accesskb

Hi,
I'm here seeking advice on which table saw to buy. I am not a hobbiest but wanted to buy a saw to help me build architectural models in school. I've been looking around and have narrowed it down to either the Micro Mark or the Jim Byrnes Table Saw. It seems the Byrnes Table Saw is good for very precise cutting and very well built. I notice the Micro Mark allows one to adjust the blade's angle. Which of the two would you say will be more helpful to me? I do not have any other tools in possesion and would like to buy a saw that's an all-rounder. Perhaps you all have another suggestion for me. Appreciate the help. Thanks.
Derek

Broken Wings

My Feedback: (20)

I have the Micro-Mark with the Precision fence that is sold as an accessory. It works very well and I haven't had any trouble with it. For architectural models I would think you would want a saw that mimics the capabilities of a full size table saw so the tilt blade may be an asset.

There are alot of "Add Ons" for the Micro-Mark as well.

dhal22

the Proxxon seems to be a nice saw. http://www.minicrafttools.com/38070.html

Walther

My Feedback: (1)

For what they cost you could find "real" used table saw. I see a lot of them around here for $50 to $100.

dhal22

i have both and they both have their purposes. it's no fun cutting small strips with a big table saw.

Henry Pel

My Feedback: (7)

Try this fellow out on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/DREMEL-580-TABLE...d=p3911.c0.m14
He on occasion has complete re-conditioned Dremel 580 Hobby table saws for sale.
I happened to get one from him and they are excellent.

TedMo

I'm afraid I won't be much help to you since these to me are just toys with very limited capabilites. I have been a industrial model maker, cabinet maker, teacher of woodworking all my life so these do not posses that which I consider table saws capabilities. However, what you intend to use it for they make be ok. Just a warning which I'm sure you realize but anyway a table saw is a dangerous tool so be very careful.

carlosponti

My Feedback: (1)

i frankly dont think spending 300 or 400 on the micro table saws is worth it. friend of mine bought one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42307 not great for ripping stock. here is something small for ripping http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93211
but i would offer that you get a real table saw because with a zero clearance insert they can be nice for cutting and ripping small stock by using a 7 1/2 inch 40 tooth circular saw which has a really small kerf. i use one for ripping stock.

dhal22

if you are a scratch builder the micro table saw would be worth it. if you repair arfs then a std table saw would work.

KW_Counter

I have the Harbor Freight 4" Mighty Might Table Saw.
I am happy with it. However, it does NOT have a fence.
This makes ripping very difficult.
I do have a piece of oak I use by clamping it to the top.
Sometimes it works well, sometimes not so well.
If you are serious about this gett one of the better models.
I don't suggest a full size table saw if you are woking with small pieces.
I have one and I stay away from it for most modeling.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter

seanucd2000

My Feedback: (1)

Just buy yourself a decent band saw. I can rip 1/16 inch thick 36 inch long pieces of bass wood or balsa all day long with mine, and it's a thousand times safer than trying to do it using a table saw.

http://www.amazon.com/Jet-JWBS-10OS-...2855767&sr=8-1

Rodney

If you are going to get a table saw, get as large a one as you have room for, at least an 8 inch or 10 inch. I use a 10 inch and can easily saw strips and spars down to 1/16 inch or less with proper blade and set up. For long straight cuts, much better than a band saw and easier to set up and control. You can do small work with a big saw but you can't do much with a small one.

Berta

Hi..
I use my full size table saw, just with smaller blades, and a zero clearance insert custom cut for the smaller blade. Works like a charm. If you have a brand name saw, blank inserts should be readily available, if not as in my case, I make my own for my prehistoric delta saw. Think "clear lexan"... bert

dhal22

good points. all of them.

carlosponti

My Feedback: (1)

i agree with the band saw comment they are better for resawing than a table saw. now for an idea of what can be done with a table saw with proper setup http://lumberjocks.com/projects/17991 those white keys are strips of maple cut into strips about blade thickness and set into walnut. now i will get onto my arf repair

allanflowers

I had one of those 4" little saws http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93211 . It burned out on very moderate use, wouldn't cut worth a darn anyway. It was a complete piece of crap. I now have a 10" Craftsman using a fine cabinet blade and it is very precise.

Walther

My Feedback: (1)

I have a very good band saw, but it does not take the place of a good table saw!

asmithnc

AMEN Your orginal question asked for help with a Mini Table saw. From experience don't go with the Dremel POS. With my machining background I would go with the best Byrnes would be my only choice.

Remember this is going to be your future career ...so start with the best.. Spend the money and have fun.


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Red B.

I have a Proxxon FKS/E table saw and while it is not indespenable, I find it handy for precise cutting of many small objects in plywood and hardwood.
A slightly cheaper alternative is to purchase a high quality Japanese dozuki hand saw. It can make very precise cuts in any hard- or softwood.

dhal22

now look what you did. i gotta have one of those hand saws. very nice.

safeTwire

My Feedback: (2)

A factor is which type and size wood you will be working with.

Will you be cutting up full sheets of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4" etc. plywood, and 1x3, 2x4"etc. planks for framing? Or balsa and lighter/modeling type plywood?

One size saw cant do both efficiently.

Determine first, what kind of wood you will be working with.

If...you will be working with modeling type material, which includes high grade plywood at least up to 3/8"thick...
Then the saw Henry Pel lists (Dremel 580) is excellent, and has proven to be a great asset for modeling as well as other lighter projects around the house. MicroMark sells a carbide tip blade to fit this saw, which I highly recommend. Mount any saw of this size firmly down either directly to a work bench, or onto a larger piece of plywood which then can be clamped down to a work bench. Always use goggles[8D]

Broken Wings

My Feedback: (20)

The Proxxon and the Micro-Mark are the same saw just different colored plastic.

Rocketman612

My Feedback: (85)

I picked up a used MicroMark here on RCU 7 years ago and it's been flawless. Carbide tip blade. Use it for hardwood,ply,balsa. How you use it with regard to blade speed and how fast you try to cut the material will determine accuracy and longevity of the unit.


Pete