If you were (or did) get rid of your table saw only to have a TS + MFT3...

[Scorpion]

I've been using my TS55 for some time now and I'm starting to lean towards it for most operations.  Nothing beats a table saw for breaking down large sheet goods into rough dimensions for sure.  Being a hobbyist I don't do it all that often so I could foreseeably do all of it with the TS55.  The table saw has a bunch more HP so it makes quicker work of the denser materials but I could easily afford a TS75 with what I'd sell the table saw for.  Truth be told all of this came about because I'm growing tired of the footprint the SawStop has and since I'm only in a 3 car garage, I'm wondering if I'd be better off without it.

For those of you who have either done away with your table saw or who have considered it, why would I miss it once it's gone?  I'm smart enough to know that if I sell it my wife won't likely "let me" buy another one since I already pulled all of the tricks justifying it the first time.  I'm good but that may just be outside my capabilities.

Thanks.

 

[dltflt]

I've thought about it but I can't see making narrow rips with the TS75 or 55.  I have been thinking about the Saw Stop joist saw but it is a bit expensive.

 

[Benjamin]

me and a friend sold ours and got track saws and MFT tables but in all honestly a small table saw is pretty sweet for this and that.

I ended up buying a small table saw and I love pulling it out here and there.

your going to have tons of people saying the MFT will handle everything but a table saw is real sweet when you need it.

how about getting a new jobsite saw stop when they come out? thats what my buddy is doing as he was in your shoes.
so you can tuck it away and pull it out when you need it?

http://www.sawstop.ca/jobsite

 

[CNX]

I also share the same thought.

I only have a small table saw and has been ready for upgrade for several years, but since I started to use TS+MFT, I find myself rarely using the table saw anymore. So, the priority went some other tools.

For one thing, I've never felt comfortable using a table saw and now I always think an alternative method. Now that I have a large bandsaw, I'm more and more gravitated to a bandsaw and jointer for solid woods. Sheet goods remain with TS+MFT. I think I haven't used the table saw almost a year. Although the small table saw is not occupying that much space, I'm thinking about getting rid of it.

I can easily cut a narrow strip up to 30+ inches from a wide board using TS+MFT, while ripping a narrow strip from a narrow stock is the only time I miss the table saw.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

Keep your table saw!!!  You have a good one.  For doing repeat cuts I cant see how a ts can keep up especially cutting small pieces. 

 

[wndll]

I replaced my Dewalt DW745 contractor saw with the TS55. Although i could do the majority of my cuts with the TS55, I still felt the need for a table saw. I then purchased a Ridgid hybrid shop saw to compliment the TS55, but the footprint was too big for what I needed. I eventually traded with someone on Craigslist for a Dewalt DWE7491S contractor saw, and now feel that I have just what I need when I need it. Perfect combination.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Can't do it, I have 3 user table saws one more in storage, plus a couple other varietys I would like.

 

[Stone Message]

I did exactly what you are proposing...

I do not have a lot of space. I already had a (cheap) track saw which had to be used when off site. I hated having to man handle the sheets of MDF on the table saw - I know they have to be moved anyway but getting them nicely settled on the table saw was a (genuine) pain.

When I started my Festool life one of the first purchases was a TS55 and some tracks. I sold the table saw and have never regretted it. I do have the CMS unit to rip thin strips and for rebate work.

Peter

 

[Staniam]

I've never owned my own miter saw or table saw (only 2+ years into buying and owning my own tools) and honestly, since I started with festool I've never thought about getting either. That being said, I use a Makita table saw at work a lot for store projects and it's really cool plus you can do a lot more than just cut down sheet goods. This thread, for the first time, has made me think about getting a small table saw. I've been using my TS55 for all miter saw/table saw needs and it's performed more than great. But, I'm also just a hobbyist who doesn't need to do a ton of thick cuts. I've even gotten good at cutting a 4x4 with the TS55. I agree with those who say it's practical to have at least a small table saw.

to answer your question, you may be best off selling your large table saw and getting a new smaller one then getting your wife something. Make everyone happy  [big grin]

 

[grbmds]

If you have a good tablesaw now and room to keep it, just keep it for the jobs that are easier to do on the tablesaw. If you're a hobbyist, though, I believe you can do without the table saw. I have sold mine but it was never a great saw. And, I have done without it even before I sold it. The only difficult task for me is cutting narrower strips (as someone else said). Plus, sometimes it would be faster to do a particular job on the table saw, but I enjoy just being in the shop and don't mind spending a little extra time. I now do most of my smaller ripping jobs on my bandsaw and and the jointer to smooth the edges out. In the long run, I may get the Sawstop jobsite saw because it folds up. I could move it out when I need it and roll it off to the side when I don't.

 

[BigCountry73]

This thread has come at a perfect time for me. I currently have a Ridgid TS3650 tablesaw and I have been considering getting rigd of it to free up some space. I do use the saw quite a lot.........to store stuff on top of it. [eek]

I have seen videos of guys posting about Festool tools replacing the stationary power tools. I believe if depends on what your goals are. I think for a hobbyist/DIYer like myself, a tablesaw isn't mandatory. In the event that a tablesaw is needed then a small contractor saw like the Dewalt or Bosch would be adequate.

I am curious as to what others have to say about this. I would like to offer some sage advice, but I am in the same canoe as the OP.

Keith

 

[Grasshopper]

I bought into the whole Festool system initially as a quest to not have a table saw. As a hobbyist, frankly the table saw scares me. I searched extensively to find the best table saw replacement...which led me to the ts55. I call this operation slippery slope.

So for a hobbyist and perhaps a pro...it can be done. I do see what a table saw can be handy for, but for the most part, I have found solutions with festool that seem safer at least in my hands.

 

[itchy]

I guess it really depends on your needs and how comfortable you are at a table saw. I personally have the Bosch 4000 contractor saw with small collapsing stand, I could not work productively without it. There are certain tasks like repetitive rips that are much faster on a table saw, especially when dealing with anything other than sheet goods or really long wide boards. The track saw excels (and is productive) at breaking down sheet goods, straight lining lumber and making square cuts (with the MFT) in wide panels.

I find the table saw to be a safe machine when operated correctly. If any machine makes you feel uncomfortable or handling a piece of material at a machine then you shouldn't be doing it.

With regards to finding a work around to get a track saw to do what a table saw can do? Perhaps you should just use a table saw.

 

[EV]

Truth be told all of this came about because I'm growing tired of the footprint the SawStop has and since I'm only in a 3 car garage.
[/quote]

Blimey, I'd be lucky to have a single car garage  [blink] [blink] [eek] [crying] [crying]

 

[Ed Bray]

My 10" table saw sits proudly in the middle of my single car garage.

I am a new user of a TS55REQ (only arrived last week) but I cannot see a time where I would get rid of my table saw, I find it much too useful for accurately cutting small bits of wood, grooving or trenching cuts as well as long rips of thin material and quick cuts of boards to length/width.

This may change as I become more familiar with the TS55 but I still doubt I would get rid of my table saw.

 

[NHSP759]

I ended up buying the DW745 contractor saw to go with my TS55REQ. It's nice having a little saw on hand. And three car garage?!?!?!!? Man!

 

[bijeshj]

I am a hobbiest, had a similar question on various forums many years ago. I sold my portable initially -  but ended up purchasing another and finally a hammer sliding saw. But I still use my ts55 a lot where it excels.

 

[grbmds]

My 10" table saw sits proudly in the middle of my single car garage.

I am a new user of a TS55REQ (only arrived last week) but I cannot see a time where I would get rid of my table saw, I find it much too useful for accurately cutting small bits of wood, grooving or trenching cuts as well as long rips of thin material and quick cuts of boards to length/width.

This may change as I become more familiar with the TS55 but I still doubt I would get rid of my table saw.

Certainly you are right about ripping thin pieces. However, for dadoing, I have found the use of my OF1400 with guide stops on the guide rail to be far superior to use of a dado blade. Also, more and more, I rip and do other jobs with my bandsaw. But, I think a good quality, accurate tablesaw that can be folded up and moved out of the way would be a great thing to have as long as dust collection is also great on it. I'm hoping the Sawstop will be that saw. The others don't seem to excel at dust collection and make a mess.

 

[Vondawg]

I fall in with most everyone else...you sound like you,d really miss the TS. You'll find both saws are the perfect combo...i plan to sell the bigger one and pickup the new little SawStop..one could do that and most wives wouldn't even notice  [cool]

 

[festivus]

For solid wood - a table saw is invaluable! If you only work with sheet goods, I guess you could manage with just a track saw.

For furniture making at least - you'll need to rip narrow pieces of wood and that's not possible without quite some faff with track saws.

I don't think you need a particularly big table saw - just something accurate.