Circular saw or table saw?
Any inexpensive recommendations?
Thanks
You will always need a circular saw with a good straight edge guide
for 150 $ you can start with a saw and guide like
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TXSAHU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
and
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QUZ16A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
My saw is 30 years old and still cuts like a champ
3 Likes
I agree with @careyritchey. I’m a fan of the old standby myself:
That saw will very likely outlive you.
What are your goals? If you want to make small things that are more traditionally considered woodworking the tablesaw is a better choice . If you want to cut down sheet goods and make larger items you could get by with a circular saw. For me a tablesaw is much more important since I want to make precise cuts and offen out of small pieces of wood.
In the end buy the best you can afford and treat it that way. Tools can last a lifetime if you let them.
1 Like
If I were starting tool building again today, my first set of hand powered tools would all be a high grade set of cordless. There are so many attachments, take up minimal space, handy, and no damn tangled trip hazard extension cords. Once you start cutting a LOT of feet of things at time or need the special things a table saw can do, get that.
But the first basic set of tools will be used all around the home, yard, and elsewhere. I’ve got good corded power tools* - but a hassle to carry around.
*Note: corded tools were all that existed in the ancient times.
That’s just me, I’d get my all-around tools and go from there - the straight edge as shown will get you through to start. PLUS, after you make some awesome things, you can tell you’re significant other “We (note not you), need to get a table saw so we can make those awesome things you want … or I can spend days, weeks, months away from you at the Makerspace. So let me be with you.”
For max effectiveness be watching a chick flick, massaging her feet, while she’s eating her favorite ice cream. I once got a sports car this way … of course every pair of shoes she saw she said would look great in the car. Checkmate, she was playing the long game!
2 Likes
I would like to make storage cabinets for the garage.
I could always cut the wood at DMS but I have no firm design/layout in mind yet and will likely be designing it as I go along.
At the moment, all i know is they will be around 18-20" deep, have adjustable shelves, self closing doors, painted white on the insides, have leveling feet or wall hung.
I see some table saws under $200 but the table surface seems small.
+1 on this but I don’t see having any use yet for a reciprocating saw yet. I’d like a nail gun however some time in the future though.
I was wondering how larger pieces could be cut down with a circular saw. Thanks.
What’s good for the gander is good for the goose? 
Ferman,
I have a circular saw you can have…in trade for some bicycle tune up lessons.
It is an older American made Black and Decker - not plastic either.
It came with my store, and I’ll never use it here. It is like new (i.e. not abused)
It will most likely outlive you and everyone at the Space.
3 Likes
Thanks! 
When do you want to do the bicycle tune up?
1 Like
Circle saw will do that with ease. If you decide on a tablesaw watch Craig’s list. Often you can buy a delta or jet contractor saw for $200 and can do anything with it. I built a lot of furniture with a delta contractor saw.
1 Like
Thanks!
I will scour CL as well.
Asap, so I get start the uphill battle against the Makerspace cellulite I’ve aquired.
One evening next week perhaps?
LIke Carey and others have posted - a clamp on straight edge or a straight piece of 2x4 & a couple of clamps and a standard circular saw (and a way to support the panel) is all that is needed to start out.
All home owner / table saws have a small table surface area - most build their own outfeed tables from scratch
1 Like
Sure! Just let me know when.
P.S. What does it look like?
Clamp a 2x4 onto the large piece and use the 2x4 as a fence. (+ sawhorses).
You can also make your own circular saw guides that use the factory edge of a piece of mdf:
I have an 8-foot and a 4-foot version of that Straightedge Guide. all you need is a sheet of 1/2" MDF and some glue.
1 Like
Yeah, don’t cheap out on the guide, one of the ones that harbor freight sells showed up at my shop and that sucker will move without hesitation while you are making a cut.
I would suggest that hand tools would be the best initial purchases
Two panel saws, cross cut and rip, at 22" long
Back saw
Dovetail saw
A good set of chisels and the stones to keep them sharp
Marking tools
A set of planes; jointer, jack, and smoother
First project a good pair of saw horses
https://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/traditional_sawbench
2 Likes
Aaaand a DMS membership to learn how to use any (well, most) of those items…
3 Likes
Tom’s free circ saw and then a radial arm saw. Then a band saw or table saw.
Craigslist and woodworking/wood turning clubs are great ways to find quality items at great prices.
1 Like
Estate sales can be fantastic for tool buys and everything in between.
Networking at the space is also a great way to go - for example last month I went to an estate sale and sent Nick (from Hatchers) a text about the reloading tools and gear. NIck went to the sale the following day and bought some of the reloading equipment.
I don’t reload my own, but I knew Nick and knew he did so it was a courtesy text for a possible buy for him that worked out.
I look for deals for my tool collection and for tools for the automotive dept.
5 Likes