08-18-2013, 06:45 AM
Just to add some more info...
The new table saws are much safer than the older used ones because they by law now have to have riving knives behind the blade. Frankly, it is insane that OSHA has taken so long to get around to requiring this. Older saws are much less safe unless you invest in an aftermarket splitter/guard system (I have one of these). You'll also need to get featherboards to make your cuts clean and safe (the magswitch ones are the best but only work with cast iron saws), plus you need to have a good pushstick system. I also second what Mike Johnson said about the need for an aftermarket fence, good blade and requirement to tune up your saw regularly.
All of this costs money and time which is why I advocate using a miter saw/track saw combo instead of a table saw...cheaper/safer/more portable/more precise.
The new table saws are much safer than the older used ones because they by law now have to have riving knives behind the blade. Frankly, it is insane that OSHA has taken so long to get around to requiring this. Older saws are much less safe unless you invest in an aftermarket splitter/guard system (I have one of these). You'll also need to get featherboards to make your cuts clean and safe (the magswitch ones are the best but only work with cast iron saws), plus you need to have a good pushstick system. I also second what Mike Johnson said about the need for an aftermarket fence, good blade and requirement to tune up your saw regularly.
All of this costs money and time which is why I advocate using a miter saw/track saw combo instead of a table saw...cheaper/safer/more portable/more precise.