Thread: portable table saw, any opinions?

Interesting - I didn't even know Jet made a machine in this class, but pretty sure it isn't available locally. These machines are very popular in the USA, so it might only be available in 110V?

From a local point of view, I'd say the Makita and Bosch are likely the biggest selling machines of this type.

Bosch Professional Table Saw GTS10XC : CARBA-TEC

These portable machines all have limitations in terms of capacity and accuracy (mainly dodgy fences).

I know you say space is an issue, but I wouldn't want to be ripping up large section hardwood on one of these ! In some ways a used example of a conventional tablesaw would be a lot more versatile, and for possibly the same money.

Not a 100% sure but I think Trade Tools Direct have a similar saw as well as the Bosch & Makita.

You could go for a contractors saw and put it on a mobile base. It is a step up from those little saws and will handle the bigger jobs that come along. To get any real use out of one of those smaller saws you will need to make an out feed table so space wise you wont be in front anyway.
I have this base on my saw but there others out there or make your own.
Universal Mobile Base - 227kg capacity : CARBA-TEC
In fact I have the bandsaw and thicknesser on wheels and my bench can be wheeled as well. Mobile equipment makes great use of the space you have.
Regards
John

Knowing Hugh, he has access to bigger machines at work that are more than capable of handling the bigger stuff so can see where he is coming from, just after something compact for the finer work and small chunks of timber.

Absolutely right DJ,
just looking for something small but not a plastic toy.
Tending towards a contractors saw on a base

Hugh,
I've been watching this thread with interest, hoping for a blaze of insight, as I'm in the same position, "lack of space". I originally had a 10" H&F contractors saw, tricked out with extension tables, mobile base and Biesemeyer (?) fence when I had a decent sized workshop, but that had to go. The Bosch GTS10XC looked like a reasonable compromise and the best quality of the plastic based contractor type as regards rigidity and accuracy, in fact I was almost at the point of purchase when I turned one on and heard the scream of the brush motor. The Jet 10" was my next consideration, but even with the fence removed, the front to back dimension when pushed against a wall was at the maximum that would still allow me to open my car door. Then at the critical moment, the review of the Laguna Fusion appeared on the forum. This gives (from memory) about 150mm extra clearance. Admittedly, this comes as a result of a smaller table dimension, but this is still adequate for my purposes. I'm waiting for the WWW Show to see it in the flesh to confirm my 3rd party impressions. It also comes with lockable casters fitted. I would check the specification against your available space, bearing in mind that the fence can be lifted off and placed on the table for storage.

In my opinion you would be better off with a propersawand a mobile base. If you compare the real workshop footprint of a proper table saw,a small one like the GPW saw from Gary Pye with the space taken up by a portable saw the real difference is almost zero. If you put the saw on a mobile base you will be able to move it out of the way easily and not have the problems associated with a portable saw.

Hugh now has this saw in his very small shed https://www.woodworkforums.com/f221/c...rs-saw-168939/