Table saw

[Doug S]

I have to set up a new workshop quite quickly and cheaply and need some advice on a table saw. I have a ts 55 for cutting sheets so the table saw will only be for ripping timber and will be upgraded in the future. I am looking at the makita MLT 100 on the stand or one of the site/contractors type saws that are on legs e.g. Metabo TKH315c. I have no experience of such saws, always had bigger cast iron types so any feedback is appreciated.

Many thanks,

Doug

 

[Kev]

If I was in need of a contractor's table saw I would buy a Metabo TS254. I feel it's feature rich and comfortably portable, with fair'y good accuracy, power, etc.

Plus it'd get a good price when it's time to move on if you look after it.

As with all of these saws, a good blade that suits your purpose makes all the difference!

 

[carlb40]

Doug can i suggest a different option? As the saw is purely for ripping timbers, have you thought about a bandsaw? You will get a greater depth of cut in a smaller footprint.

Something like a kity 613 can be had for around £200 and has just under a 8'' DOC, 1.5hp motor and is highly regarded.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Business-Office-Industrial-/12576/i.html?LH_ItemCondition=4&_from=R40%7CR40&_nkw=kity+bandsaw&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=1

 

[gippy]

I have the MTL100. Unless they have made some major improvements since I bought mine I would run, not walk, away from it.

 

[wow]

I don't know what models are available in the UK, but if I were looking I would consider one of these:

Bosch GTS1031 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw (if you have or make your own stand)
or
Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand

Both get very high approval ratings.

(disclaimer: I have developed an extreme dislike for all things Dewalt, so I don't consider anything from them to be an option. YMMV)

 

[shed9]

I agree with gippy, the Makita MLT does not have a good rep this side of the pond.

I'd be tempted at looking at something like this;

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-hobby-series-ts-250m-table-saw

Although it's an APT hobby branded saw, the specs look half decent for the price, especially the kit with the slider;

cast iron top
250mm blade with 80mm cut
2hp induction motor

Worth a look.

 

[carlb40]

I agree with gippy, the Makita MLT does not have a good rep this side of the pond.

I'd be tempted at looking at something like this;

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-hobby-series-ts-250m-table-saw

Although it's an APT hobby branded saw, the specs look half decent for the price, especially the kit with the slider;

cast iron top
250mm blade with 80mm cut
2hp induction motor

Worth a look.

Have to agree re the makita, we have one on the site i'm currently working on and it is poop. It often struggles to rip a 4 x 2 and it cuts out.  I find it quicker to rip a 2'' timber with my 18v makita saw.  [eek]

I have the smaller version of that Axi saw and it has coped well ripping various hardwoods from oak, beech, sapele  to purple heart.  [smile]

 

[Loren Woirhaye]

Considering you plan to replace it with an upgrade sooner or later anyway, I would recommend you look on ebay and buy something used that's not too far away.  These tools are more similar than different.  If I were in the UK wanting a portable jobsite saw I'd look for a used Norsaw or maybe a flipover saw by ELU, DeWalt, etc. 

 

[Doug S]

Many thanks to you all for the help and advice on my table saw decision problem. I think Carlb40 has come up with the answer, I am getting a good bandsaw anyway and although a bit slower this will do all the ripping I need until I am in the position to buy a decent table saw. Thank you Carl for saving me some money but no thanks for making me feel a bit stupid by suggesting something that should have been obvious to me!

Doug