Posts: 8
Joined: 6/3/2005 From: , FL, USA Status: offline
I was wondering if anyone has plans for building a small table saw like the old dremel . The big table saws are really too big to do model work and the one or two on the market today are really expensive for what you get. Thanks Ken
Posts: 2302
Joined: 12/6/2003 From: Northridge,
CA, USA Status: offline
Look into the micro table saw from Harbor Freight. It only has a rough height adjustment, but for about 40 bucks, you can use it as a starting point for building your own.
Posts: 1109
Joined: 8/28/2002 From: Waldorf,
MD, USA Status: offline
I have the one shown below from Micro Mark tools. Its a bit pricey but it works outstanding. It will cut accurate 1/8th" triangle stock for me all day long. I have not purchased balsa sticks since this tool came into my shop. I just buy sheets and rip the sticks as I need them. I have made a bunch of different hold downs and jigs to help with different cuts. It is set up for blades that are available from Micro Mark, but I had a local machinist friend make me an adapter so I can use blades of the same diameter, but with a different arbor size that I can get locally (made for trim/cut off saws). If you like to build from plans or scratch build, this is an excellent tool to have in you shop. I have a full size table saw also, but I cannot get the precision that this saw produces. The full size saw is running at to high an RPM, has to much kerf and is difficult to feed the smaller or thinner balsa stock. I looked at the one available from Harbor Freight the last time I was in one of their stores. The next time I go back I will probably pick one up to try to play with. For $40 bucks you can't go wrong. Mine has a larger motor and is easier to work with, but costs a lot more. I got mine as a Christmas gift
< Message edited by CCRC1 -- 8/10/2006 5:38:02 AM >
Posts: 901
Joined: 9/26/2004 From: San Diego,
CA, USA Status: offline
I have the Harbor Freight saw and it is okay but not powerful enough for some work. Also it has no angle adjustment which would be great for making tapered sections. The Micro Mart saw looks better to me because of its better power and angle cuts. Allan
Posts: 297
Joined: 7/1/2002 From: Corpus Christi,
TX, USA Status: offline
This one is pricy but your paying for precision & power (1/3 HP motor). I have his thickness sander and its paid for its self being able to size balsa/spruce/etc. http://www.byrnesmodelmachines.com/
Posts: 81
Joined: 12/29/2004 From: Orlando,
FL, USA Status: offline
That Byrnes saw is gorgeous, but the 'boss' would rip me a new one when she got the bill Has anyone ever tried one of those small portable tile saws with 4" to 7" blades?
Posts: 124
Joined: 9/28/2005 From: Omaha,
NE, USA Status: offline
Good Lord, after reading this thread I went to harbor freight and bought the Aluminum top table saw. I fully expected to pay the $50 bucks but it was on sale for 35 buck and I had a 20% off any item coupon. $28 bucks!!! This thing works great! (I think the blades are 4"
quote:
ORIGINAL: Weasel Keeper
That Byrnes saw is gorgeous, but the 'boss' would rip me a new one when she got the bill Has anyone ever tried one of those small portable tile saws with 4" to 7" blades?
Posts: 506
Joined: 1/13/2006 From: Mead, CO, USA Status: offline
Regarding the cheap table saw. Is the fence tight enough to the table that you can rip 1/8" thick stock? My large table saw fence sits 1/8" off the table such that I can't rip anything thinner than 1/4". Something this small sounds appealing. It'll fit in the hanger while my big table saw is in the garage.
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modelers table saw - 
I have not purchased balsa sticks since this tool came into my shop. I just buy sheets and rip the sticks as I need them. I have made a bunch of different hold downs and jigs to help with different cuts. It is set up for blades that are available from Micro Mark, but I had a local machinist friend make me an adapter so I can use blades of the same diameter, but with a different arbor size that I can get locally (made for trim/cut off saws). If you like to build from 
Has anyone ever tried one of those small portable tile saws with 4" to 7" blades?
