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  1. #1
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    Apr 2020
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    Default Table Saw or Router?

    I'm just getting started in woodworking and I'm looking at one of my first large purchases. While I would like a table saw my workspace (such as it is) is extremely limited in size/area so a table saw might not be an option. If this is the case would a router in a bench top router table be able to take the place of a table saw? Or will this limit the types of projects I can do?

    And is it feasible to mount a circular saw in a sturdy wooden box to make a bench top table saw?

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  3. #2
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    Mar 2015
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    Default

    I don't think a router table would take the place of a table saw. In fact I think there is very very little overlap between these two machines. I would recommend a good quality bandsaw as a good alternative to a table saw - along with a circular saw and track and/or a mitre saw for cross-cuts and breaking down sheet goods. The bandsaw provides many benefits over a table saw and does things a table saw can't.

    I guess it would make it easier for the forum to help uf we new what type of woodworking you plan on doing (if there is a plan) and what you already have.

    Cheers, Dom

  4. #3
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    Apr 2020
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    Aldinga Beach, South Australia
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    Default

    I plan to make small boxes for the most part, but I would like to be able to make as many things as possible up to small furniture such as night stands or tables. I currently have a lot of hand tools, an old dewalt cordless drill, and a makita circular saw.

  5. #4
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    Oct 2019
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    Brisbane, Australia
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    43
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    Hi mate,

    Why not also look into a tracksaw, if you don't have one already and are starting out?

    I have managed to get by for most tasks that call for a table saw with a track saw and for large jobs just throw rigid foam insulation sheets on the garage floor carspace and can rip up a whole sheet of ply no problem.

    You can also use the track as a fence and guide for a router (held with the cutter down), which is probably the next best thing to a router table.

    While the tracks are large in one dimension, they are very light and can be put on a high shelf easily. You will doubtlessly end up with a cutting table once you have smaller pieces for handy use, but that will generally double as a general / assembly table.

  6. #5
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    Apr 2020
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    Aldinga Beach, South Australia
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    Default

    Would you recommend I buy a tracksaw or would this be something I could make? I think I've seen something like those in the old ShopNotes magazines I've come across.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Upper Hutt, New Zealand
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    Default

    Hi CC. Just to prove that you will get many conflicting suggestions, here's my two pen'orth.
    Like Dom says, you should think hard about what type of woodworking you plan to do before investing in large machinery. I also have limited shop space and initially bought a small table saw and a router in a table. Within a year, I had settled on my main interest in box making and smaller, projects such as walking canes. I soon realized that a band saw was far more suited to my needs such as re-sawing, cutting curves etc. and the TS was never used. I ended up giving my table saw to my son.
    IMHO, other than cutting panels, a TS does nothing that can't be done with other tools. Want to cut dadoes, rebates or profiles? Use a router. Want to true up an edge to a finished face? Can be done with a router. The router is probably the most versatile tool in the shop. You can re-saw with a table saw to a limited height, but not with the capacity of a band saw.
    And regarding mounting a circular saw in a jig to act as a table saw, yes it has been done and there are videos on Youtube that show you how but they usually involve replacing the tool mounted switch with a table mounted control. Cgcc's solution using a track guide with your circular saw is a good one if you do need to cut panels or long boards.
    What I'm saying is, don't rush in. There are lots of projects you can do with simpler tools until you decide what direction you want to take.
    Whatever you decide, enjoy yourself and let us see what you create.
    Cheers, Pete

  8. #7
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    Apr 2020
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    Aldinga Beach, South Australia
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    I think I will make a track saw to use - I found a design in an old ShopNotes magazine (Issue/No 19) and I think it will suit my purposes perfectly! The 'carriage' for the saw 'hooks' into the 'track' so it can't get away from you. It's a little larger and heavier than the ones you can buy, but I can make this to suit my circular saw.

  9. #8
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    Frankly if you're starting out I would buy. Compared to a table saw or high-end router table and fence the cost of a track is not much. A 1.4m wide track in wood will be hard to make but also will be so heavy it would be unwieldy. Also most track systems will work as a guide for routers within same system.

  10. #9
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    Bandsaw, compound mitre saw, disc sander, in that order.

  11. #10
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    Aldinga Beach, South Australia
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Cgcc View Post
    Frankly if you're starting out I would buy.
    Starting out was probably the wrong choice of words. I've been at the local community shed for a about a year, so skills aren't an issue. I just need to start working at home.

    And I looked into buying a track but makita makes one to use with very specific 'plunge saw' rather than one that can be used with any circular saw they make. If anyone knows of a track that can be used on a makita HS700SP circular saw I'd love to hear about it!

    Other wise I'm considering something along these lines:Cutting Guide (Circular Saw).jpg

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
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    geelong
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    Saw is first Always -no matter how crude - less crude better. router useful later.

  13. #12
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    Mar 2008
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    Hobart, Tas
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    Default

    I will also support a bandsaw, with the addition of a #4 or #5 plane and sharpening stones (if you've not got any other hand tools) so smooth the cut edges/surfaces.

    Before I got my first bandsaw I thought they were only used for cutting curves, but now consider it one of the most versatile machines available.

    A track saw is a luxury if you already own a circular saw. You can easily make a guide for next to nothing to break down large stock easily and accurately with what you have.

    Good luck, it is exciting to start putting together a work space at home.

  14. #13
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    Feb 2018
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    Shepparton
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    I have found the bandsaw the best over table saw in fact my table saw hasn't been used for ages and has a solid timber top so i can use it as a bench extension.

  15. #14
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    Mar 2015
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    Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by riverbuilder View Post
    Bandsaw, compound mitre saw, disc sander, in that order.
    Hmm, disc sander? I've never had a disc sander and it's never been on my radar/list. I'm curious why this is near the top of your list and what use/uses you find it indispensable?

    Cheers,

    Dom

  16. #15
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    Hi LanceC - however not much of a luxury. A Makita 1.4m track is $99. If you're going to want one down the track, it is not much of an leap to start with one.

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