I have one of those big cast iron craftsman table saws from the 1980s. One accessory that I would never be without is a crosscut box. I built one that will take 24" wide sheet goods and cut it with high accuracy. The saw I own is large and heavy enough to support the box and the work. A smaller, lighter saw will not be stable or safe to cut material that large.
If your saw is staying in your shop, get the biggest and heaviest that you can afford, the foot print between a portable contractor style table saw and a cabinet style is minimal, but the difference in confidence and quality of work is huge.
I am using a 1930's General. I found it in a recycler ad and paid 400 for it.
The guy that I bought it from, got it from an old high school wood shop.
It has a very nice Vega fence, that can be dialed in to half a nat's ass.
I have never seen a new saw for under 2000.00 that even comes close to quality of this cast iron oldie.
The track saws have their purpose, but will never replace a decent table saw.
Don't rule out finding a decent used saw.
To Quote Peter
I'm completely confident in my ability to keep my hands out of the saw and it's not the only potentially dangerous machine in the shop. I'll leave it at that.
I would rather spend the extra money on a good saw, the Saw Stop can't even cut a hot dog.
Happy hunting Danny
Neil
