Thread: Do I really need a TAblesaw?

Lou,

For me, it's more about speed than accuracy. As you noted, there are many different ways to achieve accurate cuts.

Cutting sheets on the TS, I set the fence for the distance, run the sheet through, and the cut is done in a minute or less. I can use a circular saw and guide, and get a pretty accurate cut, but it would take several minutes of setup.

Ripping, again I set the fence, run the piece through. It takes much less time than ripping with the bandsaw, with similar accuracy. Ripping a 30mm thick piece on the table saw, in my experience, takes about a third of the time as the bandsaw. You can just move the wood that much quicker.

Dado, rebates, etc, take a bit more setup for me than just setting the fence, and the total setup time is similar to setting up the router table. But cutting on the TS is far quicker, with the cuts taking only a few seconds.

So if you want to stay darkside and enjoy the process, you can certainly get quality joinery and great results as craftsmen have for centuries. Or you can use the tools you have and achieve good results as you have been doing. Or you can get similar results in much less time with a table saw.

I made my first piece of furniture with nothing but a circular saw and a hammer. Cut dados by tacking two boards as guides, setting the depth of cut, and moving the saw around until the dado was fairly clean. We're still using that bookcase after 25 years. But with the tools I have today, particularly the table saw, I could make the same book case in a third the time or less.

That is why the table saw is one of my most used tools.

Tex

Here's a list of things people have already said you can do on a tablesaw and not on a bandsaw. http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=33808

Then there's your last thread on the subject: http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=32346

Do you want people to convince you you need a tablesaw, or that you don't? If you don't think you need one, don't buy one, it's that simple.

Have you ever used a tablesaw?

Originally Posted by NewLou

FOr me...........

the easiest way to Mill is with a Jointer & Planer.

So I assume from this you put your logs directly into your planer

Originally Posted by NewLou

I disagree that the TS is the premier tool for joinery.

Although they may exist, I cannot recall going into any quality pro-cabinet shop and not seeing a serious TS that obviously gets substantial use, and very few hand tools visible. Some of this is clearly because of repetitve cutting and for sheet material, but also for speed and accuracy. I would be interested to know how many pros prefer an EZ type system over a decent table saw.

In contrast, I do see quite a few hobbiest shops where the BS is heavily used, lottsa well loved hand tools in evidence and their TS is covered in dust and stuff indicating it does not get much use.

It's not essential to be in one camp or the other and the quality of work produced is not necessarily dependent on being in either camp. I see people using hand tools making as much of botch as people with machines - albeit the machines allow one to maybe botch a little faster.

Thanks for all the great feedback fellas

Certainly an interesting read from the constructive posts. AFter considering your posts n a few other odds n ends I'm convinced that some time down the track I'll have to eventually get a Tablesaw.

My origional post came from lots of thinking that tablesaws are often in the close to first buy category when it comes to shop setup in regards to machinery. I got no doubt it has its place and promotes accuracy; speed n versatility.

Am however often at a loss as to why it gets a lot more attention initially than the BAndsaw Jointer Planer combination which to me seems more versatile.

REGards Lou

Originally Posted by NewLou

FOr me...........

I consider the Router n handtools the most inportant joinery tools.
REgards Lou

The Router is a modern addition to the WWing arsonal of tools, Far more joints were and still are cut using the TS.


I still Vote for the Table Saw if only one WWing machine were available.

Originally Posted by silentC

Do you want people to convince you you need a tablesaw, or that you don't? If you don't think you need one, don't buy one, it's that simple.

Sometimes he is right.

Just interested in peoples thoughts on the subject n really interested in what the habits of forumites are when it comes to the TS.

I already have a buying strategy of which includes a TS however for those unaware there are some exciting new products coming soon from the makers of the EZ Smartguide called "the bridge" that may enable those that don't have access to a tablesaw access to a lot of cuts etc etc that are traditionally done by tablesaw at much less cost.

Ultimately the intention being to discuss weather a tablesaw needs to be at the top of the list when setting up shop.
Regards Lou

Lou, you think too much mate. Like I said they are all important. Whether you are going to use a tablesaw or not, you still NEED one.

Originally Posted by NewLou

there are some exciting new products coming soon from the makers of the EZ Smartguide called "the bridge"

from what i have seen and read about the Bridge, if used with a Festool plunge or other high quality circ saw for cross cutting, trenching, tennons etc would leave a table saw for dead

I've got one of them, it's called a Triton in crosscut mode

of cause you need a table saw, just ask FELDER....

Originally Posted by Gra

of cause you need a table saw, just ask FELDER....

Originally Posted by NewLou

Am however often at a loss as to why it gets a lot more attention initially than the BAndsaw Jointer Planer combination which to me seems more versatile.

Maybe 'cos it's cheaper and/or easier to buy & learn to use the one good quality machine at first than three individual ones? Also, it takes up less space?

But I have noticed, both in my own shed and in commercial operations, that as the operators become equally facile with all machines, the TS does move down in the priority list.

There will always be jobs where it is the best tool to use, of course.

Originally Posted by Felder

hay, felder, now I had put in your plug for you, do I get a discount on my next purchase