I need a new table saw...

[martlewis]

I know the subject of table saws has been covered in depth before but was wondering if there are any suggestions now it's time to upgrade.

Until now I've only had a Site contractors saw which was donated to me, it's been really good to me over the past few years but it's had its day now.

I'm gonna admit that I'm a closet "Norm" fan.... Sorry guys

Now I want a proper table saw. Love the idea of the belt drive motor mounted behind the table, a good solid wide fence with extensions, a cast iron top would be nice, and if that's not enough it would be nice to be able to use a dado set occasionally.

Anyone have any recommendations and links?

Not asking that much... well maybe I am but it's nearly Christmas and my better half has given me permission to buy one

 

[Lord Nibbo]

I'm gonna admit that I'm a closet "Norm" fan.... Sorry guys

it would be nice to be able to use a dado set occasionally.

Ooooppps!! he said that noughty word Sir, it was him Sir, Not me. Make him stand in the corner Sir, noughty noughty noughty boy. :lol: :lol:

If you really want to use a (noughty word) I believe you just ruled out the new 12" sip, I dont believe the arbour is long enough to take one. :?

 

[martlewis]

I think I missed something, the naughty word? Not been on these forums long. Is that a no no for to using one of those "naughty word" things then? If so how come?

 

[Lord Nibbo]

I think I missed something, the naughty word? Not been on these forums long. Is that a no no for to using one of those "naughty word" things then? If so how come?

If you do a search Mart(in?) you will find plenty on the subject, usually how unsafe they can be on machines with braked motors, but that don't stop people who really really want to chop their bits off :lol:

 

[Slim]

You don't want a saw that can do Dado's (I said it quietly). Just use a router and straight edge. Much less faffing around any way.

 

[Philly]

Mart
Some folk have an un-natural fear of the "dado" word :lol:
Now-down to business. The only saw to satisfy a Norm fan on the UK market is an Xcaliber from Woodford. I have an 806 (the 10 inch Unisaw clone) and it is fantastic. I have a review here. Also here is a review from the Woodworker magazine
They also do smaller contractors style saws and larger Unisaws (12 and 14 inch) if you desire.
There are other Xcaliber owners here who will vouch for their effectiveness :wink:
Cheers
Philly

 

[martlewis]

OOh I want one

 

[martlewis]

Just one problem now I've cleared my head a little and got over the initial "I must have that" moment... My shop is only 8ft wide! Looking at that saw I'd have to get on my knees and crawl under it to get to the other side of the shop.

 

[Philly]

Mart
Waka has a bigger Xcaliber than me-his workshop is pretty narrow and he has his on a mobile base. When he is not using it he rolls it against the wall. I'm sure he'll be along soon,
Philly

 

[martlewis]

Hope he is willing to post a couple of pics, would be good to see just how this saw looks in a smaller shop.

 

[seaco]

I bought a Delta Unisaw (Same as Norm's) from Daniel Holton in Devon (not sure if he still deals with them though he used to be here on the forum) ...

How much have you got to spend?

Used properly DADO's are wonderful... 8)

 

[martlewis]

I can stretch the budget to around £500( 'ish )

How wide is your saw in the photo? I only have a clearance of 8ft wall to wall across my shop.

 

[syntec4]

What about this one?
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axmi ... 577232.htm

Its on Offer at the Moment too.

Lee.

 

[Anonymous]

Xcalibre 806 - same as Philly as.

 

[OLD]

£500 ish
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SIP-01332-10-...0QQihZ002QQcategoryZ20789QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I have no experience of this vendor they do seem to be the cheapest for SIP.

 

[martlewis]

Old, I have that one being watched on my ebay not familiar with SIP tho, anyone ever used them?

Also with that one I was thinking of waiting til I can afford to get it with the sliding table. Any opinions on sliding tables would be good. Do they save space by not having a fixed surface or what?

Martin

 

[Waka]

807 the 806 big brother.

Martin

My WS is 12 feet in width, I have it on a mobile base with 6 wheels and when not in use its stored against the woodrack. Even having the greater width than your WS I think you would find it a tight squeeze.

When mine comes out to play and I need the outfeed table up I have to move the band saw and CSMS out of the way, but thats the fun of woodworking.

Best of luck on your choice of saw and let us know what you get.

 

[OLD]

Have a look at SIP 12" table saw posts some comments on 10" saw ,the sliding table is a kit and can be purchased later

 

[TC]

I have an 807 Xcalibur 3phase, c/w sliding table,tenon jig, DADO set,along with numerous other machines.all must go! See here www.woodturners.co.uk. Look at "selling up" in the For Sale ads.
TC

 

[martlewis]

Still not sure if I need a sliding table. The saw I have has a 4ft table which I've always managed with until not but I want a cast iron top

Does anyone on here use sliding tables and if so what do you think of them please? I'll be using it soon to build my new kitchen cabinets, mostly 8x4 ply but I can make initial cuts with circular saw if necessary.

Also I am thinking of having the saw on wheels. My current saw is a contractors tht lives on a custom built cabinet of drawers (no wheels). How sturdy are these saws when on wheels? Also my floor was originally from a basic shed, tongue and groove 10mm, over which I've laid chipboard loft flooring 18mm thick. There is some bounce in the floor at times but I'm worried if the wheels will sink into the chipboard flooring?