Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

Hi Joey. Welcome to the forum.

Don't get me wrong, I've the tools you are looking for, in fact too many of them, but this not really really by choice because usually I like building tools as well. Anyway let answer your questions.

I've not really seen the table saw you mentioned but the price seems pretty good. If the top is cast aluminum, not bent sheet metal, I'd say it is probably a good choice. Some table saws, I've seen recently, have these blade guards but on the one occasion that I used such a table, I did not really like it. The zero clearance feature, the thing that keeps the workpiece from binding to the blade, is a good thing to have.

I may have the router table you are considering. Is this the one that would sit on top of your workbench? If so, the only thing is make sure you can clamp it down.

By the way, you may want to consider just building these things. My first router table was homebuilt and it served me well for many years. In fact, I still use the router fence I made for it.

[ADDED]

GMC is an Australian brand. I would classify it as a good home-use-only brand. If you plan to do heavy frequent work then go for the commercial brands like Makita. Also, GMC tools here are mostly returns or inventory overruns or obsolete stock so make sure you test the tool or are willing to fix any problems you encounter.

I have a lot of GMC tools, I used to sell them is why. They're ok at least for my use.

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

Thank you Sir lncc63,

I have no experience sa pagbili ng ganitong mga gamit at im very thankful po at merong forum na ganito. well anyway can you give me some advice to which tools should i buy? or better yet baka meron po kayong for sale. can you give me # pwede akong tumawag or address para makita at mainspired sa mga Tools niyo sir?

thanks,

joey...

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

Like I said Joey, those prices are not bad at all ... for the router table assuming a router is included. I'm still however of the opinion that the better route is to make your own first. Most of the real pros construct their own. Try going to a nearby sash factory ... but also try not to pickup their "quick and dirty" practices.

The important point with respect to a table saw is that it is stable - meaning heavy and stiff. Mostly I use my table saw for cutting lengthwise though on occasion I also use it for cross cuts and taper cuts. The most important accessory for a table saw is the fence. This should also be solid. Also, you should be able to clamp it to the table solidly. One thing I wish I had on my table saw is a quick and easy alignment means. I've yet to however see a commercial home-only-use table saw fence as solid as my fence which is just made from 3/4" plywood. For cross cutting you should have a miter fence and this comes standard.

Other important accessories are feather boards and pushsticks. These are nothing complicated, easy to make, but EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to avoid loosing your figers.

The same pretty much goes for router tables. Do a search there are a good many free plans out there. The other thing with routers and router tables is that you'll need bits. My suggestion is to get a set so the per-bit cost is lower. You can then just buy replacements of the bits that you will most often use. Don't go for HSS bits, they're not worth it IMHO. Carbide is by far the better buy.

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

ok sir will consider that. but do remember that i have a little knowledge about woodworks. making this table (saw or router) would be difficult for me unless you thought me how. like DIY instruction manual. a picture of your tables would be much appreciated sir.

thanks,
joey

PS: somebody's selling a Delta Table Saw model 36-540 (110 volts) 10' Saw with 3 extension plate for 9,500 pesos. is this a bargain price?

the router table is already sold. well i guess i have to hunt or build a new one....

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

http://www.toolseeker.com/WdWkMac/Tablesaw/36-540.asp?var1=36-540

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

First, I would not buy a 110v table saw. There are already many 220v models that are affordable. Don't get me wrong but there are a good many MIC (Made In China) brands that are already give comparable quality.

No experience ... hmmm ... well everyone started with no experience so no need to worry. You already have what is takes -- interest. Add a little patience and determination and your set as far as I'm concerned.

I suggest you practice with the tools you have. You can really do a lot with your existing set. Good things to practice on are a workbench and two or more saw horses. You can't go wrong with these projects. Just Google for them.

As for DIY plans, as I've said there are quite a few plans on the net. Some are free and some you'll have to pay for. Frankly, though I suggest you study how a tool is used, then what is available commercially, and finally conjure up your own. This is also a lot of fun. All this information is again on the net.

I'll try to snap some pictures of my stuff at home and post them.

What hand tools do you already have?

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

First, I would not buy a 110v table saw. There are already many 220v models that are affordable. Don't get me wrong but there are a good many MIC (Made In China) brands that are already give comparable quality.

No experience ... hmmm ... well everyone started with no experience so no need to worry. You already have what is takes -- interest. Add a little patience and determination and your set as far as I'm concerned.

I suggest you practice with the tools you have. You can really do a lot with your existing set. Good things to practice on are a workbench and two or more saw horses. You can't go wrong with these projects. Just Google for them.

As for DIY plans, as I've said there are quite a few plans on the net. Some are free and some you'll have to pay for. Frankly, though I suggest you study how a tool is used, then what is available commercially, and finally conjure up your own. This is also a lot of fun. All this information is again on the net.

I'll try to snap some pictures of my stuff at home and post them.

What hand tools do you already have?

thank you again sir!

i'm now downloading some plans like workbench and table plan for router and saw.

i already have Black & Decker (700w) drill, Makita sander, Black & Decker 7 1/4 circular saw and mini router.(Makita 3700b no Accessories)

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

Congratulations ... watch out though, there is a real danger of not being able to decided what to do or taking on something you're not quite ready for. A workbench needs to be well thought out. You are going to be using it for a very long time. Start with saw horses, maybe some shelves to store your tools.

Joey, I was asking what HAND tools you have. Power tools are great, essential even for some like myself, but hand tools are essential just the same.

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

Congratulations ... watch out though, there is a real danger of not being able to decided what to do or taking on something you're not quite ready for. A workbench needs to be well thought out. You are going to be using it for a very long time. Start with saw horses, maybe some shelves to store your tools.

Joey, I was asking what HAND tools you have. Power tools are great, essential even for some like myself, but hand tools are essential just the same.

ohhh im sorry (embarrassed) i have a hand saw, some chisels, pile, level, inch/metric ruler, tape measure, screwdriver, clamps, pliers, hammer (metal and rubber),spoke shave.

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

Looks like you're set. The only things missing are a carpenter's square, a bevel square, a hand plane, and a wet stone (if you'll do your own sharpening).

Here's a tip that a pro gave me a long time ago: use small and light hand tools. They are easier to control especially for us who do not get in that much practice.

For example, find a light hammer. Typical hammers are good for driving 3" nails into 2x4s but for say cabinet work you want something you can control and not put dents into your masterpiece.

Store saws present the same problem. Observe any cabinet maker and you'll see he uses a small light saw. Actually those saws are big saws that were cut in two. You might find one in the hardware stores but you can also look in the sharpening shops.

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

Looks like you're set. The only things missing are a carpenter's square, a bevel square, a hand plane, and a wet stone (if you'll do your own sharpening).

Here's a tip that a pro gave me a long time ago: use small and light hand tools. They are easier to control especially for us who do not get in that much practice.

For example, find a light hammer. Typical hammers are good for driving 3" nails into 2x4s but for say cabinet work you want something you can control and not put dents into your masterpiece.

Store saws present the same problem. Observe any cabinet maker and you'll see he uses a small light saw. Actually those saws are big saws that were cut in two. You might find one in the hardware stores but you can also look in the sharpening shops.

It's a bit pricey for the stanley square but i guess i have to settle for this because the other brand like Eagle, Lotus, Tramontina is not aligned . im still scouting for hand plane though.

i bought a big hand saw for long cutting and the small one for finishing edges. also i bought a small hammer and big hammer.

thank you sir for that tip, ill do that for other tools i'm going to buy.

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

"Pricey Stanley square" - I agree but like you I bit the bullet and bought one. I can't read the graduations anymore but I've really never had a need to anyway. As you said, the important thing is that it is true.

If you get the chance, also buy a Japanese pull saw. These are PRICEY, I paid about P1k for a set with one replacement blade several years ago, but I am absolutely of the opinion that they are worth every centavo. They are far superior to any Western push saw in every aspect, again IMHO (in my humble opinion).

So good luck Joey. I look forward to seeing your next project.

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

I agree with both of you . The Stanley Square is a good buy even if it's pricey. I bought one too.

lncc63 : What's good about the Japanese pull saw and where can we buy these?

Thanks

Re: Looking for Table Saw, Router Table & Bits, Dovetail Jig

Attached are images of the pull saw I have for those that have not seen one.

Japanese pull saws cut on the pull stroke rather than the push stroke. Since it is cutting when you pull, the blade is in tension which not only causes it to be straight but also does not suffer from buckling. Now because it will never buckle the blade can be extremely thin allowing very precise cuts to be made.

The quality of the teeth is another thing. Admittedly, I've never really put much effort into knowing the reasons however I can tell you guys from experience that I've seen nothing that can compare. One time I split an 18 foot long pole, cutting through about 1-1/2" of wood, with my saw. The saw made surprisingly easy work of this task.

The "complaint" I have is that you can't resharpen the blade. Then again it took about 3 years for me to "use up" the two blades I have and ask my Japanese friend to buy me replacement blades.

Check them out http://www.z-saw.co.jp