You should definitely check out the Ryobi BT3100. It is very accurate and
easy to use, and it comes with a sliding miter table and a Freud blade
standard.

A lot of people like to poo-poo this saw because it is made by Ryobi and it
has an aluminum top. The people who gripe about the saw, however, are the
ones who have never used one. I've had mine for a year now and have put it
through some pretty tough projects with no complaints. It is probably not a
saw you want to throw in the back of the truck and haul around, but with
reasonable care it is really pretty durable.

Plus, the BT3100 is the only table saw I'm aware of that has an entire web
site dedicated to it. Check out www.BT3Central.com

Dollar for dollar I don't think there is any saw that compares to the
BT3100. I shopped around quite a bit and came to the conclusion that I'd
have to spend $700 to get a saw equivalent to the Ryobi, which retails for
$300.

Here's a link to the saw on the Ryobi site:
http://tinyurl.com/byzfd





"Hedley" wrote in message
...
More then 500$ for a "decent" table saw? Really? We're talking about a
project here and there, no production-type work, where a little extra
set-up time for each cut isn't that big a deal. Right? I thought the
extra 200$ or so for an "entry level" conractor saw at the 500$ mark was
for an upgraded fence system and bells/whistles to make the work
easier/faster.

I'm also looking and have set 500$ for my budget. I need the saw to be
fairly easy in setting up, and fairly accurate. The saws in the 89$ (yes,
they make them that cheap) to 350& range seem a little too small, wobbly
and insubstantial. 500$ seems about right, and I can always upgrade the
fence if it becomes needed.

I'm not arguing, really. Your opinion is your own. I just want to make
sure I know what I'm missing out on in not spending the extra 200$ or
looking for a used saw for 500$.

Thanks for all the input.



"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 02 Sep 2005 15:05:10 GMT, "Cyrille de Brébisson"
wrote:

Hello,

I am a beginner woodworker, and I use for the moment a $100 RYOBY table
saw,
it has the following issues:
- the table is too small (12" on both side of the fence) for any serious
work
- the fence is small and not 90° (although it locks good)
- I can not get a 0 clearance insert for it
- miter is worthless
- it's noisy and vibrates a lot...

I was thinking of upgrading, and I have a budget of around $500, what are
your recommendations?

regards, cyrille


Save up your $--you'll need a bit more to get a decent table saw
unless you can find a used one.