Table saw recommendations?

[Sarah Fox]

Hi Brad,

Excellent advice!  Too bad I can't even begin to afford the saws you've 
suggested.  :-(  I might upgrade with aftermarket add-ons later, if needs 
arise.

Your emphasis on jigs leads me to post a question to you (or to anyone else 
who cares to comment):  I have in mind a jig for cutting a 5/16" wide x 
~3/8" deep rectangular slot through the length of a 1x2 piece of poplar 
stock.  I have a choice of doing it with a jig on a router (slowly, with 
lots of heat and noise) or doing three passes through a jig on the table 
saw.  I've never used a table saw to cut grooves.  Am I asking for trouble 
with regard to kickback?  I'm thinking that I'll avoid trouble by having a 
simple jig that holds the workpiece securely against the table and fence 
(while also covering the blade).  However I do this, I want to do it the 
best way, because I'll (hopefully) be cutting LOTS of stock this way.

Thanks!

Peace,
Sarah


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brad Smith" <staff@smithpiano.com>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2005 2:19 AM
Subject: RE: Table saw recommendations?


> Hi Sarah,
> My two cents...  or, my $1400...
> I went through the process a few months back after having destroyed
> my direct-drive table saw.
> I chose Delta Unisaw, with extension table and mobile base for same.
> The mobile base was 'free' with a coupon included in the purchase.
> http://www.deltawoodworking.com/index.asp?e=136&p=4737
> Delta has deals like this currently for all the X5 tools. It is 3HP, cuts
> thru the maple like butter. You can go to 5HP, if your needs require.
> Researching, I found so much good news about the Biesmeyer fence,
> that I added it to my 'must have' criteria.
> http://www.deltawoodworking.com/index.asp?e=139&p=801
> The fence makes the cuts jointer quality, EXACTLY where you want
> them. The blade tilts to the left. I think it would accomodate a 12"
> blade, not sure, check first.
> Had to rewire the shop for 220V, but once you get to the larger saws,
> most require it. I just got a nice dado set from Home Depot.
> Diablo Stack Dado Saw Blade Set Model DD208
>
> It's more saw than I currently need, but I plan to move into more
> woodworking stuff as I gracefully age.
> My new motto is: "Buy it right, and buy it once".
> Great tools pay for themselves, and you'll rarely regret getting the
> 'good stuff'.
>
>>From the videos below, I learned about making customized throat
> plates for the various dado cuts; general woodworking and machine safety.
> It's amazing what can be done with home made jigs and post-it note
> shims. Mastering Woodworking Machines (Taunton Press) Mark
> Duginske, Andrew Schultz
> http://www.cambiumbooks.com/books/woodworking_machines/0-942391-98-5/
> Mark Duginske has some good stuff on using the bandsaw for tenons,
> with homemade fence, and paper shims to 'dial in' the thickness. He
> does some dovetail joinery this way, that is really excellent.
> DVD Mastering Your Table Saw (Taunton Press) Kelly Mehler
> http://www.cambiumbooks.com/books/video-and-dvd/B0001KNH4K/
> Great stuff on jigs, sliding miter box, cross cutting, safety, large piece
> work, odd shape work in sliding jigs, etc. He makes some jigs using
> plexiglass, which function as miter box, and blade guard.
> After viewing these, I'm more skeptical about buying expensive add-on
> gadgets. (That's saying a lot, since I am a serious tool junkie). To take
> advantage of a full size cabinet saw and extension table, you definitely
> need shop space. I'm using an old lightweight door as a table top for
> the saw, when not in use. Then, I have positions and wall jigs to move
> the table top for use as outfeed support. I actually enjoy the challenge
> of making a small shop space function.
> Dust collection gets most of it conveniently through the port in back of 
> the
> saw. Adding dust collection above the blade is my next step. In the Kelly
> Mehler video, he uses a blade guard that extends out over the blade, for
> cuts that require removal of the original guard.
> Just for fun, you might also check out: http://www.sawstop.com/
> They have an ingenius system that would save your fingers, should you
> momentarily lose focus while cutting.
> Another good motto:
> "NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF A MOVING BLADE"
> Good luck with your purchase!
>
> Best regards,
> Brad Smith, RPT
> www.smithpiano.com
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sarah Fox [mailto:sarah@graphic-fusion.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2005 2:38 PM
> To: Pianotech
> Subject: Table saw recommendations?
>
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