Do I need a jobsite tablesaw?

I assume you mean using a stacked dado blade.  Dados can be done with a track saw, it takes longer since blades can't be stacked, but it's doable. 

Can you explain what you mean by custom coves?  Im guessing you mean dragging material unguided by the fence at an angle to the blade spinning?

Don't get me wrong, I'mm not anti table saw, I have on and use it often.  The OP is asking if he "NEEDS" a jobsite table saw.  If portability is the REAL issue, I think I'd rather have a Track than table saw for in the field.
 
Why not buy a used Contractors saw off of Craigslist and then sell it on Craigslist when you are done. You might end up with a better saw and fence for less money, and after you resell it the end cost may be less than a rental.

That is what I would consider.
 
roblg3 said:
Can you explain what you mean by custom coves?  Im guessing you mean dragging material unguided by the fence at an angle to the blade spinning?

Here's a coving jig that Rockler sells.

[attachimg=1]

Not an application for a plunging track saw.

 

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roblg3 said:
I assume you mean using a stacked dado blade.  Dados can be done with a track saw, it takes longer since blades can't be stacked, but it's doable. 

Can you explain what you mean by custom coves?  Im guessing you mean dragging material unguided by the fence at an angle to the blade spinning?

Don't get me wrong, I'mm not anti table saw, I have on and use it often.  The OP is asking if he "NEEDS" a jobsite table saw.  If portability is the REAL issue, I think I'd rather have a Track than table saw for in the field.

Mafell has a track saw that can do dados, but it is pricey.
 
live4ever said:
I'll be doing the doors/drawer fronts and drawer boxes at home, but will build carcasses and do all finishing there.  Face frames I haven't decided yet where I'll do.

The only reason I would take a table saw to the job site to build a kitchen would be to cut the drawer boxes and dados for them. If you're going to build them at home, no sense taking the table saw to the job site.
 
fshanno said:
roblg3 said:
Can you explain what you mean by custom coves?  Im guessing you mean dragging material unguided by the fence at an angle to the blade spinning?

Here's a coving jig that Rockler sells.

[attachimg=1]

Not an application for a plunging track saw.

That's what I meant about custom coves. I just use pieces of plywood and clamps but get the same results (I like the Rockler set).  I've had to make my own moulding to match Honduras Mahogany and the table saw was invaluable for this application.

Jack
 
A track saw making multiple passes can accomplish dados.  I do agree that the coving set up is not in the track saw skill set.  I guess not even a router table could handle large coves...so there is at least 2 things a table saw can do that a track saw cant.  Maybe someone can add others?  Keep em coming guys!  I've never had the need to do coves like that, but I now know I can!  Thanks
 
roblg3 said:
A track saw making multiple passes can accomplish dados.  I do agree that the coving set up is not in the track saw skill set.  I guess not even a router table could handle large coves...so there is at least 2 things a table saw can do that a track saw cant.  Maybe someone can add others?  Keep em coming guys!  I've never had the need to do coves like that, but I now know I can!  Thanks

While you can rip thin rails on a track saw, doing so on a table saw is so much faster and doing multiple widths is even more so.  Crosscutting is also much quicker with homemade cutoff sled on a table saw.  I have to admit that cutting full sheets of plywood must be easier with a track saw but, I do that with a 8' long straight strip of 3/4" plywood and some clamps while using my worm drive trim saw.

Jack
 
I cut tenons on short stock on my table saw using a jig that rides the rip fence.  I like my track saw but I can't really duplicate that with it.  I could make a lot of passes and then use a shoulder plane but that isn't really the same.

I don't want to use my track saw for anything small.  Maybe after I get my Paulk style workbench it will be different but I doubt it. 
 
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