table saw

[SMZ2]

Okay this may sound dumb but a 10 inch table saw will be big enough to cut out piece for say a box to hold 1 18 or even 2? I just wanted to know before I buy one of craigslist. Thank you.

[sprkn_ranger]

The 10" just refers to the blade diameter. It should be fine, but you should also learn the proper way to use it before you try cause a table saw can be very dangerous if you don't know what your doing with it. Read up on them.

[b-dubs89]

a 10 " table may be useful for cutting smaller pieces but i think what you want for larger pieces is a circular saw with a rip guide , assuming you are on a budget like many otherwise you might want something like this

[SMZ2]

so are rip guides better because I already have a circular saw. But the table saw was like 80 buck and a craftsman it was on craigslist

[LZTYBRN]

so are rip guides better because I already have a circular saw. But the table saw was like 80 buck and a craftsman it was on craigslist

Honestly a long straight edge (long level, piece of aluminum, etc.) and a couple c-clamps works just as well as a rip guide.

Table saws are very useful too though, for smaller cuts, 45's, and a few other things. So I'd still get one if you can afford it. Just make sure works well.

Edited May 23, 2012 by LZTYBRN

[pwdrblucivic]

10" is just the blade size. You have to consider the CUTTING WIDTH of the saw...Some 10" saws cut boards up to 30" wide but most of them don't. I think mine goes up to 26" wide on the right side of blade. I usually make my larger cuts with my circular saw and then use the table saw for the smaller box cuts.

[SMZ2]

So just using my circular saw would be better? I need to go get a carpenter square then would I only need a carpenter square or do I need to buy or make a guide also to ensure they are straight?

[LZTYBRN]

How would a carpenter square help you make straight cuts? You need a guide too.

I've of just cutting of a length of mdf, and using that edge as a guide. Of course you'd have to do the rest of your cuts from the other end of the board.

[SMZ2]

I'm going to find a guide for my saw. I would use the square to draw out all my lines to set the cuts up right and have them planned out.

Could someone point me to a good rip guide?

Edited May 23, 2012 by SMZ2

[mbdblue]

they sell a decent 50" rip guide/panel clamp at harbor freight, but honestly, its sat in the corner while I use a long piece of aluminum L-bracket with 2 clamps on either end. its pretty much the cheapest and easiest way to make straight cuts....or you could get good at cutting right on the line like a boss