Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Table saw types
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03-28-01, 09:36 AM
I am looking at purchasing a table saw for a wide variety of projects. By no means am I a carpenter or cabinetmaker but want to get a quality, flexible device. I will range from ripping plywood to trim work. Here are my questions:
1) What are the benefits or drawbacks of what is referred to as a "direct drive" table saw? My dad had an old Rockwell belt drive and it seems to me that belt drive could potentially have less chance for damage due to wood binding etc. in comparison to direct drive.
2) If a belt drive is the preference can I get a more portable unit that is belt drive? All portable saws I have looked at seem to be direct drive.
Thanks for any advice.
JK
1) What are the benefits or drawbacks of what is referred to as a "direct drive" table saw? My dad had an old Rockwell belt drive and it seems to me that belt drive could potentially have less chance for damage due to wood binding etc. in comparison to direct drive.
2) If a belt drive is the preference can I get a more portable unit that is belt drive? All portable saws I have looked at seem to be direct drive.
Thanks for any advice.
JK
fewalt
03-28-01, 09:54 AM
JK,
I'll try to answer your question. The smaller portable table saws are usually direct drive. The next step up is a contractor's table saw which are usually belt driven. I have both, and the real difference is the motor, larger table size, and more accurate fence. If you think you will possibly get into any woodworking, go for the bigger saw. Even with my contractor saw, if I need a 3/4 sheet of plywood ripped, I'll have Lowes or HD do the rough rip. Another option is a compound miter saw - can't beat them for trim/molding work. Hope I've helped a bit.
I'll try to answer your question. The smaller portable table saws are usually direct drive. The next step up is a contractor's table saw which are usually belt driven. I have both, and the real difference is the motor, larger table size, and more accurate fence. If you think you will possibly get into any woodworking, go for the bigger saw. Even with my contractor saw, if I need a 3/4 sheet of plywood ripped, I'll have Lowes or HD do the rough rip. Another option is a compound miter saw - can't beat them for trim/molding work. Hope I've helped a bit.
03-28-01, 11:18 AM
Would you care to share the brand names and models with me?
I have looked at a few heavy duty portable saws (the Rigid 10" and a Dewalt) and they both look great but they both are direct drive form what I recall. Have you had any problems with direct drive? The belt drive sounds like the way to go but a 250 pound saw will not easily get moved from garage to basement and back again without an army of neighbors.
Thanks again,
I have looked at a few heavy duty portable saws (the Rigid 10" and a Dewalt) and they both look great but they both are direct drive form what I recall. Have you had any problems with direct drive? The belt drive sounds like the way to go but a 250 pound saw will not easily get moved from garage to basement and back again without an army of neighbors.
Thanks again,
fewalt
03-28-01, 11:50 AM
jckutschera,
I don't mind mentioning the brand names at all. They are Delta, along with my 12 1/2in planer, jointer and mortiser.
Delta's get consistently good reviews in all the ww magazines. If you don't see the future use for a larger contractor size saw, I doubt that you will gain much in a heavy duty portable. If you go portable, and need to move it, go light. You can build side and outfeed tables for the portables. As I mentioned, most all the portables are direct drive. That's the nature of the beast, so to speak.
I'm sure all the portable brands will be fairly equivalent.
Oh, my cont. saw is the 36-477 with 30" unifence. I forget the model of the little saw, my neighbor's got it right now.
One other thing, it is possible to stop either blade while ripping a thick piece of lumber. No damage to either.
I don't mind mentioning the brand names at all. They are Delta, along with my 12 1/2in planer, jointer and mortiser.
Delta's get consistently good reviews in all the ww magazines. If you don't see the future use for a larger contractor size saw, I doubt that you will gain much in a heavy duty portable. If you go portable, and need to move it, go light. You can build side and outfeed tables for the portables. As I mentioned, most all the portables are direct drive. That's the nature of the beast, so to speak.
I'm sure all the portable brands will be fairly equivalent.
Oh, my cont. saw is the 36-477 with 30" unifence. I forget the model of the little saw, my neighbor's got it right now.
One other thing, it is possible to stop either blade while ripping a thick piece of lumber. No damage to either.
03-30-01, 04:13 PM
Thanks for your help Fewalt.
I am going to pick up a new Craftsman model tonight. I opted for a cast iron unit with belt drive. Major improvement in fence and power from any portable I looked at. I guess we stick with what we know. Now I just gotta get some neighbors together to get it into my basement...
JK
I am going to pick up a new Craftsman model tonight. I opted for a cast iron unit with belt drive. Major improvement in fence and power from any portable I looked at. I guess we stick with what we know. Now I just gotta get some neighbors together to get it into my basement...
JK