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Forum topic by superrupe | posted 12-10-2013 03:49 PM | 5015 views | 0 times favorited | 12 replies | ![]() |
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12-10-2013 03:49 PM |
Hello! I am looking into buy a DeWalt DW-745 for my first (real) table saw. I had an Ace bench top and the fence was worthless and motor was shot. I would like to build a cabinet around it to include an extension, router addition and out feed table. I don’t do too many big projects, but would like to get more involved in woodworking. Would this table saw for a beginner? If not, what would you recommend in the same price range? Thank you! -- Neil - Manhattan, KS |
12 replies so far
#1 posted 12-10-2013 03:57 PM |
It sounds like with all the additions you plan on adding to the saw it will be stationary and not moving a whole lot. The only reason I would buy a job site saw is to move it from location to location. I would consider a contractor or hybrid style saw. These saws are bigger, which would allow your rip capacity to be greater, and much more accurate. Check craigslist daily and you will find a deal. |
#2 posted 12-10-2013 04:33 PM |
+1 On getting a contractor or hybrid saw (both have a cast iron top, belt driven motor). The Dewalt and Bosch jobsite saws are the best in their class of saws, but they are still a jobsite saw. -- Mike ---- Visit my woodworking blog: http://sawdustnewbie.com |
#3 posted 12-10-2013 04:44 PM |
Job site saws have a number of disadvantages like a small table top.small fence. light weight(makes them easier to tip over) many do not let you use a dado blade,the miter gauge is toy like,the miter slots make it hard to use a sled. http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-13-Amp-10-in-Professional-Table-Saw-R4512/202500206#.UqdE2NJDtRg |
#4 posted 12-10-2013 04:48 PM |
I like the dewalt saw. if you have palns to build a table around it, for other tools; then you’ll have to buy a larger fence rails. there are some nice set ups here on LJ’s . I would rather go with contractor style T.S. (money) now, and after a few years if you get more serious about finer woodworking; then step up to a full cabinet table saw, that has the HP to do the bigger denser lumber. |
#5 posted 12-10-2013 04:48 PM |
This can be very helpful for finding out about table saws. |
#6 posted 12-10-2013 04:50 PM |
Ditto what the others have said….why buy portable if you don’t need portability? That’s typically the only user advantage of a portable saw over a decent stationary saw. For the same money or less, a good used full size cast iron saw with a belt drive induction motor has the lion’s share of advantages. For near $500 you can buy a new full size stationary saw. -- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.... |
#7 posted 12-10-2013 05:58 PM |
I agree with the other guys here, get on craigslist type table saw, and explore your options, I got my Craftsman 113.299142 for about $125 and it’s far more capable than a jobsite saw, cast iron top, full dado support… I did replace the fence with a delta t2, as the stock one is a festering bowl of dog snot. Everything is adjustable, so I can get it calibrated just perfect. I see table saw deals like this all the time on craigslist, craftsman, delta, rockford, etc… and if in a couple years you decide on a full size cabinet saw (like I’m about to), you can sell it with all the upgrades you’ve done to it and make most of your money back. |
#8 posted 12-10-2013 08:04 PM |
So I’m a newbie like you, working on my first project. I recently bought the DW745 because I was tired to trying to make do without a TS. And I am happy with it, understanding it’s limitations. I haven’t done much with it yet except make a crosscut sled. Hope to start using it for my real project pretty soon. I mainly choose the 745 because the size lets me store it away when not in use, and the current HD pricing makes it a real bargain (IMHO). However, if I had to do it again, I might go for a slightly larger saw, like the rigid or the PC, which is on wheels. I did need to square the blade against the meter slot after buying the table, I think it was about 20 thousands off, and in the wrong direction. It was fairly easy to do, I used a digital caliper, and you need to loosen 4 screws I think. Randy -- Randy, Los Angeles/Brentwood, Ca |
#9 posted 12-10-2013 08:16 PM |
Hey Neil, welcome to LJ. I’ll echo all the others. You will be better off finding a good used contractor style saw. Since I’m just down the road from you in Salina, I can say with great certainty that Craftsman 113’s come up frequently on the Salina or Manhattan Craigslist—some other models, as well, but not as often. That would give you a much more capable machine for less than the cost of a DW745, even if you want to upgrade the fence (the stock Craftsman ones are usable, but are the weak point of the model) You can still pretty easily build a complete workstation around one of those with all the features you want. Good luck on the woodworking journey -- https://www.jtplaneworks.com - In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is. |
#10 posted 12-10-2013 09:23 PM |
This Ridgid TS2412 would make a great saw for $150. Some minor TLC, a good blade, and alignment would have that saw singing to you in no time, with money left for wood. -- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.... |
#11 posted 12-10-2013 09:54 PM |
If you really want a portable saw, be sure to check out the Ridgid R4510. The fence is solid, the miter slots are standard size, and the arbor accepts a dado stack up to 13/16”. As others have pointed out, however, all job site saws (including the R4510) have a number of disadvantages: small table size, poor miter gauge, aluminum (or even plastic) table surface, low power. I bought the R4510 when I started wood working in my garage. It’s been okay. I thought I wanted something portable that I could push out of the way at night. Unfortunately even with a decent blade (Freud Fusion thin kerf) it still burns 4/4 hardwood. I think it’s really only powered for construction lumber and plywood. I wish I’d bought the R4512 contractor instead. Or even saved my pennies for a Grizzly 1023 or 690, or a used Unisaw. |
#12 posted 12-10-2013 11:34 PM |
Thanks everyone for the help! This is really good information. Based on the comments, I will look (by look, I mean convince the wife) at getting a hybrid or contractor saw. I will keep you posted. Thanks again for the help. What an awesome site! -- Neil - Manhattan, KS |
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