Semi-portable table saw?

Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Messages
1,201
Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a table saw? I don't have a big studio, so it would be great if the saw were somewhat portable. I've seen two different Dewalt models and one even has wheels.

I'm happy with my Dewalt scroll saw and my portaband, so I gues I should lean that way.

Anyway, I should stop talking now and let the experts take over. :)

thanks in advance!

Kent
 
Depending on what you really need versus what you really want. Most contractors saws are available with dolly/stand set ups. Lowes/HD and other box stores will have them.
 
I have one of the little Dewalt jobsite saws and I really like it.
 
I've been considering getting the Dewalt DW744s. I've always been happy with Dewalt tools.
 
Kent,
Yesterday I bought the Dewalt DW744x, and I'm VERY pleased with it so far.:thumbup:
 
Phillip Patton said:
Kent,
Yesterday I bought the Dewalt DW744x, and I'm VERY pleased with it so far.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Good to know. It's hard for me to figure out the difference between that one and the 745. Well, other than the fact that the 745 is cheaper. I have very little experience doing wood work so I'mm at a loss. Where did you get yours?
 
Los Angeles said:
Good to know. It's hard for me to figure out the difference between that one and the 745. Well, other than the fact that the 745 is cheaper. I have very little experience doing wood work so I'mm at a loss. Where did you get yours?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what the difference is between the 745 and 744, but the 744x comes with the stand, and is about $100 more than the 744s.

My last table saw was a Craftsman, and it's terrible. However, it's pretty old. I'm sure they're making them better nowadays, but I didn't bother checking, because I've always been unimpressed with Craftsman.

What sort of woodworking are you interested in, Kent?
 
Hey Kent,

What do you want to do with it and how much of it will you be doing?

I hear that space issues (small and movable footprint) are part of the decision making criteria. What else is? Finances? Functionality, ease of use, precision? Lifespan? Etc?

For me money has always been an issue. I bought a cheapo $99 Ryobi model years ago. I've worked the dickens out of it. I'm not doing tons of finished carpentry so it fits right in with its partners, a Makita chop saw (freebie), a Ryobi planer ($75 craigslist) and an old 12" Craftsman band saw ($50 craigslist).

I've framed out a plywood dolly/table the size of the foot print of the table saw stand. It makes a nice shelf under the saw (I don't have much space either). That makes it easy to roll the saw out to use, for cleanup and to put it away.

All the best, Phil
 
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Whichever one you decide on, I suggest you get the nicest one you can afford. My tools are my livelyhood, so I always get the best I can. Good tools might cost more up front, but they'll save you lot's of money (and time) down the road.

My new Dewalt table saw did in about 4 minutes what would have taken my Craftsman half an hour, and it did it much better.
 
You guys have given me a lot to think about and I'm left wondering if this tool will get as much use as I *think* it will right now. I'm certainly guilty of "gear acquisition syndrome" from time to time.

I guess the key here is weighing the cost vs. the benefits (at a time when I'm gearing up for an exhibition), I'm a craftsman in metal first and foremost. this tool would help me shortcut a few issues, and mostly help me build blocks and display stands for my pieces with greater precision than I'm capable of right now. it would make life easier, but it would never get so much as even weekly use.
 
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