Thread: Table Saw for DIY

The Makita was the only one from Bunnings that was even an option for me, but after reading reviews I settled on the Bosch GTS J. Only got it on the weekend so still setting it up, having some trouble with workpieces catching somewhere on the fence or table which I have to figure out and calibrate but so far like it. Then again, after having to make do with a circular saw I'd be happy with any table saw

I was a bit surprised to find such poor reviews for the MLT100. can i ask why did you end up with the Bosch, where you got it from and how much it cost? trying to find the cheapest place/prize.

My budget was around $600, maaaybe could have stretched to the DeWalt but the Bosch had positive reviews. Had to be a portable unit because I have to set up and pack down the workshop so we can put the cars in the garage. Came with the GTA 600 stand from Sydney Tools for $675 https://sydneytools.com.au/bosch-gts...saw-with-stand (since marked as out of stock, guess I got the last combo)

I have a router in a table so if I have troubles with any precision cuts I can clean them up on the router, and I can always fall back to the circular saw or jigsaw on horses for larger boards and panels.

I ended up getting a Bosh GTS 10j because:
- It is portable.
- It has good reviews
- It is big enough for most things I do

It work really nice so far.
Goes through 75mm dry redgum with ease

From Sydney tools

Jealous. that you have Sydney tools. no such luck in WA we just got a total tools nearby (opened today) but they're after $729 for it, for some reason it's not listed on their website.

How much would the freight cost from Canberra to you?
I could pick one up and drop at freight depot.

hey Sydney tools. are charging $37 for delivery, but I am very Keen and want it now!! so thinking will pick one up from toolmart (which strangely the united tools website directs me to toolmart)

wondering if it would be worth the extra to buy the stand.

I'd suggest looking at the used market for a Triton 2000, its highly versatile, packs up quite nicely and has good resale value. Plus if you need just a circular saw it can double as that too. Its accurate provided you're willing to spend the time to tune it but like any table saw it does go out of alignment, probably faster than a dedicated table saw purely because it gets moved around etc.

I had one for about 2 years before upgrading to a cabinet saw and would recommend it for most DIY jobs.

Personally I'd stay away from the cheaper table saws, one of the biggest advantages of a bigger table saw is stability. So you want one that has decent weight behind it or good footings otherwise you run the risk of pushing it over when ripping. Plus when you opt for a fairly popular saw there is a huge array of after market options that may not be available on the budget saws.

Happy hunting

Edit: if you do go for the bosch, i'm sure you'll love it, my recommendation is not to get the stand and build a table for it, that way it doubles as storage and depending on how much space you have it can also double as your assembly area/outfeed table etc

I have the stand and it is quite stable and well worth it for portability.
The Bosh saw is far better than a triton setup. That is what I upgraded from.

No doubt its a better table saw, but can it also be used as a router base, jig saw base, and provide you with separate circular saw for those extra long rips. Plus dust extraction is significantly better on the Triton especially when you close off the bottom/sides with a few pieces of melamine. Plus if you burn out a motor its a case of simply replacing the circular saw rather than purchasing a new table saw. Plus the bosch will never have as good resale value as the Triton does. This IMO is the biggest advantage of the Triton, its hard to find a tool that you can buy use for a few years and sell at the same price you purchased it for which for DIY'ers is fantastic.

Yes i admit that there are short comings on a Triton but unless you're willing to spend a significant amount on machinery (obviously depends on what you're doing) but in terms of shop foot print and the amount of features you can get the Triton is hard to beat.

do you have any links? where I can buy one tomorrow?

I am kind of sold on the Bosch .. price IS a factor. so will shop around but willing to consider alternatives.

Masters has this Triton but it dose not come with a saw, seems too steep just to spend on a top, not really understanding the benefits that would be worth $699.

I can not find any other Triton work station's new.

def wouldn't recommend buying them new. Like you say its a hard price tag to swallow. Which is why they do get snapped on on gumtree quick, as they are a very popular unit, eg I sold mine within 3 hours of listing it on Gumtree and the buyer didn't even haggle. So if you've got no time pressures keep an eye out for something in the used market. You could probably easily pick up a used Triton WC 2000 in reasonably good condition for approx $200-400 mark. If you find someone that bought in the system and has all the accessories you can find them going for around $500-700 mark, if you were to buy all the units separately ie separate router table, separate jigsaw/bandsaw or even the Triton system new you will easily be looking over a couple of grand so there are massive savings to be had. plus like you'll have the added benefits of all that functionality in a very small footprint that fits in the back of a small SUV/large sedan. If you're concerned about reliability, there is not much that can go wrong with them, eg like i said if circular saw stops working just replace with new circular saw.

When looking for a used one, just ask the usual questions of how much its been used to guage how the owner has looked after them, look for obvious signs of lack of maintenance such as excessive rust, dents/bent fences/table tops. They are not hard to look after all it takes is a quick wipe down and a coat of WD-40 goes a long way so it really surprises me when i see people seeing them on gumtree with "good condition" attached and the thing has clearly had a hard life.

However there are drawbacks, for example they are a little bit fiddly to set up and I could easily go on a rant on the pros and cons of both systems so at the end of the day it really depends on what you're doing/budget, if you don't plan on ever buying a router table and only need a table saw (which isn't the case for most woodworkers as when the bug bites it bites hard) I'd go for the Bosch. But if there are limitations such as and storage space/budget I'd consider the Triton, I had mine for about three years and def don't regret buying it as I only sold it when i felt like my Triton was the limiting factor in me taking my wood working to the next level so i've now got a Carbatec TSC-10hb.

I was seriously looking at the Dewalt 744 (or maybe the 745)?
Can't recall now if it had availability issues in Auz or not.

Sydney Tools sales people are very nice.
Don't hesitate to ask for a better price and free shipping.
Sometimes they have decent sales with free shipping thrown in.

Carbatec offer free shipping over $200.
Don't know the specifics.

tonzeyd is spot on with the Triton gear.
Just make sure you remove the saw along with its mounting plate with care before transporting with care.
Setup the triton by kicking the legs diagonally out from the center.
Then replacing saw with its mounting plate with care.
This will keep the accuracy longer.

The wheels are good for even grass lawns and house floors.
Don't use the wheels on uneven/bumpy ground with the saw still in
if you want to keep the accuracy.
Its tempting over brickwork but don't do it.
It's hard to remember when you're busy trying to get setup for a job.
Or moving it out of the way.

I never move mine and only have to remember to check alignment before each project.


I wish I could find an expert in Melbourne to pay to come to my site and align exactly.
then I'd have it welded in.

The fence in NOT rack and pinion. you have to set both sides of the fence separately.
You get used to it after a while but its easy to mess up.

Don't forget GumTree.

hth

I've got the GTS 10 J - upgraded from an old Triton mk3. Worth the $$$ - it has a smaller footprint compared to the triton and easily goes under a bench and the portable stand folds flat. Once set up properly it shouldn't need fiddling with again. Also the fence self squares and locks solidly - the Triton was very fiddly as the fence had to be manually aligned and locked at both ends. Definitely get the matching stand - mine was included in the price. My garage holds two cars and I've found the Bosch stores easily and is faster to unpack, use and then pack away again. My 2 cents