Which Table Saw Should I Buy??

Lhovie on 20/07/2021 - 11:21
Last edited 20/07/2021 - 14:31 by 1 other user

So I have always wanted a table saw for a very very very long time…I know someone of you might say 'all you need is a track saw…' I understand but I still want to get one….
I have a limited budget (<1k) and I don't want to get a second hand saw. I have a few shortlisted and want to see what you think about it or maybe some other models I should consider too.

  1. Evolution Rage5S Table Saw ($599)
    https://www.totaltools.com.au/118613-evolution-255mm-1500w-m…

  2. Bosch GTS 10 J ($879)
    https://www.totaltools.com.au/gts-10-j-table-saw-plus-stand-…

  3. Dewalt 54V XR Flexvolt ($999)
    https://www.totaltools.com.au/123916-dewalt-54v-xr-flexvolt-…

I'm pretty sure this will not be the saw that I will use for the rest of my life but still want to be able to use it for at least 5+ years.
Thoughts?

Poll Options

  • 2
    Evolution ($599)
  • 3
    Bosch ($879)
  • 11
    Dewalt ($999)
Home & Garden Table Saw

Comments

  • Euphemistic on 20/07/2021 - 11:25
    +1

    Will you use it on job sites, or just your workshop? Battery doesn’t seem the best option unless you need portable. Battery also isn’t the best option if you need special batteries for one tool, makes a little more sense if you already have batteries to suit.

    • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 11:35

      Sorry I should have mentioned.
      I'm just a hobbyist, doing some small projects here and there, maybe make a cabinet once a year or so.

      I will be putting this indoor in my garage and I am planning to build a workbench around it.
      so yea, battery option might not be the best call. it's just I've seen some good review on this saw that's all.

      • apsilon on 20/07/2021 - 11:46
        +2

        Batteries don't last forever and need to be charged. If you don't need it stick with a plugin unit. The dewalt one you linked to is just a skin as well so unless you already have them you'd have to buy a battery and charger on top. The dewalt does review well, especially at that price point. I'd love a table saw but just don't have the room. I did a fairly large project last year and used a track saw for all cuts. You can do it but it's a PITA. Would've been faster with a table saw.

        • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 11:51

          yes….convenience in doing long cuts (especially rip cuts) is one of the main drive for this purchase

          • kiitos on 21/07/2021 - 17:54

            @hovie: Do you need to do many long rip cuts?

            • hovie on 21/07/2021 - 20:22

              @kiitos: Don't know but I reckon I would.
              but I suppose the length wouldn't be a problem as I have already planned to build a workbench around it as an outfeed table anyway. As long as the fence is rigid and square.

      • pumpkinspice on 20/07/2021 - 11:47
        +3

        Plugged into the mains will provide you with constant/consistent power and speed of the blade.
        The DWE7485-XE seems to be identical except it's mains powered, and it's $100 cheaper.

        Though the DeWalt you've linked to does have a free charger and 6.0AH battery via redemption, and the battery alone is sold for $179.

        If you're not planning on moving it around regularly, I'd strongly recommend going for a mains-powered table saw.

        • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 11:52

          I looked at that saw too seems pretty good….only thing is it looks a bit 'plasticy'..
          but tbh, haven't feel it in person so i could be wrong.

          • pumpkinspice on 20/07/2021 - 15:15

            @hovie:

            it looks a bit 'plasticy'

            True, though I think it looks identical to the DeWalt in your OP:

            1. Dewalt 54V XR Flexvolt ($999)

            The DWE7491-XE looks much nicer, though adds another $260 to your original DeWalt budget at Sydney Tools and Total Tools.
            Or deviating from brand-allegiance, that Sherwood that @Zerofive suggested looks great.

            And in case you were wondering, I'm super-jealous you have the space to set this up.

            • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 15:35

              @pumpkinspice: Yea…really doesn't sit well with me for forking that much for a hobby..
              in terms of space, i've couch surfed, share house, apartment rental, and now finally home ownership…Been having this dream for 10+ years! I'm sure your time will come eventually!!

              • pumpkinspice on 20/07/2021 - 16:06
                +1

                @hovie: Hehe, not likely.
                I've gone from home ownership, to share house, to apartment ownership.

                I'm happy to have less space and less stuff, but now and then things like this make me jelly.

  • Zerofive on 20/07/2021 - 11:47
    +1

    Hey, if you can increase your budget by 300 then you can get the Sherwood 1100W table saw from timbecon which is on special right now.

    I've used the Evo and it's a really good saw.
    Would recommend but it doesn't support dado blades

    I've seen a video of the Bosch online where you can take it apart and configure it to be more precise.

    I'd recommend Sherwood but if you can't get the extra few hundred in your budget then skip Evo for lack of dado support

    Look up more on the woodworking forums
    https://www.woodworkforums.com/ is an Aussie board

    Edit: Americans seem to love DeWalt so I think it is the best of the 3 you listed

    • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 11:56

      The Sherwood looks pretty good for its price! but tbh, my original plan was to get the Evo since it's only $599 and some really good reviews, I'm only considering other options is because I have recent received a few hundred cash gift from friends so I want to see if there is any better option.

      Dado blade is not a must for me (certainly would be useful), accuracy would be the top priority i'd say.

      How's the Evo? Have you had any problem with it?

      • pumpkinspice on 20/07/2021 - 15:22
        +1

        With regards to your budget, I'm reminded of my first car stereo purchase.
        The salesman said, "If this system vs your ideal system is a matter of waiting one or two more pay cheques, then you should wait another one or two pay cheques"

        Unsure if it's relevant to your situation, and I understand if you're trying not to blow out the budget. If this quote was applied to every purchase, we'd all spend a lot more on stuff.

        • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 15:33
          +1

          Haha yea….this statement make sense but does not apply to my situation.
          Not trying to brag but my pay cheque can afford a Festool but it's my principal of not allowing myself to splurge on a hobby…

          I set this budget because it sits right on my conscious or it's my little ozbargainer soul lol

          • Bozman on 21/07/2021 - 07:17
            +3

            @hovie: I’ve never regretted buying the better quality anything for a hobby. I have regretted buying the cheaper version many times.

            Personally I’d identify the table saw that is perfect for your workshop and what you do, then look at price. Remember these things hold value, if you’re worried your hobby is temporary.

            While expensive, I’ve only ever heard good things about SawStop, and the cost differential is cheaper than just 1 round of surgery on your hands. When I’m ready to buy a table saw, I think this is where I’ll look.

      • azonki on 21/07/2021 - 08:50
        +1

        I had an Evo for a day before I took it back to Total Tools.
        Out of the box, it was ridiculously out of alignment and with no way to correct bar re-manufacturing.
        Total Tools said it was not an uncommon problem.
        And, if you look at the reviews, you might find that most are sponsored by Evolution in the UK.
        I won’t tell you what I swapped it for, but I have never looked back.
        You need to be able to properly set up a saw, and all good brands have this feature.
        As well, the fence and mitre guides on the Evo are overcomplicated and difficult to use compared to a good brand.

        • hovie on 21/07/2021 - 10:41

          Thanks for this…
          looks like Evo is not a good idea after all

    • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 11:57

      And yes, I do have a slight fantasy towards Dewalt simply because many American woodworking youtuber uses them lol

      • hotrod01 on 20/07/2021 - 12:04
        +1

        Can you add a vote to ur post so we can vote for u?

        • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 12:28

          Done, thanks mate.

  • ozzieblue on 20/07/2021 - 12:26
    +3

    I have been looking at the same thing….

    Some important points:
    * dewalts don't use standard bore sizes so you need to buy dewalt blades eg 7845 use 30mm on 210mm blade, 7491 uses ?(I think 16mm but I am still waiting on dewalt for this) on 254mm blade. So this means you cannot go to bunnings and just buy a new blade, you need a special order (even with total tools or sydney tools).
    * bosch have a 6 year warranty (not sure of exact terms)
    * dewalt have the best fence (rack and pinion) by far
    * evolution seem to have very eratic reviews and you depend on service from a single vendor
    * don't buy a battery one unless you really need it - get the 7845 (210mm) or 7491 (254mm)
    * the dewalt 7491 has the largest rip capacity (but for big sheets you probably best using a track)
    * mitre work on all saws seem to be a bit flaky,ie there is play on the mitre block
    * the 7491 supports dado blades

    If you have the space and budget buy a cabinet saw - the cheapest I've see is about 1300. See previous post.

    If dewalt used standard bore sizes I would buy the dewalt 7491 without question.
    If bosch had a rack and pinion fence I would buy the bosch.

    On balance, I am thinking bosch makes more sense —- as I don't like being locked into a vendor for blades but dewalt do have the best fence.

    In terms of pricing, the dewalt 7491 included a circular saw before 30 June, so maybe wait for another promotion on this.

    • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 12:46

      great analysis mate.
      After reading this, i think Bosch is the most balanced option.

      • ozzieblue on 20/07/2021 - 13:24
        +1

        That said, I still think dewalt have the best portable saw - and if in the USA, that would be my choice as it comes with a standard 5/8 bore size & is only about 320 USD on amazon. As a table saw is not high priority, I am holding off a bit….

        • apsilon on 20/07/2021 - 15:36
          +1

          You wouldn't be locked into using dewalt blades. You may not be able to walk into Bunnings and buy something off the shelf but you can definitely get blades. Most of what Bunnings sell is either low end or aimed more at general construction anyway and you seem to be more interested in cabinetry etc so you should look at blades aimed more at that than building. Any place that caters to wood workers would be able to supply a variety of brands.

        • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 15:36
          +1

          OOOOORRRRRRR

          Buy the Evolution and use the spare change to buy a bandsaw or a drill press….
          Faaarrrrkkkk……i'm gonna spend too much money lol

  • AuzzieGumtree on 20/07/2021 - 13:00
    +3

    im into woodworking and have gone through this process already. I started with a 'make do' table saw and to be perfectly honest it was a good cheap start but it was very inacurate. I have since sold that and bought a second hand one for ~ $700 and it is the best thing i have bought. its plenty powerful, it has a cast iron table, a perfect adjustable fence and it can take a dado stack. There is not much to a table saw if you can see one running and test the cut i would deffinately buy second hand again. Just make sure its 10 amp (possibly 15 amp if your close to the power - cheap to run a 15 amp line) make sure its not 3 phase.
    Sometimes in life its worth paying the extra - in this case its deffinately worth the extra - and no i wont be handing my badge back in :) you can still get a bargain just a more expensive bargain.

    • hovie on 20/07/2021 - 13:53

      TBH, i'm not 100% against buying a second hand saw. I'd prefer buy a first hand one is because a) i'm not very good at mechanical stuff and I wouldnt really know what to do if the saw fails, and b) I'm in Tasmania so the options on a second hand saw is quite limited.

  • Sum-Ting Wong on 20/07/2021 - 19:25

    Option 4: https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/advert/2016-Rikon-11-315X…

    A bit over your budget, but you’ll (probably) never outgrow it. Runs on single phase. Just park it in your garage if it won’t fit in the backyard shed.

    • hovie on 21/07/2021 - 10:42

      yea…..just a tad over budget lol

  • Irrelevancy on 21/07/2021 - 06:38

    I'm in the same boat - starting out, have a bit of cash (but not too much) to spend on my 1st table saw. I also don't have enough space for some of the big saws with cast iron table etc.

    Because of space constraints I went with a job site saw - bought the Ryobi saw from Bunnings based on good reviews but returned it because it just wasn't precise enough(e.g. blade didn't sit square).

    Went with the DeWalt table saw (plug in version of the one you posted) for approx 800 and am pretty happy. It is well made and thought out . It came with a free stand which I've built a small frame around and attached some wheels. Only complaint is that because it's a job site saw I can't really do cross cuts on long pieces of wood - altho I have a mitre saw for that, it's still an issue when I'm trying to notch wood.

    • hovie on 21/07/2021 - 11:15

      I only ever bought Ryobi for things that doesn't require much precision and power - shop vac, brad nailer, reci saw, mower and trimmer. Would never trust it with a table saw.

      As for Dewalt, a comment above made a good point about the odd size of the arbor and it's a bit more difficult to get a replacement blade..so I guess that is a deterrent for me at this stage

  • Snoozer on 21/07/2021 - 09:25

    I would recommend considering this Hikoki (Hitachi) unit

    https://www.toolmart.com.au/power-tools/cutting-sawing/table…

    Quite a few reviews on YouTube if you do some searching. I think it is one of the most balanced options unless you can fork out some extra cash for the next model Dewalt at $1250.

    https://www.toolmart.com.au/power-tools/cutting-sawing/table…

  • gfaz on 21/07/2021 - 17:43

    I would go corded if it's in your garage and I'd set aside some money for dust collection because table saws send sawdust EVERYWHERE.

  • Soothsayer on 06/08/2021 - 15:47

    What did you end up with OP? Any thoughts on it?

    Been in the same boat myself, been waiting for a deal on something to make my mind up for me but that's probably not the right way to choose one!

    • hovie on 06/08/2021 - 17:06
      +1

      I ended up getting the Bosch GTS 10J from Totaltools.
      There is a redemption promo going on and you can get a drill driver set with it (worth 100+), planning to sell it once I got it to fund my next tool.

      Have to say, the Bosch is actually quite good (note this is my first table saw and I have nothing to compare with), cuts through hardwood no problem, did a few long rip cuts which went quite nicely. The whole set up was pretty much nicely tuned out of the box, only spent about 30mins to tweak the fence a bit. But other than that, it's been a pretty awesome saw.

      I built a big work bench around it to also act as an outfeed table. Already made a few jigs for it and made my first end grain cutting board.

      Pretty pleased so far:)

      • Soothsayer on 10/08/2021 - 15:48

        Looks like you've been very productive! Thanks for the quick review. Thoughts on the fence vs Dewalt (if you've used theirs)?

        • hovie on 11/08/2021 - 07:37
          +1

          I haven't 'used' a dealt table saw before but I did play with the fence once of a display in a store.
          Dewalt's fence system is superior, and based on my research, Dewalt's is arguably the best because of the gear and the rail system design.

          BUT, my theory is, a squared fence is a squared fence. Yes, Dewalt's fence is a lot more rigid and easier to be squared, Bosch's fence is also rigid and square enough given enough initial tuning. And for my case, I can justify the nearly $300 in discount by taking 2 seconds each time before I make a cut to check for the fence's squareness.

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