Thread: Those magnificent men and their sawing machines

Couldn't help but comment afetr reading the recent post on Taiwanese table saws. Im sure these machines are quite good but reading the posts, one can't help but wonder how much bang you get for your $1500 to $3000. There was quite a bit of talk about hours spent setting the thing up and getting the fence square/parallell (sound familair to anyone??) as well as additinal costs for decent quality saw blades and fences ($750 for the delta or Bessy systems!!). I'm sure that once these bugs are worked out the saws perform thier job well, but can you then add a sliding table on for a fairly small outlay, or convert the thing into a small planer?? This is not an add for triton, but just an observation. These table saws are directed at a pretty similar market to the triton (ie. the home hobbyist who's getting a little serious. They certainly dont seem to be serious shop or production saws) and would seem to be not entirely free of the frustrations often quoted as reasons not to buy the orange stuff. Anyway, i thought i might find some like minded thinkers on this forum to share this thought with. Thought it might be too hot an issue to add as a reply to the original thread.

Hey Bazz, speaking of copying as a compliment, have you seen the new Torquata "Woodworking Station" sold by Timbecon. Consists of a basic unit with cast iron top, saw plate and guard plus extension wings. They also have a router table with cast iron top, router mounting plate and fence. Neither of the stations seem to have the finer adjustments of the triton and the fence on the table saw looks downright dangerous. Just in case you forget who this new kit is competing with, guess what color it comes in??? Torquata Orange!!! Also, i dont know how trtion would feel, seeing their tools ( thats right, the pictures have the triton router and saw attached to these things!!) being used to advertise something that is basicaly direct competition to their workcentres!!

On another example, Festool have gotten on the workcentre band wagon with their own multifunction tables and system. At least it has been done with the festool eye for classy tools and precision. It should at least make some who have looked at the idea of hanging a hand held saw upside down under a table with derision, think twice. Actually its making me think twice as i save my way towards a Workcentre 2000 and 235 precision saw.

Cheers, Tim