked magazine and book stores like Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks, B.
Dalton, etc. If you have or can acquire an owner's manual for your saw,
that will help immensely in locating adjustment points, etc.

Also check the arbor to see if you can mount a dado cutter and make sure
you
have a table insert that will accommodate it. Perhaps you have no use for
this right away but you may eventually want to take that next step.

Good luck...work safely.

"Scott Willett" wrote in message
.. .
I am looking for general advice. I apologize up-front if this is not the
correct News Group:



1) I enjoy doing trim work and carpentry, I do not have a lot of
experience. Chair Rail, Crown, Bead board etc.

2) I am interested in getting started in woodworking.

3) I have the following tools:

a. 10 in compound miter saw

b. Router, I have only used once.

c. An old Makita 8 inch, contractor table saw

d. Other hand tools, Skill Saw, etc



Any suggestions on my next steps or purchases? My "gung ho" side wants
to
purchase an upgraded table saw, belt driven. Any suggest as my next
steps?
Wood working class?



Any reply would be greatly appreciated.



Scott

Woodstock GA