Carpentry and Woodworking - Which Table Saw??

I will be purchasing a table saw very soon and am confused as to which is the best for my needs.I have heard many times the direct drive motors burn out and i should buy a belt drive.My budget allows me to spend about $250.I can search for a used belt drive or buy a new direct drive.I have seen a Delta direct drive for around $220-model TS220LS with the legs.Is this a good saw or should I stick with a belt drive?The work I will be doing is light,just a basement woodworking tool for weekends.:confused:

I would stay away from direct drive table saws. You might be able to pick up a used contractor's saw in pretty good shape.

Agreed,

$250 will buy you a Contractor's saw in decent shape. Don't be in a hurry to buy, but do a serious search for saws in your area for them. One will come along. Belt drive is a better choice imho. If you have the room for it, it will serve you much better than a benchtop saw.

Also, when buying a used saw, be sure to check fence alignment (very important for safety and accuracy) before using it, among other things.

Originally posted by CLIMBNUTT
The work I will be doing is light,just a basement woodworking tool for weekends.:confused:

I do a little more work with my saw than you indicate you will be doing. I bought a Craftsman 10" direct drive with a cast iron top and a set of legs that has served me well now for over 10 years. Go with the belt drive if you'll be using it a lot, like for a day job that supports the family, and if you'll be jamming your stock into the blade and stalling the saw. For us weekend sawdust makers, there's nothing at all wrong with a direct drive saw. DB

And don't forget to enter Rockler's table saw drawing, LOL:

www.rockler.com/delta