I have been doing a lot of home repairs and I think a table saw would be a great addition to my garage. However, I am not well versed in wood working stuff. I can barely drive a nail without splitting the wood. I am getting better though. I am now looking for an affordable table saw that can handle occasional home project kind of use. I would like something that folds up and hides in a corner if that is possible. Also, I thought I read about a saw table a few years back that does fold up and uses my hand held circular saw. For the amount of work I would do with it that sounds fine to me. I just want something thing that will cut straight lines and is easy to store. I would prefer to buy something used so I need some input on what I should look for as I cruise through Craigslist. Any ideas?

I spent 7 years doing construction so I will give my opinion. There are some saws that use a circular saw but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. They are gonna be loosely accurate at best probably only good to be used for rough cutting (outdoor or non finish work). If you still want one I believe ryobi may have what you are looking for. As for a bit nicer saw I like the ridgid and possibly makita models for a budget and a powermatic for a nicer saw. Delta has some older models that are decent for home use. Don't be afraid to buy an older Powermatic or Rockwell if they are in good shape. The key for having good results is gonna be how the fence is setup on the saw. The more solid and precise the fence feels to you the better more repeatable cuts you are going to be able to accomplish. Other than that just look to see that the rest of the saw is in good shape and that all the adjustments are precise without any major play.

I am concerned about the quality of the cut on that kind of saw. If it is that bad then I do not mind getting a dedicated table saw and deal with the extra space it will take up. I do see a lot of Rockwell products show up on CL. Most of them are pretty old. I have no issue with that as long as parts are available.

Parts for Rockwells are typically still available but its not something you can go to Home Depot and buy. You would have to find somewhere that specializes in power tool repair. Grainger "might" be able to get stuff but I doubt it never tried. From what you tell me I would recommend looking for a 10" contractor saw. Those tend to be smaller and lighter than a "shop" saw.

I am sure the internet can help me locate parts if they are out there.

I bought a nice little Craftsman a couple of years ago just to handle some of the finishing work redo on our home (it's still available with a stand and rollers). It was excellent for that. However, unlike other, more professional saws, it is limited in the dado blades that it will accept, it won't permit a zero clearance plate to be built for it, and while it has a rear dust exit port that can be cut out (in addition to the drop bag it comes with), there is no dust shroud for the blade to direct sawdust out that back port — nor will the miter slot accept a standard profession miter. This saw worked just fine for what I wanted to do (I had originally intended to sell it after the job was finished), and it provides an accurate cut, but I now wish that I had invested in something a click or two better, as I have enough use for it to keep it.

That is what I am afraid of. I do nto want to buy something that is only good for a few minor projects. I want to be able to use it on anything.

I have been doing a lot of home repairs and I think a table saw would be a great addition to my garage. However, I am not well versed in wood working stuff. I can barely drive a nail without splitting the wood. I am getting better though. I am now looking for an affordable table saw that can handle occasional home project kind of use. I would like something that folds up and hides in a corner if that is possible. Also, I thought I read about a saw table a few years back that does fold up and uses my hand held circular saw. For the amount of work I would do with it that sounds fine to me. I just want something thing that will cut straight lines and is easy to store. I would prefer to buy something used so I need some input on what I should look for as I cruise through Craigslist. Any ideas?
ive worked as a self employed builder for 7 yrs now and BY FAR the best portable fold up saw unit ive EVER seen or used is the RIGID portable one sold by Home Depot. believe it or not. they have and ultra smooth and strong fence that doesnt deflect while your trying to adjust it and all the actions work very smooth. the saw has never had to have new brushes as of yet and we use it A LOT. STAY AWAY FROM MAKITA OR DEWALT PORTABLES LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they are cheap quality, the fences bind and dont hold their settings worth a crap and they are 2 times as much money for half the saw.

I had not thought of them. They have a radial arm saw I drool over when ever we go up there.

I had not thought of them. They have a radial arm saw I drool over when ever we go up there.
dude im NOT kidding one bit, if you want a very well buiolt and designed portable saw with a stand and a great price buy the RIDGID. its a 10" saw, direct drive, plenty of power for a 110 volt and a great price. i promise, you wont be sorry. ive used them all and this one blows the rest away. i tried a makita ($600 POS) and it doesnt hold a candle to the Ridgid. what i am most concerned with on our portables is the ability for the fence to stay put when locked down, the makita and dewalt tend to "wander" if you dont baby it when your putting lumber on it.

you will love this saw.

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Power-Tools-Saws-Table-Saws/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqdk/R-100090444/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

That is a nice saw, but there is no way I can swing that much for a new one. I will have to look for a good used saw.

Lonesome — here's the Craftsman that I referenced http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921807000P It has the shortcomings I noted, but it is solid and accurate. The fence is solid and accurate. It's not a Rigid, but at $269.00, you can go a long way with it if you can't find something that's used but very good.

ive worked as a self employed builder for 7 yrs now and BY FAR the best portable fold up saw unit ive EVER seen or used is the RIGID portable one sold by Home Depot. believe it or not. they have and ultra smooth and strong fence that doesnt deflect while your trying to adjust it and all the actions work very smooth. the saw has never had to have new brushes as of yet and we use it A LOT. STAY AWAY FROM MAKITA OR DEWALT PORTABLES LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they are cheap quality, the fences bind and dont hold their settings worth a crap and they are 2 times as much money for half the saw.

While I will agree the Makita portables are junk, I definitely disagree on your DeWalt opinion. I am a builder, and have two DeWalt portable table saws, both of which have been put through a great deal of harsh stuff. They have a newer fence design that holds accuracy and is much more sturdy than the older designs.

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Look at the DeWalt compact portable saw. It runs about $350, and will do everything you'll need it to do. Its very compact, right around 18" wide x 18" deep x 14" tall. Rip capacity is 16" of width, so that will probably serve you fine, unless you're planning on ripping lots of stuff to 24", then look at a slightly larger saw.

I can't say anything bad about it at all...in fact, its one of the best I've ever used. The Ridgid saw is nice, but I've experienced some minor issues with it. If you want something of more value that isn't going to be a tool you use on a constant basis, Craftsman or Ryobi may be more suitable.

I have to admit, that Craftsman is nice. I am not a fan of them at all but for the price I can be tempted.

I think I looked at a DeWalt compact portable saw at Homey D. It was nice and I think that was the price.

While I will agree the Makita portables are junk, I definitely disagree on your DeWalt opinion. I am a builder, and have two DeWalt portable table saws, both of which have been put through a great deal of harsh stuff. They have a newer fence design that holds accuracy and is much more sturdy than the older designs.

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Look at the DeWalt compact portable saw. It runs about $350, and will do everything you'll need it to do. Its very compact, right around 18" wide x 18" deep x 14" tall. Rip capacity is 16" of width, so that will probably serve you fine, unless you're planning on ripping lots of stuff to 24", then look at a slightly larger saw.

I can't say anything bad about it at all...in fact, its one of the best I've ever used. The Ridgid saw is nice, but I've experienced some minor issues with it. If you want something of more value that isn't going to be a tool you use on a constant basis, Craftsman or Ryobi may be more suitable.
:beerchug: honestly i havent tried any of their "new" versions, as in ones made in the last few yrs. i used one of the earlier versions and it was gawd aweful and would not ever buy another one. i too am a builder and when i find stuff that works i stick with it till it no longer does. rigid table saws and planer, makita drills, dual miter chop saws and skill saws, and porter cable and makita sawzalls are all i use. i do have a craftsman 1,3/4 hp shop saw also.

If I get a really old saw what brand should i look for?