What’s a good basic table saw? I look at them online and can’t really tell much a difference. I’m tempted to just get a harbor freight one but know the fence will probably be loose and other annoyances…

Anyone have a specific recommendation for someone who is only occasionally playing around with simple carpentry?

  • nick@midwest.social
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    8 months ago

    The contractor one isn’t that expensive. And it saves on medical bills if an amateur cuts their fingers.

    But yeah be a prick about it.

    • Nomecks@lemmy.ca
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      8 months ago

      Yeah it’s only a thousand dollars right? Just 3-5x a normal table saw!

          • bluGill@kbin.social
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            8 months ago

            I agree, but I would suggest the guy should be willing to spend the money for safety. If he cannot afford it get a handsaw.

            • Nomecks@lemmy.ca
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              8 months ago

              Surely you can see how silly that is. You can cut your finger off with all kinds of woodworking tools. Does Sawstop make a hand saw? How about chisels?

              • bluGill@kbin.social
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                8 months ago

                You can, but it is less likely. Most likely you draw blood but the would heals normally in a week without needing a doctor

                chisles are more dangerious but you normally work away from your body.

                • Nomecks@lemmy.ca
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                  8 months ago

                  You’re missing my point: A thousand dollar table saw is not a basic saw. It’s not something anyone but a serious wood worker is going to buy unless they’re rich. This person is going to buy a used Ryobi because the suggestions in this thread are so dumb. “Go buy a $650 saw! Go buy a $1000 saw!” How is that helpful at all? Do you recommend buying Snap On to your friends who want to turn a few bolts? This thread is a pile of gate keeping by people who either have way too much money or are serious woodworkers. And I’m getting downvoted for calling out this stupidity.

                  • bluGill@kbin.social
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                    8 months ago

                    You are missing the point. table saws are too dangerious to risk the cheap saw. Better to do without. Ther are alternatives that while slower are also cheaper.

                    i understand this is a lot of money. your fingers are worth it.

      • ozebb@lemmy.world
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        8 months ago

        When my wife and I bought ours it was only 1.5x a comparable (similar motor/blade spec) DeWalt/Bosch, maybe 2x a comparable Delta. The only saws available at 1/5 the price were on Craigslist.

        Yeah, it’s more, but as hobbyists we figured we were (1) more likely to make a painful (and costly) mistake than a professional who’s working with the thing day in and day out and (2) less likely to be able to restore/maintain a used saw of unknown age, provenance, condition, etc. Worth it for us, and IMO probably for most serious amateurs.