Ryobi Table saw...

[Tarkin]

Don't get me wrong, I love my bandsaw, but it's just not as versatile as a table saw IMO. There is a whole debate in this months GW about whether a table saw is worth the space (as I recall the conclusion was a really usefull: depends!). Personally I think it is. And even with my crappy little Ferm table saw (allbeit with a good blade) I can get lovley cuts that dont need to anywhere near a P/T.

Adam wrote:

Nontheless, the TS2010 is a worthy upgrade as its in the "next" band of tables saws than the Ryobi - it has the adjustments to bring it to full accuracy, which is a minimum for someone who wants to start some more serious work projects I think.

I aggree! I'm probably going to wait a couple of months and save my pennies so I can get a ts2010. Would love ot be able to trust a fence measuring guide for a change! Without it's addons it may be samll, but I love making jigs, so i'll have it ripping 8x4's in no time!

 

[LyNx]

There is a whole debate in this months GW about whether a table saw is worth the space (as I recall the conclusion was a really usefull: depends!). Personally I think it is.

I don't think it is. To dimension a sheet of 8x4 mdf you need 9 foot in front, 9 foot behind. Crosscut will need 9 foot left of the blade. Thats an area of 20 foot x 10 foot. Within that area all items need to be under the height of your cutting surface. I don't think any table saw is worth that much area to a small workshop. For example, i cut up 4 sheets of 8x4 18mm MDF in a workshop of 4m x 2.5m full of benches, bandsaw, PT etc. A table saw would have eaten all the space and there is no way i could have cut up those sheets if it was the only item in the shop. Rant over :wink:

 

[tim]

Crosscut will need 9 foot left of the blade.

Well, 8 ft really, assuming you are going to cut some thing off! :wink:

I do agree with you for a small shop, although I use a combination of Festool and rail and TS as appropriate. One thing that the Circ saw/ rail combo doesn't allow is accurate repeatability and given that most sheets are turned into cabinet carcases, at least two pieces are going to be identical.

Cheers

Tim

 

[Alf]

One thing that the Circ saw/ rail combo doesn't allow is accurate repeatability

No affiliation, I ain't got one and I don't want to labour the point, but just because the Festool can't... :roll:

Cheers, Alf

 

[devonwoody]

Table saws aren't guaranteed to give repeatable sized cuts.

 

[Tarkin]

Eek, I seemed to have opend a whole new can of worms here!

Im my workshop, everything is on wheels, so If I want 8ft infront and behind the saw, I can get it quite easilly. I wouldnt be without a Table saw, I only have a rubbish one, and even it is invaluable.

Table saws aren't guaranteed to give repeatable sized cuts.

No tool is guaranteed to give repeatable sized cuts...

And as for the Feestool and guiderail option....sadly my pockets arn't lined with gold!

 

[LyNx]

And as for the Feestool and guide rail option....sadly my pockets arn't lined with gold!

Nor mine mate, thats why it took months to decide on the saw for me. At the end of the day, if you want a table saw and it suits YOUR needs then go for it. It just didn't really suit mine and i'm glad i paid the extra for the festool/guide rail set-up.

edit:: on another note. When i 'was' looking for a table saw, i did like the look of the 2010


Andy

 

[RogerS]

ToolSave seem to be doing a 'deal' on the Festool at the moment. Checkout the link at the bottom of the forum index. You know it makes sense

 

[LyNx]

i think everyone is doing to deal. But you need to purchase two power tools and thats when it gets expensive. The cheapest i found for the saw and guide rail was £339 (inc vat).

Andy

 

[Adam]

Dunno about you guys, but after putting my back out, I buy some sheet goods from Wickes these days, in half or quater sheet size. Still use the table saw to cut to size after, but its a lot easier on the back, and the savings of buying a full sheet over 4 x quarter sheets wouldn't pay for the first 5 minutes of a physiotherapy appointment if I tweaked something.

Once upon a time I'd happily carry an 8 x 4 sheet of 18mm ply, but these days I'm more cautious.

Not only that, but my workshop is too small for that size of sheet, but I have been known to drag the saw outside before! Plenty of space outside with a wheel kit!

 

[devonwoody]

Adam, if that's your only workshop, you deserve a medal. In fact I'll have a word with my friend Tony Blair.

 

[Corset]

Just to put my ten pence in. I have a festool saw and i have found it really easy to get repeatable cuts. It has done loads of jobs round the house etc. You just have to measure and mark clearly and remember to clamp the rail on sheet goods.
I found the idea of a table saw a bit scary and i could not figure and easy way of handling sheets without cutting it first on a circular saw.
In addition i got my saw on ebay cheap so i did not have to worry about the £399 price tag. It hads a bit of use prior to me but the saw is so well made it does't seem bothered (just a thought).
I think it is pretty easy to make a jig so that the pieces to cut always sits in the same place i just cut a square out of some ply and wedged pieces in there and put some stops to the line the rail up against.