Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Portable Table Saws

Anyone tried the new (relatively) portable type table saws? I've got a need for a table saw but cannot dedicate the space to one full time and having one that I need help to move in and out just means I will use it less. I read an article in the last issue of fine homebuilding (taunton) where they compared and reviewed a half dozen models. The Bosch came out on top but the Ryobi model (BTS20) fared well on value as it has a low price point. The higher end ones got good ratings for things like power (Ryobi could rip a 4x4) and fence accuracy. In other words, they said for what they can do, they do reasonably well. As I have never owned a table saw, I am cautious about what they cannot do that I will want them to.

If I bought one it would likely be the Ryobi but my hesitation to rush out a pick one up is twofold. First, will I be happy with these products (for DIY needs only) and what they offer (example 20 inch right side rip) in terms of meeting most of my needs for a table saw (I've got a decent circular) or are they too limited?

Second question is, for years people have told me that I should consider only Delta so that I can get compatibility with 3rd party accessories and things. I think most of these portable saws use T-slots and some of them are proprietary so the accessories available might be quite limited. Is this something I need to worry about?

thanks

I have a BTS20 and 2 other table saws and rip sheet goods and 3/4" solid lumber on the BTS20. The most tasking job I used it for was to rip 12 2x4's in half (1 1/2" deep cut). I cut them one after another and that is the only time I noticed the max cutting speed. But it did the job just fine. The motor did not overheat and it did not trip the safety circuit.

The fence is good too.

The bevel adjustment threaded rod will clog with time, causing the bevel knob hard to turn. When that happens, you should clean the rod which is easy to do. If you don't I think the bevel crank, being plastic, would eventually break off and then the saw would be useless.

It truely setups up and down effortlessly. Easy to read fence/inch gauge.
It's a good value, especially for a portable setup. A nice feature is the built in outfeed rack.

I would not compare it to high end table saws which have alot more to offer, beginning with larger table surfaces, but for the money, you will be very happy with it.

One more very nice feature is that it will cut 27" right out of the box without any accessories. I think it is the only saw in the medium price range that can do that. Most only cut to 19 or 25".

Regarding power. Most 115 volt saws operate at close to 15 amps under a full load so I don't see a difference until you compare a 220 volt to a 115 volt saw. I've seen the Ryobi rip a 4x4. It did it, but I promise you better have a good sharp blade if you want to get thru it before lunch, lol.

For the price, what you sacrifice is durablity and longevity. The ryobi is what I call, a plastic saw. I expect it to break some day with heavy use and to throw it away. Still good value to me.

I don't know about proprietary t-slots. The ryobi slot seems a common size and I have made sleds that ride in the track by using 3/4" mdf that fits, albeit snuggly.

Regarding accessories,,, that is always a factor to bear in mind. But I don't agree with the narrow point of view of only buying Delta.

When comparing it to other low cost saws, the bts20 winning features are the portablility and the 27" cut. All other features are secondary.

Thanks Lugnut, that is precisely the kind of feedback I was looking for. as I mnetioned the BTS20 is a the top of a very short list for me. I don't expec to get a lot of use out of it but every once it a while I find I really do need a table saw and I really liked that the review I read says the fence is accurate and that it has a 27" cut. You've confirmed that and helped cement my confidence in the purchase.

I have had a BTS20 for over a year and put it through some hell. No problems yet. The 27" rip is great!! I build a lot of built in's and it saves me money cause I can buy full sheets of MDF and Ply instead of paying for pre cut. I will say that the stand is nice but the new Bosch stand is sweet. If it will fill the BTS20 I will be getting one.

The Ryobi is a good choice for mid range saws. You can go higher, but unless you use it exclusively daily, it won't be worth it. I use a BTS20 as a portable unit on my company jobsite trailer. The wheels make it nice to transport. And I like the crankable bevel. The cheaper Ryobi is a manual flip-over miter, and I just think the crank allows for more precise cuts. I do use this one almost daily, and have done so for over a year with no problems. You will need to keep it clean as the worm gears tend to get sluggish with sawdust. The "almost Biesenmyer (sp)" fence is super, and allows for correction at setup.

Larry

Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking Tool Guide put the Ryobi as the Best Value and the Bosch 4000-09 as the best overall. There is a $350.00 price difference between the two.

Ridgid (TS2400LS) was a close second to the Bosch, and cost $100 less.

One comment on the Makita 2703 was that the miter-gauge slots are too small for an aftermarket miter.

I'll either be buying the Ridgid or the Ryobi later this Spring.

Good luck.

I am also thinking of buying a portable table saw and the bosch, rigid, and ryobi are the final 3. There is a $200 difference between each one--$599, $399, $199. For a DIY, I was thinking of buying the rigid that gives the lifetime warranty on its equipment. Or, is the $200 savings of a ryobi worth the value in the saw?

Wellllll, if the Ryobi breaks you can buy a second one with the $200 savings.

FYI, the Ryobi scored the lowest (out of 6 models rated) in making height and blade adjustments which require the most revolutions and have small -diameter knobs. It scored the highest in portablity, miter gauge and fence.

The Ridgid weighs 1.5 times the Ryobi and has the best fence adjustment, very good blade adjustment, excellent miter gauge, and a good stand.

Ratings out of 5

Bosch 4.5
Ridgid 4.22
Dewalt 4.20
Ryobi 4.03
Porter-Cable 4.03
Makita 4.03

I'd go Ridgid over Bosch because of the warranty. If I go with the Ryobi it will because of price. Most likely the Ridgid will be one I get.

Don

Wellllll, if the Ryobi breaks you can buy a second one with the $200 savings.

FYI, the Ryobi scored the lowest (out of 6 models rated) in making height and blade adjustments which require the most revolutions and have small -diameter knobs. It scored the highest in portablity, miter gauge and fence.

The Ridgid weighs 1.5 times the Ryobi and has the best fence adjustment, very good blade adjustment, excellent miter gauge, and a good stand.

Ratings out of 5

Bosch 4.5
Ridgid 4.22
Dewalt 4.20
Ryobi 4.03
Porter-Cable 4.03
Makita 4.03

I'd go Ridgid over Bosch because of the warranty. If I go with the Ryobi it will because of price. Most likely the Ridgid will be one I get.

Don
Thanks Don. Very useful info. BTW, where did you find this rating?

Found it in "Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking Tool Guide" that my son got me for Christmas :thumbup:

Good luck.

Don

Are you able to take the BTS20 off the base? So...say I was to build a more permanent place when not taking it somewhere?

Rapture,

I loaned my guide out, but I'm not sure it addresses your queston anyway. You may have to stop by HD and take a look at it.

My guess is that It can be separated from the stand. Only a guess.

Don

Thanks Don :thumbup:

Rapture: I use the BTS20R, and can't imagine taking the legs/wheels off. If you are going to do that, save $99 and buy the BTS10S, which doesn't come with the legs. That way you could mount it where you want to.

Is that the only difference between the 10/20? Just the stand?
Thanks for the advice.

If I was looking for a tablesaw, I would look at this: http://www.eurekazone.com/products/detail/smarttable.html

The only major difference is the legs, and the tilt adjustment. On the 20, it is adjusted via a crank mechanism on the side, and on the 10 it is released and pivoted manually and relocked. Now, I use the 20 on a construction site trailer, and it is very handy with the wheels and stand, but for a shop, I would really rather have one of the big boys with a machined table top. I still use my old 10" craftsman in my shop, and can't justify another one because it still cuts. Would like to have a Beisenmyer fence system, though.

I know this is an old thread..but it has good info.
I too am looking for a good portable..as I cant dedicate space for my old Craftsman belt drive, which Im looking to sell to get a portable.
Thanks for your input...
Now, it's decission time..!!