: I'm just gearing up to begin building my first boat, and thought I'd save
: money by milling my own strips. First, though, I gotta get a table saw
: (I've been wanting to get one, and now I have a great reason). I came
: across what seems like a great deal for a basic saw -- $279 Cdn ($185 US)
: for a 2.7 HP, 13 amp saw. The table seems a bit small (19" x
: 26"), but it has extensions out one side to 24" from the blade,
: and the fence seems solid. The price is less than half that of the Ryobi
: 3000XB that I was interested in, so it kind of caught my attention.

: In the Shopsmith thread a couple days ago, a few people suggested that a good
: table saw is the core of their workshop. The motor on this one seems
: powerful enough, and I'd have to set up infeed and outfeed supports
: regardless, but I'm a little worried that a saw this cheap might not
: qualify as a good table saw.

: Has anyone had good, bad, or indifferent experience with Craftsman table
: saws? How about the new Ryobi 3000??

Hi Ken

I've had and used a Craftsman table saw for over 25 years. I like the saw and at home, I'm a hobbiest, and that's what they were built for. I'm not familiar with any craftsman that had a 2.7hp motor, so, not sure what model you are talking about. But, a few things you might look at when buying: Try to wiggle the blade from side to side and see if there is any play in the arbor. Should be rock solid. Also, give the blade a spin and see if there is any wobble. Could be the blade, but, could also be the arbor( bent ). Is it the sears model fence for that year saw, or after market? Check that the wheels for the trunion turn reasonably free and there is no problem rotating up and down, or tilting. Why is this individual selling the saw? Maybe problems with something so he can't use it. You could check the measurements from the mitre slots to the front of the blade, and then to the back of the blade. If not square, it may be just an adjustment that is easy to make. If it can be run, check for vibration. Sears saws do have a little, but, not that would move the saw around, or anything on it. Is it wired for 220v or 110v and do you have the proper capability? That will give you a good idea of what kind of shape it is in.

The Sears brand is not Top of the line, but, is good for what you will be doing with it. If the price is good for you, I'd say after a good check out, then go for it. The outfeed table is a good idea and can be made easily enough. As to the infeed side, I would just put a stand out a few feet in front of the saw and use it to support material until you feed it far enough that you can hold it up by hand. A table would probably get in your way. Without seeing the particular saw you are talking about, it's hard to say what will work best, but, generally, they all work about the same. Hope this helps.

Rehd