Table saw recommendation

[kuato_lives]

Any DIYers able to recommend a decent table saw for a small workshop? Not wanting to spend too much but want precise cuts…nice things cost money.

I was looking at the Metabo TS254M but the flex in the fence puts me off. Another possibility was the Evolution RAGE5–S.

Hoping someone with more knowledge and woodworking skill can give me a good recommendation. Thanks.

 

[Max...]

It really costs money (and space) to get a properly precise table saw. You can get really precise cuts on larger sheets (and a lot more versatility to do so many other tasks with jigs and templates) with a mini router and a simple aluminium U shape straight edge.

 

[Phils Arcade]

Depending what you want to use it for, a small workshop, it might be better to use a plunge saw with tracks. Very versatile and can accurate.

Stay away from cheap table saws, can be dangerous and hard to align the cutting blade.

 

[Flyback2021]

The Evolution RAGE5–S is pretty decent used a fair bit in workshops and is a good price. The majority of time for precision and quickness I use my festool plunge, the accuracy and extraction is exceptional tho I realise not a table saw as such. Not the cheapest set up but pays for itself.

 

[Bods]

I have Fury 5 like one in link which is quite good, used it loads making arcade cab parts like bases for my operation wolf and EC Centi cabs, cut plastic sheets, aluminium for various things, always thought it was a bit crap not having guides fixing at each end but for the price it's done the job, the Rage5-s looked quite good being able to fold up but I don'y remember seeing that model when I was looking, The older version of mine looked better with the table being Cast Alloy rather than pressed steel. I paid £180 new delivered I think which wasn't bad but I'd probably get the fold up one if I was looking now, not had any issues with it so far

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/38747842...SZBP0ZamZcJah21IqAN1rDupM=|tkp:Bk9SR5jeir3TZA

 

[Flyback2021]

Depending what you want to use it for, a small workshop, it might be better to use a plunge saw with tracks. Very versatile and can accurate.

Stay away from cheap table saws, can be dangerous and hard to align the cutting blade

near identical comment my friend😂 Jinx !

 

[TheDaddy]

Its all about money & what you want to spend, The higher the price the better the quality and more accurate cut. Also you need to balance cost with how often your going to use it, Pointless spending £650 on something you are going to use once a year. I have the use of my dads workshop and did have my own small workshop , I opted for a reasonable priced (Its 20 years ago so cant remember make !) one as I used it once a month.

I am just looking again as I have shit loads of stuff to do including a kitchen and I dont want to keep going down my dads so am looking at this :-

Evolution Fury 5-S 255mm Multi-Purpose TCT Table Saw (230V) - Machine Mart

www.machinemart.co.uk

Will cut though most Pine / Oak as long as they are not to thick !! Read the full spec though is my only other advise.

Again there is bigger , Better ect ect, If you have more money to spend then get a better one !

Good luck hope this helps,

Dave.

 

[kuato_lives]

Thanks for the replies. I’ve seen “precision” table saws like the Startrite ones in the £1000s, so appreciate the real high-end stuff is way above my budget.

I don’t mind taking time to make sure the fence is the correct angle on a table saw, but wasn’t sure if some of the negative reviews refer to it moving during cuts. If I want wonky, I can do that perfectly well with my hand saw

Usually only do small DIY stuff but investing in some proper tools would encourage me to do more about the house.

 

[Bods]

That's what I base my purchase of tools on, how often am I using it

Plunge saws look interesting too and looks great if cutting down a big sheet of wood, I'd like a full workshop with everything but my Workshop turned into an Arcade

 

[Flyback2021]

I am using woodworking equipment a lot (most days) so bit the bullet and invested in a set up. I can honestly say I have never regretted investing in good tools but good to assess against the needs and use. All this said if I needed a load of mdf or ply cut to size I would still order from the timbers merchants cut as their charges are so low and more economical .

 

[Phils Arcade]

It's not just whether the fence is square, you may find the blade isn't square. Usually there is an adjustment, again cheap ones don't have adjustments. If it isn't true to the fence, the wood can catch and either stall the blade, cause burning on the wood, or end up with kick-back.

Also, when you get the saw, check how square it is to the table. You'd be surprised how many saws are a couple of degrees out compared to what's printed on the angle indicator.

 

[kuato_lives]

It's not just whether the fence is square, you may find the blade isn't square.

Also, when you get the saw, check how square it is to the table.

A common complaint, I’m now well aware of the need to properly set up/check and re-check. The fence was the major issue with the Metabo, otherwise it sounded like a great saw for the price.

Think I’ve got a good idea which saw to go for now, thanks again to everyone for taking the time to reply

 

[Bods]

seeing this has just reminded me https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326296971566?_skw=table+saw&epid=4053663352&itmmeta=01JADZWQXJAAARF43N17FHKPVQ&hash=item4bf8d0a92e:g:gvQAAOSwvLFnBNXZ&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA4HoV3kP08IDx+KZ9MfhVJKmf4CbfPqhY8/P6tczEt4AK1o2bHCvxqaNP1LW4kcpYMfwkAZjws5zi3j0KLtasdUGpPy+nheguyTgTci8347eTI6i85xXvxFZfUaj479yX1FIFchib1WcvuR921XZ4oqKn87tHWzrK+4ds7PfymFuUmDS2rWNUjKclPK45g85oOUtVhuDQelStoO5pD+f1CcewTTfMUOta7ZTGv/3tFYPguclxkmVFMU8ROgyH90ImMsorROkJ+fOVxTNsiiobcKT2anAi4C4f2AdiV5bS8ofy|tkp:Bk9SR_j-8r_TZA

A couple of years back Aldi had the same Table Saw as mine, like most stuff these days, they are Chinese made with every brand name going on them all pretty similar unless your buying a really good make and then you get something better quality made in China

 

[Phils Arcade]

Another thing to look out for are the blades. Get a couple of good quality blades, different teeth per inch, rough cut and fine.

A few years back, I was quite happy with my table saw and the blades. Cut what I needed. Then decided to buy a new set of cutters and installed them in the saw. Nearly had an accident. They went through the wood like a hot knife through butter. Was so used to how my old blades cut, never thought what a difference new ones would make.

This is what I use, a 12" cast iron bed SIP table saw, with dust extraction. Pretty solid build and takes at least 2 to move it. Always thought about putting it on heavy duty casters, but never gotten round to it, yet.

 

[1bradders]

I needed something I could easily wheel about. Had this DeWalt saw + stand for a few years now. Worked great.

https://www.toolden.co.uk/power-tools/table-saws/dewalt-dwe7485-gb-210mm-compact-table-saw-1850w-240v-de7400-saw-stand/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0rXnk7mXiQMVzqVaBR1o4iC9EAQYASABEgJpyfD_BwE#description

 

[kuato_lives]

This is the one (the DeWalt) I think I’ll get. Well worth paying the extra for a solid tool.

 

[Vorbis]

I once found one of my dad's fingers down the shed after a table saw accident. Can't remember the make but wouldn't recommend that one 😁