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

[grbmds]

I don't know how some woodworkers are able to get by without the use of a table saw, I'm intruiged I'd love to have more insight into their workflow. I can see the benefit of space saving with a track saw but I can not see how you can be as productive doing tasks typically done at the table saw. I don't think a table saw takes up that much space and at the very least it can double as another work surface and we all know that can be invaluable. I'm not suggesting a tracksaw can't achieve the same outcome as a table saw just that it can't do it as productively.

I'm sure that, if you build furniture or do carpentry work for a living, then productivity is most likely the number one consideration along with tool quality. However, for me, woodworking is a hobby and productivity is not the number one consideration as woodworking is something I do to create and sometimes build things I need. Actually table saws themselves don't take up a huge amount of space. It's the space that is required around them that is difficult to dedicate. Plus, in my case, to get a good cabinet saw into my basement workshop would be extremely difficult. I bought an 8" jointer a few years ago and knew then that moving a large 300-400 table saw into my basement was not going to happen. That is why I am thinking about a "job site" saw and, if the new Sawstop is high quality and good at dust collection the price is worth the portability without losing quality. I wouldn't disagree that, for  some things, a table saw is better. However, since I sold my old one (never a good saw), I have found that using the bandsaw and jointer to rip smaller pieces is possible as well as ripping some with the TS55 and MFT. Ripping, for me, is the toughest without a table saw.

 

[UncleJoe]

The solution is pretty simple. On your next project put a cover on your table saw and do the entire project with your track-saw. For me personally breaking down sheet goods with the festool is safer and easier than trying to handle a large sheet of ply on the table saw.

Once you complete a project without using your table saw you can make a decision as to what is best for you and the way you like to work.

 

[#Tee]

keep the table saw, all you need to do is slap stock on the fence and push no need to slap the guide rails down on every cut and have to adjust rail supports on both ends then pick up the heavy ts55 and set on the rail. the table saw is much faster for small cuts and you dont have to worry about squaring the mft and rail with dogs. in fact its so tedious that im looking for a small sawstop or even the lil dewalt contractors saw.

 

[CNX]

Hi Itchy,

There is a nice article, "My Five Essential Power Tools" by Gary Rogowksi in FineWoodWorking #153. These are bandsaw, jointer, router, compounding miter saw, and drill press. His choice is limited for solid wood working, not for sheet goods. He explained why he didn't choose table saw in the "five essential". Of course, this is just one of many opinions, but this article may show you his workflow.

After I bought a good bandsaw, I was converted and agree with Mr. Rogowski, but it's just me. I particularly like  the way bandsaw cuts is really a natural extension of hand tools. It can do both straight and curve, which is liberating. Table saws can do better for straight, but bandsaws are not bad either; just few passes of hand planes or jointers. Of course, if efficiency is important, I understand this extra step would be unwelcoming. Mr. Rogowski is a professional, but  his logic may apply more for hobbyist who do not mind about extra steps as much as production shop would do.

I don't know how some woodworkers are able to get by without the use of a table saw, I'm intruiged I'd love to have more insight into their workflow. I can see the benefit of space saving with a track saw but I can not see how you can be as productive doing tasks typically done at the table saw. I don't think a table saw takes up that much space and at the very least it can double as another work surface and we all know that can be invaluable. I'm not suggesting a tracksaw can't achieve the same outcome as a table saw just that it can't do it as productively.

 

[itchy]

Hi Itchy,

There is a nice article, "My Five Essential Power Tools" by Gary Rogowksi in FineWoodWorking #153. These are bandsaw, jointer, router, compounding miter saw, and drill press. His choice is limited for solid wood working, not for sheet goods. He explained why he didn't choose table saw in the "five essential". Of course, this is just one of many opinions, but this article may show you his workflow.

After I bought a good bandsaw, I was converted and agree with Mr. Rogowski, but it's just me. I particularly like  the way bandsaw cuts is really a natural extension of hand tools. It can do both straight and curve, which is liberating. Table saws can do better for straight, but bandsaws are not bad either; just few passes of hand planes or jointers. Of course, if efficiency is important, I understand this extra step would be unwelcoming. Mr. Rogowski is a professional, but  his logic may apply more for hobbyist who do not mind about extra steps as much as production shop would do.

I don't know how some woodworkers are able to get by without the use of a table saw, I'm intruiged I'd love to have more insight into their workflow. I can see the benefit of space saving with a track saw but I can not see how you can be as productive doing tasks typically done at the table saw. I don't think a table saw takes up that much space and at the very least it can double as another work surface and we all know that can be invaluable. I'm not suggesting a tracksaw can't achieve the same outcome as a table saw just that it can't do it as productively.

Thanks I will give it a read, I'm always looking for new techniques and solutions.

 

[slopjock78]

I would believe my table saw would be one of the last tools i would give up.  i currently have a Ridgid 3650 in the center of my small shop (10x24).  The table saw and outfeed table take up a considerable amount of space in the center of my shop, but i feel it is worth ever square inch of used space. 

The TS55 is the tool that started me down the Festool road, and it is a truly marvelous tool, as are all of the others in my every growing list of Festool tools.  I was just telling my wife this weekend while working on a coffee table, that these tools are worth every penny they sell for if you only consider the dust collection alone.    However, a table saw is extremely hard to replace for several cuts that others have mentioned several times.  If I was fortunate enough to have  nice saw stop as yourself, i know personally i wouldnt ever give it up.  My ridgid isnt nearly the saw that the Sawstop is, and i dont plan on giving it up ever, unless to upgrade it

 

[billbunton]

I did exactly the opposite.  Only had a TS55 and a Kapex.  That was fine when I lived in an apartment with a one-car garage.  When I bought a house I put up with those for a few months, then got tired of all the limitations and bought a table saw.  The Kapex still sees a fair amount of use.  The TS55 is used mostly for breaking down sheet goods (and I haven't been doing a lot of that).  Quite a few of the cuts I do on the table saw could be done on the TS55, but the Sawstop is already standing there, very easy to set up, and the dust collection is better.

 

[jeh]

I don't get the intense fear of table saws here.

I would not call it a fear. It's more of assessing the reality that your life will be permanently altered if you lose some digits on a table saw. It's also a fairly common tool that is found in many workshops/garages. You can buy them for around $100 and most people know how useful they are. Given how common they are there are more accidents. A shaper is far more dangerous as you could end up with a stub for a hand. You don't hear about shaper accidents because most people don't have one. I don't think HD or Lowe's even carry them anymore.

The value of purchasing a SawStop is the increased piece of mind you will have knowing that if there is a mishap you'll still be able to carry on with life. Without one you might be permanently disfigured and be facing some expensive bills and the possibility of your lifetime earnings potential being greatly reduced.

You said you have had three mishaps on a miter saw which is a relatively safe tool. Three mishaps on a table saw and you could have a major injury. The cost of one table saw mishap, if the emergency room is involved will far exceed the added cost of the SawStop. Keep in mind I talking about decent table saws ($300 and up) and not the crap you can buy for less than that.

Traditional table saws can be safe, but most of the ones I see have the guards removed. I have never used one because they get in the way. I bought a SawStop to bring some added safety to my situation.

After all of the that the best move for most is not have a table saw. You can get a lot done with a track saw and it is infinitely more safe.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I don't get the intense fear of table saws here.

I would not call it a fear. It's more of assessing the reality that your life will be permanently altered if you lose some digits on a table saw. It's also a fairly common tool that is found in many workshops/garages. You can buy them for around $100 and most people know how useful they are. Given how common they are there are more accidents. A shaper is far more dangerous as you could end up with a stub for a hand. You don't hear about shaper accidents because most people don't have one. I don't think HD or Lowe's even carry them anymore.

The value of purchasing a SawStop is the increased piece of mind you will have knowing that if there is a mishap you'll still be able to carry on with life. Without one you might be permanently disfigured and be facing some expensive bills and the possibility of your lifetime earnings potential being greatly reduced.

You said you have had three mishaps on a miter saw which is a relatively safe tool. Three mishaps on a table saw and you could have a major injury. The cost of one table saw mishap, if the emergency room is involved will far exceed the added cost of the SawStop. Keep in mind I talking about decent table saws ($300 and up) and not the crap you can buy for less than that.

Traditional table saws can be safe, but most of the ones I see have the guards removed. I have never used one because they get in the way. I bought a SawStop to bring some added safety to my situation.

After all of the that the best move for most is not have a table saw. You can get a lot done with a track saw and it is infinitely more safe.

I will never own a sawstop.  I will continue to run my 30" jointer with no guard,  both my 16" table saws with no guards, my 5 head tenoner with out guards, and numerous old big scary machines.

I respect the machine, but am not fearful or intimidated. 

Love my track saw, but it can not replace a real table saw.

 

[Greg M]

I will never own a sawstop.  I will continue to run my 30" jointer with no guard,  both my 16" table saws with no guards, my 5 head tenoner with out guards, and numerous old big scary machines.

I respect the machine, but am not fearful or intimidated. 

Love my track saw, but it can not replace a real table saw.

I own a SawStop and love it.  It's a very high quality precision tool.  Why the SawStop?  Because my son works in the shop and I'm not going to take a chance with his safety and if spending a few extra dollars might protect him from an accident I'll do it.  I'm not afraid of the table saw but why not use safer tools if they're available?

When someone makes a statement like the first line of the quote above only one word comes to mind.  However, I won't say it because I respect the people here even if I disagree with them.  What I will say is that I hope you don't have an accident especially if a little precaution could prevent it.

 

[thedude306]

I will never own a sawstop.  I will continue to run my 30" jointer with no guard,  both my 16" table saws with no guards, my 5 head tenoner with out guards, and numerous old big scary machines.

I respect the machine, but am not fearful or intimidated. 

Love my track saw, but it can not replace a real table saw.

What he said.

I will never own a sawstop.  I will continue to run my 30" jointer with no guard,  both my 16" table saws with no guards, my 5 head tenoner with out guards, and numerous old big scary machines.

I respect the machine, but am not fearful or intimidated. 

Love my track saw, but it can not replace a real table saw.

I own a SawStop and love it.  It's a very high quality precision tool.  Why the SawStop?  Because my son works in the shop and I'm not going to take a chance with his safety and if spending a few extra dollars might protect him from an accident I'll do it.  I'm not afraid of the table saw but why not use safer tools if they're available?

When someone makes a statement like the first line of the quote above only one word comes to mind.  However, I won't say it because I respect the people here even if I disagree with them.  What I will say is that I hope you don't have an accident especially if a little precaution could prevent it.

Why not just say it??  You go to all that trouble writing out what you won't say, it seems like a waste.  I've come up with with the following one words:

competent
safe
knowledgeable
responsible
careful

I'm sure there are more.

My daughter works in the shop with me as well.  I wonder how I would explain that it might be  ok  if you touch the table saw blade, but watch out for every other piece of power equipment in the shop.  Not sure I like that.  I think I'll just make sure she keeps her fingers out of the way or not use the machine until she's all of those "one" words...

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I will never own a sawstop.  I will continue to run my 30" jointer with no guard,  both my 16" table saws with no guards, my 5 head tenoner with out guards, and numerous old big scary machines.

I respect the machine, but am not fearful or intimidated. 

Love my track saw, but it can not replace a real table saw.

I own a SawStop and love it.  It's a very high quality precision tool.  Why the SawStop?  Because my son works in the shop and I'm not going to take a chance with his safety and if spending a few extra dollars might protect him from an accident I'll do it.  I'm not afraid of the table saw but why not use safer tools if they're available?

When someone makes a statement like the first line of the quote above only one word comes to mind.  However, I won't say it because I respect the people here even if I disagree with them.  What I will say is that I hope you don't have an accident especially if a little precaution could prevent it.

I will never own one.  I don't like the saw (any light wieght steel base saws) or where it is made.  Even the big 5hp version can't seem to hang in real production environments I am familiar with. 

I could care less about all the bs surrounding the saw. 

I am already teaching my young children how to use tools.  My 9 year old has mastered a small dewalt ras, 14" bandsaw, and a couple stationary sanders. 

Why dont you pm me your cute little word that comes to your mind? 

 

[Greg M]

I don't understand why the SawStop brings out the child in the SawStop haters.  You can dislike the inventor's business tactics but the SawStop is a quality machine.  It's not for everyone but it made sense for me.

You guys can use whatever equipment you want to use and you shouldn't be forced to buy options that you don't want to pay for.  It should not be mandated that you have too although you live with it in other items you purchase and use daily. 

I hope you continue to be safe and don't have any accidents. 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I don't understand why the SawStop brings out the child in the SawStop haters.  You can dislike the inventor's business tactics but the SawStop is a quality machine.  It's not for everyone but it made sense for me.

You guys can use whatever equipment you want to use and you shouldn't be forced to buy options that you don't want to pay for.  It should not be mandated that you have too although you live with it in other items you purchase and use daily. 

I hope you continue to be safe and don't have any accidents.

I am not hating on the tech or the guy, I just won't own one.  However, the saw stop fan boi's will sure let you know just how they feel about you not wanting one. 

 

[GPowers]

Plus one for keeping your table saw in addition to a track saw.

I love breaking down and processing plywood on a cutting table then the MFT/3 with a track saw. And the table saw is a must for processing 4/4 and 8/4 stock.

So i want and have BOTH.

 

[r cash]

Just the other day I had all three of my table saws set up for one project. I was making cases for cedar casement windows dados angle cut off angle with exact depth. One of my saws weighs 1000lbs made by Laguna with a micro adjust fence.
The other two one is powermatic 66 my first tablesaw from 25yrs ago and 1 yr old Mafell Erika 70. Just to be clear I have 3 track saws they all do different dutys
2 mafell saws and a Ts75 which has been collecting dust lately.
I make my living making saw dust. Track saws do a lot of things very well and a lot of things take to much to set up like repeats like 245 Lin ft of trim or cedar stops for windows.
The real question should not be track saw or table saw it should be what's the best way to make the best product you can. For what I do I need both to be a one man shop and make a living. I don't use a track saw for panels I have a panel saw. I use shapers with power feeds for moulding and rabbits stick cope instead of routers on a track or router table.
As far as the saw stop thing you won't find it in my shop. I have been using saws jointers shapers planers since 1978 and still have all digits. That's not to say I haven't lost a bit of blood in the shop. Mandating safety m... ... We should not have private planes speed boats or ever go to space if safety is are only objective.
Proper training will get us farther. Maybe we should adopt Germany's drivers training
I have seen a lot of really bad driving lately that's much worse then what happens in my shop. [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn]

 

[jacko9]

+1 r cash as a 70 year old woodworker I agree that the best tool for the job is the one I want and as I have said so many times before, a table saw is indespensable in a profit making shop (or a serious hobbits).  I love the the idea of a track saw as suppliment to my tools but to say that it "replaces" a table saw is just too much hype (in my humble opinion).

Jack

 

[r cash]

I concur completely with Jack he hit the nail dead center on the head.
Rc

 

[grbmds]

I'm very much interested in the answers which talk about why a table saw is essential, what the operations are that make it essential, and why the poster feels they can't be done any other way.

Also, on the other side, for those that feel they don't need a table saw, how do you do the operations that the others feels requires a table saw.

To me, which tablesaw you would or should buy is irrelevant to whether you can do without a table saw or not. The topic of the pros and cons of various table saws, new and used, have been discussed other place on the FOG and those opinions are already well known.

 

[Paul G]

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.

Without also listing the type of work you do this is kind of a pointless discussion. A track saw is a replacement for a table saw only for people who use a table saw in a limited way.

In response to the part I bolded, a panel saw is far superior IMO for that operation, but most home shops don't go down that road.