Thread: differance scms or table saw

Get a good SCMS and look on ebay etc for your table saw. You need the accuracy on your SCMS for mitre/compound cuts, but on a table saw I find that you are generally just ripping (straight). That's what I have found in my decks, stairs and reno's etc.

I managed to pick up a S/H triton work centre from a clearance sale for $200, but also have a Hitachi belt drive SCMS for where I need to be accurate. Spoilt for choice!

I have a 10HB TS and a 10in Dewalt CMS (not sliding). I love the combo. The big plus with the CMS is u can easily and dock long lengths of timber, its portable, and quick to set up. Long lengths of timber is hard to have fully supported on the TS unless u have a big sliding TS.
Obviosuly sheet material is where the TS is on its own!

Originally Posted by pellcorp

In actual fact I am pretty sure scms can kick back and should be treated with as much respect as a table saw.

A CMS pr SCMS pulls the workpiece into itself as it cuts.

A tablesaw will pick it up (with the back of the blade) and chuck it at your head or thereabouts.

Recent tablesaws have eqipment built into/onto them to minimise this kickback, but there are plenty of videos around showing their use without those accessories. At least one was created to demonstrate this kickback.

Originally Posted by Farm boy

Hi All
I have been reading about scms and i like the makita 1013 or hitachi models and was wondering what do they do that a table saw cant do

A CMS is designed to cut mitres and bevels (and compound mitre/bevels). And, it does those cuts with the workpiece sitting flat, clamped down.

You can do mitres and bevels on a tablesaw, but it's more complicated. And you move the wood, and if it might be sticking up at an awkward angle.

Given space, you can cut across a piece of wood of any length and any place. Just imagine cutting a bevel at the end of a 5-metre workpiece on a tablesaw!

On a CMS, the blade goes up and down. The width it can cut depends on the capacity of the blade and the thickness of of the workpiece.

A SCMS has the head mounted on rails (or other mechanism) so you can push the blade across the workpiece and so cut wider material.

Oh, and don't necessarily expect the supplied blade to be of use. I suspect that (most) standard blades are intended to be used for carpentry where the quality of the cut isn't _that_ important.

Essentially, CMS and SCMS are used for cross-cutting solid timber, and maybe strips of sheet goods. Make sure you have blades intended for your purpose.

I think saws should be sold without blades, and that purchasers should be expected to choose one or more blades to suit their purposes.

Hi All
I will give you an update on my hunt for a scms
I am looking at the makita 1013 or hitachi 2nd hand on ebay
A local chippy had a 1013 on ebay still wanted $500 minimum bid with dewalt stand and 2 blades, the machine was well worn i would of paid $350 but that would have been my top dollar,i missed out on a 1013 at a hock shop in sydney went for $300 damm but i am watching a hitachi 8 inch with a few days to go at the moment
I have noticed these brand new chinese copy of european models on ebay around $180 with 6 months warranty dont know about quality though (brand is wintech?)
they look similar to a metabo
my old paul call combination table saw and jointer is still going strong (restoration did it wonders)so this and a circular saw will do for the moment
i will hunt a scms down eventually at least i am in no hurry
thanks for the posts and feedback on my topic
Greg

Originally Posted by Farm boy

Hi All
I will give you an update on my hunt for a scms
I am looking at the makita 1013 or hitachi 2nd hand on ebay
A local chippy had a 1013 on ebay still wanted $500 minimum bid with dewalt stand and 2 blades, the machine was well worn i would of paid $350 but that would have been my top dollar,i missed out on a 1013 at a hock shop in sydney went for $300 damm but i am watching a hitachi 8 inch with a few days to go at the moment
I have noticed these brand new chinese copy of european models on ebay around $180 with 6 months warranty dont know about quality though (brand is wintech?)

1. I bought my LS1013 recently at auction for around 420-450 plus 10% buyer's premium (auctioneers' commission).. If it's in good shape, $500 doesn't sound so bad to me, but check the shipping cost.

2. I have quite a collection of power tools made in China, and I've heard few criticisms of the brand: they're all Makita. Two cordless hammer drills, a belt sander, a ROS, an electric plane, an angle grinder. Probably, my 2000W circular saw.

"Made in China" doesn't mean it's junk quality (though it's fair to say a lot of junk does come out of China).

I got one
i was doing messages on saturday morning and decided to check out a hock shop at mayfield
i had 2 to pick from,a makita 1013 goodsaw but all seized up and i couldnt turn her to bevel or slide, he wouldnt go below $440
and a 8 inch hitachi for $295 i got it for $220(missing the blade cover and dust chute) but really good condition
i went for the hitachi (better for the budget)
Greg