Thread: Entry Level Table Saw - Advice needed.

Having read through the threads, you will not be surprised to see that I and a few others repeat our view that there are many good quality second hand saws out there. I got what would be a $1,600- $1,800 saw new, for $650. It allowed me to spend money on new blades, a better fence and a mobile stand.
It also meant I didn't feel too bad when I took to it with an angle grinder to improve dust collection!
Other than that, I have only ever used mine, a Leda MJ2325, which is very similar to many of the other generic saws around so cannot comment on others.

Best of luck

Regards

Bauldy

If you’re trying to dress the edges of timber perfectly straight and square you might be advised to purchase a jointer?

Just saw you were trying to get one on the Market Place.
Looks like it may be harder that I thought.
That was a very good deal with the extras, so keep looking and you never know.

Regards

Bauldy

With a hard cap of $2000 the Carbatec unit isn't really an option since by the time you've kitted it out properly and paired it with an acceptable dust collector you're looking at closer to something like $2700-$2800.
Anything less than this is going to be a bundle of compromises inherent in getting something like a contractor saw so second hand is the obvious choice, and you live in a major population center which means you should be able to score something acceptable if you keep an eye out for a month or two.

I too will reiterate the 2nd hand route. That CTec one for $300 is a right bargain, perfect entry saw at a damn fine price. I'd expect you could turn it around for that same price in a year or twos time once you've really settled on what your next saw needs to be. (edited to correct the price)

Hi All,

Really appreciate everyone's advice on here.

I think maybe my eye's got big on me, but I don't like doing things by halves. I generally like to buy the best of something.

Realistically, I'm no master craftsman - just a DIY'er getting back into woodworking after about a decade absent, so I think I might be better to spend less now and upgrade as my ability and requirements grow.

I think I will keep my eye out for a decent second hand unit to get me in the game and then as my ability and time spent in the garage grows, I will expand. Plus, as per many other threads I have read, there is plenty of money to spend on other tools and equipment.

Originally Posted by TobyH

Hi All,

Really appreciate everyone's advice on here.

I think maybe my eye's got big on me, but I don't like doing things by halves. I generally like to buy the best of something.

Realistically, I'm no master craftsman - just a DIY'er getting back into woodworking after about a decade absent, so I think I might be better to spend less now and upgrade as my ability and requirements grow.

I think I will keep my eye out for a decent second hand unit to get me in the game and then as my ability and time spent in the garage grows, I will expand. Plus, as per many other threads I have read, there is plenty of money to spend on other tools and equipment.

Best choice in the circumstances I reckon. If you do grab that $300 saw in the marketplace (and I think it's a good idea) I also think you should fit a splitter to that table insert. I didn't spot a guard in the pics so at the very least fit a wooden splitter, to minimise the risk of kick back. Wouldn't want to go and hurt yourself (or put a hole in the side of your shed).

It's been good to read everyone's thoughts on this thread and a few others similiar.

I was in the exact same boat and with a very limited budget I was caught between not wanting to spend too much money but then not wasting it and a $500 saw that wasn't going to be worthwhile. I have just been lucky enough to pick up a 2nd hand Sherwood that is less than 12 months old with a few accessories for $900 from ebay. Hopefully this will do me so I won't have to upgrade for a long time.