My birthday is coming up and I'm thinking of having the wife get me a table saw. The saw is for general around the house projects with so nothing too fancy.

Is 200 a good price or do I need to look a little higher for something solid that will provide for all my needs?

Some of the projects I have going are:

Shelving for the garage
Gates for the backyard
Another workbench
Cabinets for the laundry room

 

I'm like you....nothing big, but for around the house type projects. Personally, I'd love to get a $500 table saw...just because. But, realistically, I'd choose whatever Ryobi has at that price range (I can't think of the model number right now). I think their top is around $230 - give or take. Craftsman could have something good, but I have a Home Depot right down the street. Also, Ryobi hasn't disappointed me once since buying around 10 of their tools (18v)....


Again, this is just my opinion...

 

I knew a post like this would wake you up, Rapture! Spending someone else's money....
I'll have to agree on the Ryobi. I have an older craftsman in my shop that just won't break to justify replacement, but on my jobsite trailer I have the Ryobi on a rolling stand. It will probably run you about $230, but it has been a solid investment, since I move it around the jobsite, and the wheels make it nice. It folds up like a gurney and stores in a space about 16" deep, has a good fence system and extension table side and run off extension as well.

 

yep chandler, that's what I do best....spend other's money. But seriously, I just don't think for the money, the Ryobi should be overlooked. I'd buy it without thinking if I could.

 

I agree. Too often the name may imply cheapness, and it really isn't! Someone really thought through the one I have (probably listened to carpenters). I have no complaints at all.

 

200 should buy a used 500 saw

thats what I would do .

 

For $100.00 you could get a Delta 10" table saw with stand and a dado blade kit for the extra $100.00.

 

let me throw out a table saw alternative , since I bought mine I haven't had a need for my tablesaw

http://www.eurekazone.com/

go to sawmill creek.com to read about them .

 

I'd consider stepping up a bit
Though fine for a deck, or maybe garage shelving, I have found most 200+/- dollar saws lacking when upping the ante
I'd recommend a nice DeWalt or Bosch as a regret-proof purchase
Or perhaps a used version to save money
They won't let you down if you decide to do trim work or cabinetry

I found the favorable reviews of the Ryobi interesting, and have included a previously published review here for a little balance
(It was written by me)

(quote)
I have #2 (the Ryobi table saw)
It's crap
I can't wait until it breaks and I can replace it
Well, breaks enough to warrant replacement
Pieces started falling off the first day I used it

It took a few hours and massive modification (removal of safety stuff, elongating adjustment slots) to get it even close to square
Which it still isn't btw, just closer
The measurements on it are a total joke, nothings within 1/2" or 5* of being correct

If it wasn't for the money, it'd have a little "accident" and fall off the truck tomorrow
...along with the Ryobi palm sander I used a few times
That thing stinks too

Am I being too subtle?

Just in case you missed it, I don't particularly care much for the saw


Oh, by the way, have I mentioned how bad that table saw is?
It technically does cut, but so badly it actually creates more work for you
Wait, I think the word "cut" is not accurate
"Chews" would be much more accurate

It's not so much a tool as it is a loud, sawdust flinging, frustration machine (end quote)

Though I'm glad some members have had success with that...item
I'm sorry I can't recommend it myself

 

Slick....I was just fine with the Ryobi without reading that. Thanks a lot

 

Lol...sorry Rap

I really am glad some people have had success with it
Also-it could be that I got a dud, or a different model that isn't as good as others

 

Well I was in the same position with wanting to spend 200 so I bought the Hitachi 10 inch job site table saw from Lowes. It works great so far, but haven't used it much. My Hitachi miter saw is a great product so I am sure this will be too.