What do I need in a table saw?

[oradba69]

Hi, I have a triton workcentre that I have outgrown and are looking for more accuracy(and an easy to read fence). I have the Festool TS75 and a few rails so no need for a huge tablesaw. The Jet range of tools are well represented in South Africa as are the Felder and Hammer series.
Looking at the long term setting up a shop in a double garage what tablesaw will you guys recommend to compliment the Festool track saw?

 

[mikey2]

Of course, it all depends on what you plan to do with a table saw.  I have a TS55, and the MFT table would never replace my table saw, based upon what I do.

The Jet Pro Shop is a nice step above a contractor-style saw.  I have assembled a couple of them, and the quality is nice.  The t-square fence is decent.  I do not much like the splitter/blade guard, however, and would be unlikely to use it.

 

[mouppe]

Is the Festool CMS available in South Africa? It seems like you are halfway there having already bought the TS75.

Richard.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I like dual arbors and something that weighs as much as a small car. [big grin]

 

[oradba69]

Thanks guys (btw any girls on here?). Yes up to now I would say 90% of my work has been veneered sheet goods but I would seriously like to move to more solid wood projects. The CMS system is available in SA but the price rivals and exceed some pretty decent table saws. I will investigate a bit more. Oh nearly forgot, I very seldom go off-site. Since this is my hobby/retirement job it only happens after hours so portability is not a major plus for me.

 

[flair woodworks]

I like dual arbors and something that weighs as much as a small car. [big grin]

That was just plain cruel!

To the OP, since you've already got a track saw, I think you would want a tablesaw for joinery and for cutting small parts.  Am I close?  That should help define what to look for.  Are dado stacks common (or legal) in South Africa?

 

[oradba69]

I like dual arbors and something that weighs as much as a small car. [big grin]

That was just plain cruel!

To the OP, since you've already got a track saw, I think you would want a tablesaw for joinery and for cutting small parts.  Am I close?  That should help define what to look for.  Are dado stacks common (or legal) in South Africa?

You are spot on, and dado stacks are common and legal in SA(very few things are illegal in SA   )

 

[flair woodworks]

Then all you need is a small but well-made table saw.  A benchtop saw may be adequate but contractors' saws are belt-driven and smoother running and more powerful for the dado stack.  A hybrid or cabinet saw offers improved dust collection.  Although they are very nice, I think the Felder and Hammer saws are a little more than what you need.

 

[oradba69]

Then all you need is a small but well-made table saw.  A benchtop saw may be adequate but contractors' saws are belt-driven and smoother running and more powerful for the dado stack.  A hybrid or cabinet saw offers improved dust collection.  Although they are very nice, I think the Felder and Hammer saws are a little more than what you need.

Jip that was why I was leaning towards a Jet. Now to pick which model? The JTS 250 looks good.

 

[pugilato]

I have a Bosch table saw (4100-09) which I am very happy with.  I dont use the gravity stand at all, and that is some money you can save getting it through amazon.com.

 

[Kevin Stricker]

Don't get cheap with the tablesaw.  There is an direct relationship between the quality of tablesaw and the amount that you use it.  Get a cabinet saw or small slider and you will wonder how you ever got by without one in no time.  Buy a benchtop or contractors saw and you will only use it when you have to. 

 

[oradba69]

Don't get cheap with the tablesaw.  There is an direct relationship between the quality of tablesaw and the amount that you use it.  Get a cabinet saw or small slider and you will wonder how you ever got by without one in no time.  Buy a benchtop or contractors saw and you will only use it when you have to. 

Thanks Kevin