Mini table saw ?

Mavrik

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Joined
Oct 20, 2008
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239
I've got TS 55 & MFT table.
Also have a bandsaw.

As frequently discussed there are some jobs needing something else for precision cutting of small things.

I contemplated a portable table saw like the DW 745.
I have never used a table saw.
In reality that exposed blade terrifies me somewhat.
The reviews all say "very useful,  not for precision"

I want to make small stuff. With precision.

I've recently become aware of model builders mini table saws.
Proxxon makes one.
And others.

What views or experiences do people have of these?

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If the exposed blade concerns you, get a Sawstop job site saw.

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Research "Table Saw Sled" also. They make cutting small things far more accurate and to a point safer. Although I am sure you can buy one, most are built.
 
If your really serious about making small things and want to be as safe as possible look at the Bridge Coty Tool Works jointmaker pro. The price may make you throw up but it's exactly what your looking for.
 
I often make models (to varying degrees) of projects I'm going to make in order to work out a design, or for interaction with a client. Sometimes I'm making small elements for a larger project, or fabricating small parts for an artistic/sculptural endevor. 

To that end I have a collection of "desktop / bench top" machines and hand tools/machines to accomplish that goal. Of some of the desktop machines, I have the Bridge Cities - Jointmaker Pro, the Brynes - table saw, disc sander, thickness sander, Proxxons - Chop & miter saw and Hotwire cutter.

When making small parts safety is a major concern and I find it far more comfortable to make small parts on machines that are designed with that in mind. (Caution - one could lop off a fingertip just as easy on small machines as well)

When doing rips, especially longer ones I find the Brynes table saw works better than the Jointmaker, keep in mind that on the Brynes u have either a three or four inch blade so the max cutting height is about an inch. For more convoluted angle cuts and special effects on smaller parts nothing quite rivals the Jointmaker.

The quality of the Byrnes machines are second to none, they are fabricated completely in Orlando, Florida by a machinist that started out building model ships and he couldn't find tools to his liking so that was his starting point, the rest is very much history. The luthiers just recently discovered Jims machines and that influx has been keeping him quite busy.

Cheers

Ps. Thru Model machines website there is a link to a very good review, there is also a very in depth review on YouTube if you feel like a bedtime story. :)
 
That is awesome...
I am not sure what defines small for the OP, the next size up could be an Erika60. But in that small size I like that Byrnes unit.

Roger Savatteri said:
I often make models (to varying degrees) of projects I'm going to make in order to work out a design, or for interaction with a client. Sometimes I'm making small elements for a larger project, or fabricating small parts for an artistic/sculptural endevor. 

To that end I have a collection of "desktop / bench top" machines and hand tools/machines to accomplish that goal. Of some of the desktop machines, I have the Bridge Cities - Jointmaker Pro, the Brynes - table saw, disc sander, thickness sander, Proxxons - Chop & miter saw and Hotwire cutter.

When making small parts safety is a major concern and I find it far more comfortable to make small parts on machines that are designed with that in mind. (Caution - one could lop off a fingertip just as easy on small machines as well)

When doing rips, especially longer ones I find the Brynes table saw works better than the Jointmaker, keep in mind that on the Brynes u have either a three or four inch blade so the max cutting height is about an inch. For more convoluted angle cuts and special effects on smaller parts nothing quite rivals the Jointmaker.

The quality of the Byrnes machines are second to none, they are fabricated completely in Orlando, Florida by a machinist that started out building model ships and he couldn't find tools to his liking so that was his starting point, the rest is very much history. The luthiers just recently discovered Jims machines and that influx has been keeping him quite busy.

Cheers

Ps. Thru Model machines website there is a link to a very good review, there is also a very in depth review on YouTube if you feel like a bedtime story. :)
 
rizzoa13 said:
If you're really serious about making small things and want to be as safe as possible look at the Bridge Coty Tool Works jointmaker pro. The price may make you throw up but it's exactly what your looking for.

I bought one several years ago. Sold it about six months later. It's the most exact cutting saw I've ever used. However, it's cutting capability is limited to approximately 6" inches. If someone can work within that limitation and willing to pay the horrendous price, then this is the saw to get. Otherwise, suggest people look elsewhere.
 
[member=167]neilc[/member] Totally Agreed!
[member=1365]Roger Savatteri[/member] ABSOLUTELY GREAT TO SEE YOUR POST!

Peter
 
neilc said:
[member=1365]Roger Savatteri[/member] great to see you posting!

Agree! I was just thinking about Roger a few days ago.

Roger: "Good woodworking hygiene requires not only checking the setup but checking the results achieved with the setup."

Words to live by.
 
Many yonks ago bought eldest son a toy "5 in 1" multi-purpose, battery powered, woodworking thingy.   
Only for balsa wood - had lots of fun - for a while!  [big grin] 

Upgraded to various Proxxon individual machines.  Somewhere still have polystyrene cutter, and, the smallest table saw.  The rest went over time. 

Distinctly under-impressed with the saws - imho too much play, for eg, in the mitre groove. 
Would never buy, without verifying, that really up to whatever expectations you have. 
Would strongly researching carefully if thinking of going for Proxxon - or anything else come to that. 

The Jointmaker Pro, and in particular, the Byrnes table saw look awesome - thanks for the heads up Rodger. 
Like the idea of home-made table saw sled as well. 

But...as mentioned, what are you wanting to make with the saw. 

Richard (UK)

 
Upscale said:
... If someone can work within that limitation and willing to pay the horrendous price, then this is the saw to get...

The base saw is 450$ ?
 
The times I've found myself needing it have been for luthier type work.

Without such a tool I use my bandsaw and then clean up with a sander

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Someone mentioned Jointmaker. While very accurate you can't make rip cuts on it. Long and narrow that is.
 
That Byrnes saw looks unbelievably beautiful.
I did send them a message on their website to see if I could get one in South Africa but didn't get a response.

I nearly pulled the trigger on a Proxxon saw which is available here.
Until I read some reviews.
Which appear to be reinforced here.

I would be prepared to pay the price of the Byrnes saw.
I tend to buy one decent tool per year.
(Only way I've managed to build up my Festool collection over many many years)
:)

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Mavrik said:
That Byrnes saw looks unbelievably beautiful.
I did send them a message on their website to see if I could get one in South Africa but didn't get a response.

I nearly pulled the trigger on a Proxxon saw which is available here.
Until I read some reviews.
Which appear to be reinforced here.

I would be prepared to pay the price of the Byrnes saw.
I tend to buy one decent tool per year.
(Only way I've managed to build up my Festool collection over many many years)
:)

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

You'll need 220V motor or converter. The original saw is for the US @ 110V.
 
Svar said:
Mavrik said:
That Byrnes saw looks unbelievably beautiful.
I did send them a message on their website to see if I could get one in South Africa but didn't get a response.

I nearly pulled the trigger on a Proxxon saw which is available here.
Until I read some reviews.
Which appear to be reinforced here.

I would be prepared to pay the price of the Byrnes saw.
I tend to buy one decent tool per year.
(Only way I've managed to build up my Festool collection over many many years)
:)

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You'll need 220V motor or converter. The original saw is for the US @ 110V.

The 110v has a price of $450, and on their website there was a $475 version that said 230v.

Furthermore I believe the USPS and UPS, and FedEx all ship to South Afrika.
 
Mavrik,

Ok, to help clarify I just called Model Machines for you and spoke with Donna (his wife) who deals with the shipping side. Firstly, they do ship to South Africa and they only use UPS, they used to use USPS until they had a spat of international issues and they will never use USPS again. You need to go thru the order form and pick out what you want and when u get to the cart it should give u the option to send it as quote. ( if that does not work for u just send it as a screen shot file) but she needs that breakdown it order to calculate a shipping charge. On that note I asked her what the ballpark figure would be and she said about $180. (If that helps your decision)
You should order the 220 Version for your neck of the woods.

Oh, one more thing to add to your decisions,
They do offer an extended table top version where the depth of cut from the blade to the fence would be 7 inches instead of the standard 3.75 inches to the fence. That would be on either side of the blade. Everything else , motor housing etc remains the same. The wait time is longer because it's not a "stock" item on their side.  Don't look for that option on their website because they don't publish that at the moment.
And yes there is an up charge for the extended top,,, add $175 to that tally. :)

{Ps. To give u a comparison if u lived in California shipping from Orlando would be about $60 (UPS)}

Ok, lunch break is over, time to go back to work.

Cheers,
Roger

 
Thanks Roger !
Very kind & generous of you !
:)

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