Thread: Newbie with the usual (ish) table saw conundrum

An option here for those with limited tool resources.

If you are within an urban area that has reasonable access to a local cabinet maker workshops ,sometimes if they are not overly busy they will dimension any sheet product for you for a not too exorbitant cost.

I think the big green shed may also do this for you?

This would put you in the good books with your better half by completing the tasks you have set for yourself whilst getting them around to the idea that you do need to have the tools yourself.

Also you could approach & avail yourself of the use the facilities available at the local men's shed, they are usually tooled up to a reasonable degree.However this would require you to join ....not a bad idea in itself!

Cheers

Another option for you would be to buy a router with a pattern following bit - i.e. With a bearing. A router has so many uses, and one is to relace a panel saw. A length of 19 mm plywood, which comes with a machine cut straight edge, is all that you need, plus your router and a couple of decent G clamps or F clamps. Clamp the strip of ply to your wood, fit the straight cut with bearing bit to the router and run the router along your timber in gentle cuts until the bearing runs along the straight edge. Voila, a straight, cleaner cut than a saw. Also, you can use the router to mould an edge on timber, cut tenons and mortises, do dovetails - a very versatile machine for a compact workshop.


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John, good ideas both, my concern with the big green shed was whether the 14 year old operating it will know how to cut straight.

And with regards to the mens shed funny you should mention that, I actually made some inquiries this morning about that. Also looking at perhaps doing one of the courses that are run in a few places, mainly in an effort to keep all my fingers.

Xan, no idea about routers, but the theory makes sense. Will have to do some homework.

And on the saw front, sooooo... Went to do a rent inspection and as it so happens my tenant has a carbatec TS sitting in his garage that he hasnt used for a while, so I am going to borrow it for a bit. No idea which model, but it has the cast iron top and doesn't look more than 5 years old. Oh, and he is a carpenter by trade. Score!

Solves one problem. Next problems are making up a cross cutting sled, which I have got a few designs (any more are welcome) that I will look at once I get the TS to my house.

Also where is a good place to buy lumber and blades in Perth? (or online). Only going to be chasing laminate pine panels and other pine bits to start with, just really don't like the big green when I want advice.

If you have nights free & or are handy to a Tafe college ,they have all the tools from heavy machinery down to hand tools.

A manual arts course is never hard to carry with you, should you venture this option,they also have differing levels that you can progress through whilst saving your money for the tools you want, along with the expert advice given along safety & practical methods of the course.

The men's shed may not be tooled up to the same degree but they will in all likelihood offer up years of combined experience in most aspects of all mens/ladies interests .

Just another thought here!

Chasing timber here in the West check the West Australian/Sunday times for timber auctions, as well as reno yards for second hand /recycled material.Talk to local cabinetmakers in your area about getting off cuts that may suit your needs.

Cheers