Thread: What is a good entry level table saw

Id be looking for a good used cast iron top saw, failing that i started with a triton it served me well until i upgraded to a cast...big difference..i had it for 15 years before getting my new powermatic pm2000...its the ducks nuts but $4k....a good saw forms the core of a workshop, with the addition of jigs (most of which you can build) it opens up many different options.a thing to remember is the blade a cheap blade not only will be a pain to use wont give nice cuts....a combination blade will cover ripping and cross cuts and is the way to go."contractor"style saws are another option but a cast is better.

Originally Posted by Da bunny lover

Id be looking for a good used cast iron top saw, failing that i started with a triton it served me well until i upgraded to a cast...big difference..i had it for 15 years before getting my new powermatic pm2000...its the ducks nuts but $4k....a good saw forms the core of a workshop, with the addition of jigs (most of which you can build) it opens up many different options.a thing to remember is the blade a cheap blade not only will be a pain to use wont give nice cuts....a combination blade will cover ripping and cross cuts and is the way to go."contractor"style saws are another option but a cast is better.

I was looking at a Ryco 1500 table saw for 299 or a second hand Triton MK2 New Series for 225. What do you think?

The Triton Mk2 is what i had, from an entry level point its good i made heaps of stuff with in , including a pantry cupboard out of solid timber. A thing about that one is you can fit the router table and get the benifet of that as well, that will really open up more woodworking options, between the pair you will be impressed what you can make. And the skills you pick up will transfer onto the more expensive gear later on if you go that way. At that price what have you got to loose

Hi Parkie, to be honest I would hold out something better than the triton, I am sure that for around the $500 mark you could get a good second hand saw and it would be worth it.
I had a triton for 10 years before I realised it just wasnt cutting the mustard. I upgraded to a Jet and are now happy as pig in s---.
You may just need to be patient and wait till a good deal comes up but it'll be worth it I assure you.

Cheer
Rumnut

Originally Posted by Da bunny lover

The Triton Mk2 is what i had, from an entry level point its good i made heaps of stuff with in , including a pantry cupboard out of solid timber. A thing about that one is you can fit the router table and get the benifet of that as well, that will really open up more woodworking options, between the pair you will be impressed what you can make. And the skills you pick up will transfer onto the more expensive gear later on if you go that way. At that price what have you got to loose

Just bought a Triton Mk3 New Series in good nick for $200 NZD, I figure its a good started and way under budget.

Yeah at that price you can get started, at the same time keep an eye out for an upgrade, the re -sell the triton.There is no question a cast iron top saw is better, but we all have to start someplace.

Originally Posted by tdrumnut

...
I had a triton for 10 years before I realised it just wasnt cutting the mustard. I upgraded to a Jet and are now happy as pig in s---. ...

10 years is a long time to figure out it wasn't cutting the mustard. I've had mine for about 8 years now and my next big purchase will be a big saw but I've learnt a lot from the triton. I'm with the guys supporting the purchase of the triton package. It's not the best on the market but they're fun to use and hold resale value quite well.

Don't know if you have einhell up there, that would be my choice for under $500, wack a high quality flai Italian blade on it & u should be pretty happy with the quality of cut, we sell about 5 a week in this combination. If you are going to be buying a cheap table saw make sure u invest in a good blade as it will reduce the load on the saw