Needing some suggestions...

Oh it woke me up alright!

I have now changed my underwear and am chilling with a beer.

That Kreg looks great!

I had my eye on it too but didn't have the room for a permanent set up.

My Porter Cable router is about 15 years old and is still a workhorse.
 
I'm pretty much a hobbyist and like a little of everything, but I have a hard time spending bookoo bucks on $600 saw when its only a hobby. I recently purchased a Hitachi after I read some some pretty good reviews. (I've built a bathroom cabinet, bar (50%done), trimmed out my basement and installed 5 doors and set of French doors with it)

However I have used a Dewalt top of the line and man it was sweet!!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-C10FCH2-10-Inch-Miter-Laser/dp/B000NKB3LW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404255134&sr=8-1&keywords=Hitachi+C10FCH2+10
 
laserman said:
The nicest part is that after getting the saw there are not a whole bunch of add ons to buy. Not like a lathe or a mill that has an endless list of tools and accessories.

Huh? Tenoning jig, taper jig, panel cutter, laminate blade, ripping blade, cutoff blade, push blocks, thin rip guide, zero clearance throat plate, dado blade, outfeed table, feather boards, box joint jig, blade angle gauge, etc, etc. I could go on!

sorry, I'm a tool addict!

p.s. Glad to see you didn't skewer yourself with that kickback!
 
Joe,

Glad you did not get injured from that kickback.

When stuff like that happens, it certainly makes you think twice about how you do things.
 
bracketracer said:
If you buy a contractor's or cabinet style saw you won't need to worry about another bench. If you want to buy a portable table saw there are plans available to build a larger work surface that the saw slides into to give you more support when you need it.

I like the idea, but I was thinking more along the lines of a portable table saw. The larger work is always a good idea, plus it gives me another excuse to purchase more tools and stuff. I think the Mrs. also wants me to build some shelving and other items to while I'm at it. This could get carried away if I'm not careful.
 
My miter saw is a 10" craftsman compound. Did most of the inside of the house with it when it was new. Love it when I am cutting 2*4s. A lot faster than a skill saw. A 12 in sliding would be awesome if cutting a lot of large stuff.

I got an off brand 10" table saw about 15 years ago. It has actualy been a very reliable saw. I got a very good thinner kerf blade, doesn't need as much power.

I think bracket said it first. But using a quality blade and using the right blade for job is 90% of it.

Joe. Glad to see you were missed by the work.
 
Thanks fellas.

I am happy it missed me too.

As DC stated earlier, I always try to stay off to the side (on those sketchy cuts especially) for that exact reason.

Kickback like that has not happened in 10 years (I now remember 1 other time).

After lunch, late at night, or after drinking are the most dangerous times to operate power tools.

BR. You are a total tool addict just like me!!

I have bought some of those table saw tools you mentioned but they are a POS compared to just making them oneself. Not sure why.

Probably regulations.

Paul,

Go big on the table saw. It is the centerpiece of the shop.
 
Sorry for cursing in acronym form BR.
I am still smarting from a feather board I bought a year ago.
 
laserman said:
Sorry for cursing in acronym form BR. I am still smarting from a feather board I bought a year ago.

EDIT:

Ok. BR.

Re-read the list after cooling down from the feather board thing.

The blades are good. but really only 3 are needed for most stuff.

1- A good plastic blade /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif I like Forrest brand

2- An OK wood blade with 60 teeth.

3- Maybe a non ferrous metal blade for some aluminum/ copper/ brass.

For the times I would use a dado blade I would rather just take more passes with the 60 tooth and smooth out later.

For hardwood and ripping big stuff those blades are good but those operations are too rare for me.

I like to keep an old blade for pine and sappy woods.
The sap dulls the blade considerably.

I feel like the great thing about the table saw is this:

It is going to be the straightest thing you are going to come across in a wood shop.
Like a lathe/ mill it can be used to make tools.

I prefer to make my own throat plates and things like that.
Having a laser cutter speeds things along in that respect, but a band saw would be OK if I were a patient man.
 
laserman said:
Look what I just did!

Rushing to catch the game my push stick slipped off the piece I was cutting.

The piece came zipping by my shirt (for once I was glad not to be taller) and went thru the hollow door.

Only the materials I had stored inside kept it from continuing on.

The worst kick-back I ever had.

That is Crazy, glad to see your ok Joe!!

I had one skim accross the top of the blade once and was thrown into my stomach (like a frisbie). Wasn't sure at the time if I had internal problems or so I just waited it out and was fine! lol

On another note have you guys seen that Stop Saw? I'm sure most of you have but this is pretty cool!

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTUOhYcw4ZY[/video]
 
Saw Stop Is Cool, Ive Wired A Cpl Woodshops That HavE Them Couldnt Get The Stones To Try ThoughLol TheY Get A Insurance Break For Having Them too
 
The Iceman said:
laserman said:
Look what I just did!

Rushing to catch the game my push stick slipped off the piece I was cutting.

The piece came zipping by my shirt (for once I was glad not to be taller) and went thru the hollow door.

Only the materials I had stored inside kept it from continuing on.

The worst kick-back I ever had.

That is Crazy, glad to see your ok Joe!!

I had one skim accross the top of the blade once and was thrown into my stomach (like a frisbie). Wasn't sure at the time if I had internal problems or so I just waited it out and was fine! lol

On another note have you guys seen that Stop Saw? I'm sure most of you have but this is pretty cool!

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTUOhYcw4ZY[/video]

Oh man!

I am glad that you are OK!
With the chunk I was cutting it would have been like getting hit with a baseball bat.
Love that video. Now that is a designer that has some serious faith in his design.
 
GravityX said:
bracketracer said:
If you buy a contractor's or cabinet style saw you won't need to worry about another bench. If you want to buy a portable table saw there are plans available to build a larger work surface that the saw slides into to give you more support when you need it.

I like the idea, but I was thinking more along the lines of a portable table saw. The larger work is always a good idea, plus it gives me another excuse to purchase more tools and stuff. I think the Mrs. also wants me to build some shelving and other items to while I'm at it. This could get carried away if I'm not careful.

There's a ton of plans out there for making work stations for the portable saws.
Here's a couple:
http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/104/extras/table-saw-workstation/
http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/066/extras/table-saw-workstation/

If you're worried about getting carried away, start here. lol!:
http://s22.photobucket.com/user/PbTerry/library/Sawtable?sort=4&page=1#/user/PbTerry/library/Sawtable?sort=4&page=1&_suid=140432227576505607874305631861
 
bracketracer said:
GravityX said:
bracketracer said:
If you buy a contractor's or cabinet style saw you won't need to worry about another bench. If you want to buy a portable table saw there are plans available to build a larger work surface that the saw slides into to give you more support when you need it.

I like the idea, but I was thinking more along the lines of a portable table saw. The larger work is always a good idea, plus it gives me another excuse to purchase more tools and stuff. I think the Mrs. also wants me to build some shelving and other items to while I'm at it. This could get carried away if I'm not careful.

There's a ton of plans out there for making work stations for the portable saws.
Here's a couple:
http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/104/extras/table-saw-workstation/
http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/066/extras/table-saw-workstation/

If you're worried about getting carried away, start here. lol!:
http://s22.photobucket.com/user/PbTerry/library/Sawtable?sort=4&page=1#/user/PbTerry/library/Sawtable?sort=4&page=1&_suid=140432227576505607874305631861

OK. I am officially jealous.

Is this your setup BR?

What kind of fence is that?

Thanks
 
bracketracer said:
GravityX said:
bracketracer said:
If you buy a contractor's or cabinet style saw you won't need to worry about another bench. If you want to buy a portable table saw there are plans available to build a larger work surface that the saw slides into to give you more support when you need it.

I like the idea, but I was thinking more along the lines of a portable table saw. The larger work is always a good idea, plus it gives me another excuse to purchase more tools and stuff. I think the Mrs. also wants me to build some shelving and other items to while I'm at it. This could get carried away if I'm not careful.

There's a ton of plans out there for making work stations for the portable saws.
Here's a couple:
http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/104/extras/table-saw-workstation/
http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/066/extras/table-saw-workstation/

If you're worried about getting carried away, start here. lol!:
http://s22.photobucket.com/user/PbTerry/library/Sawtable?sort=4&page=1#/user/PbTerry/library/Sawtable?sort=4&page=1&_suid=140432227576505607874305631861

Stephen, All I have to say is that I'm sold on that workbench idea. I could myself getting carried away like that guy did in that photo montage. Money saved on the purchase of a table top saw can be invested into the workbench instead.
 
The Iceman said:
I had one skim accross the top of the blade once and was thrown into my stomach (like a frisbie). Wasn't sure at the time if I had internal problems or so I just waited it out and was fine! lol

On another note have you guys seen that Stop Saw? I'm sure most of you have but this is pretty cool!

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTUOhYcw4ZY[/video]

I had the misfortune of having a circular saw kickback on me when I was cutting a pressure treated 4x4 and get into my fingers. I was very fortunate and for the most part was only scratched in comparison to what it could have been. 20+ stitches later I was good to go. These power tools know no difference. Trust me, I have contemplated the purchase of a Saw Stop. Money spent now could potentially save money later...
 
In all seriousness Paul,

Please consider something like this that might turn up in your neck of the woods.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Delta-Unisaw-34-450-with-Unifence-and-Rotary-Phase-Converter-/251575623493?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a93135f45

These things are built like a tank. A solid tool.

You are putting together a workshop.

Think of it like a car you are building from scratch.

You want to start with a big ol engine with plenty of HP and versatility.

You want weight below your machine.

The smaller contractor saws are good for stuff, but they never "felt" right to me.

I did the add-ons approach to a 10' Delta which I believe is the saw in the photos.
It is just fine and I have no complaints.
Nowadays in the age of Ebay though, if I were to do it all again...
hmmm


Best,

Anyone from Illinois in the market for one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-delta-unisaw-/261518089452?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ce3b15cec

The fence that comes on this saw below is only good for a pry bar.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Delta-Table-Saw-table-/191226753255?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c8600b0e7
 
laserman said:
In all seriousness Paul,

Those Saw stops look like money well spent.

Ouch! 20 stitches!

That was probably $1,500 right there!