Thread: Saw suggestions for a Triton MK3

Will you be using the saw as a dedicated tool for the TS only, or do you plan on using it freehand too? Take the TS saw frame along when you purchase your saw, just to make sure it fits.

As a Dedicated TS:

The bigger the better, IMO. It may be noisier but will have more grunt and more clearance.

Dual Purpose:

Smaller may be better, but you'll get less clearance and the saw may not have enough grunt, depending on what you'll be cutting.

Other things to consider include ease of height adjustment (from under the table), ease of blade adjustment/replacement, dust removal, etc.

Personally I'd consider either a Makita or Bosch, this will depend on your budget and/or needs.

Hope this helps.

Gareth

Originally Posted by GarethR

Will you be using the saw as a dedicated tool for the TS only, or do you plan on using it freehand too?

...

Other things to consider include ease of height adjustment (from under the table), ease of blade adjustment/replacement, dust removal, etc.
Gareth

I intend on using the saw both for the TS and when necessary, freehand.

Are the 235mm saws too bulky to fit easily and drop down? So for example, if I wanted to cut a 20mm groove down the middle length of a timber, would I be able to drop a 235mm saw down that far on the MK3?

I have a Makita N5900B saw in my MkIII.
It's easy enough to remove from the saw frame should I want to use it freehand.

Originally Posted by GreenCut

Hi all,

I recently inherited a Triton MK3 table, and now need to find me a circular saw to mount into it.
I'm not much of a woodworker, and forsee doing the occasional project that does not need a lot of skill (ex: some deck repair, basic kitchen cabinets, etc...). It would also be nice be be able to use the saw free-hand as well for random jobs around the house.

any suggestions on which saw to buy?
So far I am leaning towards a 235mm saw, like a Hitachi or Ryobi, but can be easily convinced otherwise
Is 235mm too big? I'm worried that the smaller 180/90mm saws will give to shallow of a cut and have weaker motors for cutting some of the harder timbers (eg deck supports)
I'm assuming that most saws will be able to fit into the MK3.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Hi GreenCut

I used a Hitachi 235mm saw in my Mk3 for twenty years until it went to saw heaven. Now I use a Makita 235mm saw. Both work well. However the weight of either saw is enough to flex the Triton mounting plate - IMHO the stabilising bracket is essential.

I'd urge you to consider 235mm saws with high wattage motors. The thickness of the table top and the mounting plates position reduces the maximum cut depth significantly, and smaller saws just lack oomph for hardwoods.

Once you get your saw, most come with a pretty basic blade, and you might like to consider a high quality, smoother cutting and quieter blade. Just tap a blade - if it rings it will be noisy - properly sound deadened blades are much quieter and much nicer to work with.

I am the worlds worst woodworker, but what little I know I learnt on a Triton, its a great learning tool. But it will never be a precision instrument.

Cheers

Graeme

I cannot comment on the MkIII, even though I had one for a long while but only used it as a working surface. I have the WC2000 which I use with a saw slide chassis and 235mm Triton Circular Saw. I have no problem with clearance and wouldn't expect the saw on the MkIII to have any problems either. The saw blade in fact lowers to below the table, so that's the position I keep it in when I'm not using it (safety).

If the saw blade can retract fully below/above the base plate you shouldn't have a problem.

You'll also be able to use the saw TS in crosscut mode which may work better for what you want to achieve depending on the length of wood you're cutting.

If you're going to be using the saw predominantly in the TS then I'd still be leaning to the "bigger is better" opinion.

Originally Posted by GreenCut

I intend on using the saw both for the TS and when necessary, freehand.

Are the 235mm saws too bulky to fit easily and drop down? So for example, if I wanted to cut a 20mm groove down the middle length of a timber, would I be able to drop a 235mm saw down that far on the MK3?

I have a MK3. In table saw mode, the base plate of the circular saw sits about (from memory) 25mm below the table base. I assume you would be able to raise the cut on most saws so that (when upside down in the Triton) they drop the blade below the level of the table.

I would go bigger rather than smaller when buying the saw, it gives deeper cuts which is something you will invariably end up needing.

Right! I'm sold! 235mm it is!

Now which brand? Hm.. Hitachi or Makita?

I noticed that Makita have 3 different types of 235mm saws, including the one that snowyskiesau mentioned. Is there any difference in cut quality or the type of blade they come with? I noticed that the N5900B has a nice shiny blue blade... is there something to it, or is that all marketing hype?

PS - anyone know of any good places to buy one over the web or in Brissie? I'd rather support the smaller shops if the prices are lower or the same in comparioson to Bunnings and the like.

My saw came with a plain metal blade. Mind you, that was 20 years ago so it may be that blue is better.

I recently bought some new blades from Saw and Bits. Great prices and so far, no problems with the blades at all.