What kind of table saw should i get my husband for x-mas?

Question

this is the one i was thinking of
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921802000P?keyword=table+saw
I don't know a lot about them...
he doesn't have any wood working tools yet, what else should I get him?

Answer 1

All table saws have similar features, but as you go up the scale in price, you can expect the saw to perform better, with greater stability, accuracy, and safety. The one you have chosen is going to struggle with heavier stock, any thing greater than a 2x

It is lightweight and portable if he plans to take the saw with him to job sites to do handy work etc. I have one similar that I use to cut and rip 3/4" or less flooring.

Check this web site for more information.

http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/con_vs_table.shtml



I mostly agree with 'oil field trash' no person would know better than the person you're buying it for. There is nothing worse than buying something he won't like and then him having to take it back and exchange it. If you're not sure drop some hints and quiz him. Find out the specifics of what and why he would like a table saw. There could be a slight chance he may not even want it. Not me, you would get a big kiss and hug. Even if you wasn't my girl. Merry Christmas to you!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I have been a cabinet maker and woodworker for 24+ years and the rule of thumb when buying tools is and always has been, "buy the best you can afford". I have a Jet JWTS10 contractors saw in my garage and it handles all my woodworking needs. From ripping plywood to ripping solid oak and maple. It will also take a stacked dado set up to 13/16, after that you start to run shy on arbor threads. Cross cuts on large sheet goods are tricky, but I make those like "Norm" does , or do them at my shop on a large sliding saw. Be a smart shopper and look around. Prices can very depending on where you buy by as much as $200 . The lowest Ive seen them is $499.00. With a mobile base this saw is easily moved around the garage and out of the way. A good miter saw would be my next suggestion. High quality ones are not cheap , but right now Menards has a decent 10" sliding compound miter saw for under $100. It would be good to start out with and he can upgrade later. As for other tools a good cordless drill is always handy. Unless he is a carpenter and on the job 5 days a week, a decent 12volt is a good choice. I use my drills constantly and all I use are 9.6 volt drills, and they do everything I need them to do. Heres a hint next year give him cash, He will know exactly what he wants and needs. My wife never buys me tools and likes it that way.LOL. Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

Answer 4

I have never regreted buying something better, but a few times I have regretted not buying the better item. My first stationary power tools was a Craftsman radial arm saw that was on sale. It would not stay square with the fence and required constant alignment. It was a frustrating tool to use and I unloaded it after a couple of years. I wish I had bought a better saw. It was replaced with a used Delta contractors table saw with a good Biesemeyer fence. This was a big improvement and made woodworking fun. There are some good bargains with used tools.



Better tools make better work and make it more fun. If you can afford it find something better.

Answer 5

It's fine for around-the-house stuff, but if he's super-serious, then consider a Delta brand for a few hundred dollars.



If you want more general tools, I'm a huge fan of those expensive hand tool kits by Klein, who make the very best. A simple screwdriver may cost 3 times more than the others, but it will last a lifetime. I've seen such kits (about 10 screwdrivers in a plastic bag) for about $45 at Home Depot.

Answer 6

If you're set on a table saw the Sears is ,well........poop.

You will get what you pay for...... for $99.

Might be OK for casual work around the house, but If he has any experience or wants to do more than just making sawdust , he will outgrow it.

Dewalt & Rigid are more substantial, but more $$$

A gift certificate to a home center might be better & will let him pick out his own toys.

A good rechargeable drill can cost as much as a cheap table saw & will get more use.

Best regards.

Answer 7

I was where he is 8 years ago. Since then I have learned to build furniture and renovated major portions of my 180 year old house.



A quality table saw by DeWalt was the first thing I bought, due to the precision rip fence it has. They cost more, but you get what you pay for. I try to stay away from Craftsman because of quality issues I've heard about.



A quality cordless drill is the number one thing to own for do-it-yourself work, but as far as woodworking tools, I would next recommend an orbital sander (Bosch and Dewalt make nice ones). What he'll learn is that properly sanding and finishing his work is what makes the piece nice.



In third place for needed woodworking tools is a router (a plunge router is great to start with) and in fourth place is a thickness planer.



All of these things add up $ wise. But start with quality tools and he'll have them for the next 20 years and by doing the work himself he'll more than make up for the cost.

Answer 8

I agree with Denny-- I've had the same Jet table saw for several years now and am very happy with it. I only paid $400 for mine because I found a $100 rebate coupon before purchasing it. Even though it's a contractor saw vs. a cabinet saw I have built plenty of cabinets with this saw.

Answer 9

Hey Soon to be Mommy,

If you can spend a little more $$ I would recommend this Ryobi:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100014420&categoryID=500744

It's really a nice saw and one of the really good features is the portability. You can wheel it right to where you are doing the work. I have used this saw for years at my cabin and absolutely love it. You could do this and cut back on the other tools. However if you still want a recommendation on that I would say something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-Pc-18V-Combo-Reconditioned/dp/B000FLX6JG/ref=pd_bbs_4?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196977618&sr=8-4

That's a nice combination set.



Good luck with your new baby!! That's his best Christmas present!! Merry Christmas!

Answer 10

If he's not going to be doing cabinet or furniture making the one you show will be fine. I have one similiar and like them because they are light enough I can easily carry myself but yet it will rip 2x4 or larger stock. The one you pick is a good all around saw. If he may get into cabinets or furniture making then that's a whole new ball game, size, weight, and price.

Answer 11

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/4dZSW

Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 12

I think he should have some input into this decision. I would suggest you do what I did one year with a gift for my wife.



I wanted to get her a new diamond ring but wasn't sure what she would like.



For Christmas day, I boxed up a picture of a diamond ring and the suggestion for us to pick out the one she wanted. We spend the better part of a day looking at all of the jewelery stores. She still says it was one of the best gifts she ever got.

Answer 13

The saw is intended for him. Tell him what you want to do, and then let him make the choice.



So it's no surprise. On the bright side, there is the anticipation, and the choice will be the 'right' one!

Answer 14

thats a good table saw. also the combo kits come in handy



Craftsman 19.2-volt 4-piece Woodworkers Combo



found the above on the same site

Answer 15

if thats all you have to spend i guess it would do...my craftsman motor burnt up so i replaced it with a rigid, with a collapsible roll away stand...

Answer 16

one that does the job!