Thread: SORRY but need advice on table saws

Thanks Therapy
I have resigned myself to the fact that i am going to have to upgrade the mitre guage. As much as i would like a sliding table i don't think the shed will accomodate the footprint. well it would but i will probably be tripping over it which is not good for my sense of humour.
I have read a few posts where a triton eta 300 extension table was attached . Which kinda appeals as i can take it off after use and hang it out of the way.

Skippy

Originally Posted by skippy

Thanks Therapy
I have resigned myself to the fact that i am going to have to upgrade the mitre guage. As much as i would like a sliding table i don't think the shed will accommodate the footprint. well it would but I will probably be tripping over it which is not good for my sense of humour.
I have read a few posts where a triton eta 300 extension table was attached . Which kinda appeals as i can take it off after use and hang it out of the way.

Skippy

A good mitre gauge is worth its' weight in gold. I have the Incra 1000SE and wouldn't be without it, but I'm sure the Kreg or other similar mitre gauges would add just as much value to any tablesaw. I basically went for the Incra because I like their gear and already had an Incra LS17 Router Jig and Fence.

As far as a sliding table is concerned, I had the Triton one to go with my Triton 2000 WC. After I sold the WC2000 I kept the sliding table and adapted it to the TS10L (there is a thread on that on the forum, also look for Sturdee's thread). When I use it, it is a great addition to the tablesaw, and being able to store it out of the way is a bonus. Depending on what work you will be doing, it isn't as important an addition as the mitre gauge.

I agree with Lignums' comment on the Jet, prices going up, quality really no better than the better Carbatec and H&F gear. They do a great marketing job by setting themselves apart with a white paint job (or should that be snow job?).

If the TS10L was still available I would recommend you get one, but they aren't.

If you can find a tablesaw with a proper riving knife that rises and falls with the blade and is easy to install and remove, that would be the tablesaw to get.

Have never been a fan of the splitter as used on the TS10HB.

Thanks big shed
I have been converted to the icra 1000 se through various other threads i have read. I have read your threads on the ts10L and am not happy they aren't around anymore. Is the ts12r the same unit as yours onlt right tilt and 12 in blade being the only differece?I think the ts 12 has the river rising and falling with the blade as well.
As far as the table aspect goes i wil only be doing a bit of panel sizing and squaring of table tops, doors and stuff like that. It wont be a high use item. But then again who knows.
I have seen the set ups yourself and sturdee have done and they seem pretty good to me although yours is a bit flash for me. The only welding i have done was on a gate and i manage to weld my steel toe blunstone to it

Skippy

What's your budget for the saw?

The TS-12R from Carbetec is a nice saw, like Big Shed I ended up going for the TS10L, both are a very nice saw, the three things that tipped me towards the TS10L when they were available was the left tilt blade, the fact that I have a bandsaw, jointer to cut bigger stuff if needed and to date I only needed the full cutting height on the TS10L the one time so far and it was on special when I bought it as I knew they were clearing them.

If the TS10L was off the table I'd have definitely gone for the TS12R, also Leda Machinery do one similar to the TS12R, Groggy has one.

Originally Posted by skippy

Is the ts12r the same unit as yours onlt right tilt and 12 in blade being the only differece?I think the ts 12 has the river rising and falling with the blade as well.

Skippy

Sorry Skippy, have to plead ignorance here.

Didn't really look at the TS12R, for 2 reasons, it was right tilt (wanted a left tilt) and it was about $1000 more than the TS10L. I didn't really think that spending another $1000 for a 12" blade was good economy.

I seem to recall someone saying recently that the TS12R has a splitter like the TS10HB, but am not sure about that.

Originally Posted by DJ's Wood

What's your budget for the saw?

The TS-12R from Carbetec is a nice saw, like Big Shed I ended up going for the TS10L, both are a very nice saw, the three things that tipped me towards the TS10L when they were available was the left tilt blade, the fact that I have a bandsaw, jointer to cut bigger stuff if needed and to date I only needed the full cutting height on the TS10L the one time so far and it was on special when I bought it as I knew they were clearing them.

If the TS10L was off the table I'd have definitely gone for the TS12R, also Leda Machinery do one similar to the TS12R, Groggy has one.

Well there is a question
I started of wanting to spend about 2000 but it seems 3000 is where i am at at the moment.
Skippy

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Sorry Skippy, have to plead ignorance here.

Didn't really look at the TS12R, for 2 reasons, it was right tilt (wanted a left tilt) and it was about $1000 more than the TS10L. I didn't really think that spending another $1000 for a 12" blade was good economy.

I seem to recall someone saying recently that the TS12R has a splitter like the TS10HB, but am not sure about that.

I am trying to suss out the same issue. Is the extra 1000 worth it in what i gain form the ts 12 r.
I am not convinced yet.

Skippy

Originally Posted by skippy

I am trying to suss out the same issue. Is the extra 1000 worth it in what i gain form the ts 12 r.
I am not convinced yet.

Skippy

If it is only the 10" vs 12" and you have no immediate need for the extra max cutting height, no it wouldn't be worth it.

If however the TS12R is of the same quality as the TS10L and it has the riving knife instead of the splitter and it has the same or better fence than the TS10L, than I would say, yes it is worth the extra.

When I started looking for a tablesaw, my budget was around the $1000 and I would not have spent the extra $600 to buy a TS10HB, however I was more than happy to spend the extra $1000 or so to buy the TS10L. Having owned it now for some time, I have long forgotten that I spent double my budget and enjoy using this asset every time. On top of that it has probably held its' value reasonably well.

Finally, if you are going to buy the TS12R, don't forget that Carbatec have "specials" quite often, a bit of patience may pay handsome dividends as their speical prices are often 20-25% below list.

Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten. - Gucci Slogan

skippy, I won't try and convince you one way or another, but here are some thoughts.

The TC-12 is a very heavy machine. The version I have is difficult to make zero clearance inserts for but that is ok, I work around it. Just like you will with any saw you buy, they all have their limitations. The TC-12 requires a 15amp plug and a portion of your neighbour's power to start up. Once running it is very smooth and doesn't slow down for most timbers up to 75mm. Above that it slows a little. The fact a saw slows down should not bother a home hobbyist, we don't do production work so we don't need the speed. Not that I said 'slow' down as opposed to 'bog' down.


I like the TSC-12HK as well as it is a good quality entry level saw.


The MBS300s are also very good saws, much heavier duty than the 10HB though the build can vary.

May I suggest that you get familiar enough with the basic saw designs that you can identify them from a distance. If you can do that, you will also begin to notice the subtle differences between them; accessories, fit and finish, warranty, fences etc.

Choosing a saw that is right for you is no easy task but eventually you will know enough to be comfortable with your decision. My strongest recommendation would be to avoid going cheap - you WILL regret that.

Strong motor, flat top, heavy trunnions and a strong, straight positive locking fence - everything else is gravy

When you buy it I suggest you do the following:

• put a straight edge across the top and ensure it is flat.
• put a straight edge along the fence and ensure it is not bowed (both sides)
• put a square against the fence, bot sides, to ensure it is perpendicular to the table
• check the trunnions are not cracked (even the Unisaws have this problem)
• check your household insurance covers the tool if stolen, drowned or burnt.

Yeah the quality thing is a biggie for me but icant seem to find anyone who can advise if it is of the same or better quality of build as the ts10 or the 10HB. It is a bit hard for me to go and see one as i am in Iraq at the moment.
The person i spoke to at carbatec couldn't tell me anything much about this apart from sales lingo.
I really dont neeeeed a 12 in blade but if it is a superior machine it will be worth it i think in the long run

Skippy

Originally Posted by skippy

Yeah the quality thing is a biggie for me but icant seem to find anyone who can advise if it is of the same or better quality of build as the ts10 or the 10HB. It is a bit hard for me to go and see one as i am in Iraq at the moment.
The person i spoke to at carbatec couldn't tell me anything much about this apart from sales lingo.
I really dont neeeeed a 12 in blade but if it is a superior machine it will be worth it i think in the long run

Skippy

10" machine I reckon the better build quality is (was) with the Jets and certainly the Sawstop machine but the price is significantly higher with the Sawstop.

You need to visually compare the machines as quality seems to vary almost daily. I would not buy sight-unseen.

Thanks for the advice Groggy
All good points. I can assure you i have no intention of going cheap as i have fallen into this trap before.
I can honesly say that i have not seen many saws in the flesh, so to speak, as it is a bit difficult for me (see above post) What i am trying to do is get a sort of picture from annoying good folks like yourselves so i can go and get one when i am home in Sept.
So far the carbatec, Jet line, and Leda are the ones most mentioned. As far as trunnions and strength of build go i have no idea.
I live in queensland and Lead are a SA outfit so getting one here might be difficult unless they have a retail outlet up here.
What seems to be a common thread is that Taiwanese machines are the go and usually have a 5yr warranty so this will help a bit in the decision.
As far as the straight edge thing goes i will definitely be doing tht In the show room.

Thanks

Skippy

Originally Posted by DJ's Wood

What's your budget for the saw?

The TS-12R from Carbetec is a nice saw, like Big Shed I ended up going for the TS10L, both are a very nice saw, the three things that tipped me towards the TS10L when they were available was the left tilt blade, the fact that I have a bandsaw, jointer to cut bigger stuff if needed and to date I only needed the full cutting height on the TS10L the one time so far and it was on special when I bought it as I knew they were clearing them.

If the TS10L was off the table I'd have definitely gone for the TS12R, also Leda Machinery do one similar to the TS12R, Groggy has one.

G'Day mate
I assume that when you were doing your look around thing that you had a good look at the ts12r as well How does the build quality and features compare to you ts10l. I dont mind paying the extra (But i will have to hide it from the missus of course) if the quality is there

Skippy

Skippy,

the Leda tc-12 is a clone of the MBS 300.
The mbs 300 also has a proper riving knife, 5 year warranty.

One piece of advice no matter what saw you decide on.

In this world u usually get what you pay for - Ive not heard of many people being hurt by buying something of quality. The table saw is probably the most used item a woodworker has. Buy a good quality saw once and it will last a lifetime! and be a pleasure to use. Im not trying to push you in a certain direction but look at the MBS at carbatec. It has features that others want to have., and is upgradeable.


Steve