Hello fellow WW
I have been thinking about table saws recently and wanted to ask a few questions about the european table saws. Most of you are aware that I have a big monster of an american saw that is somewhat uncomfortable to use due to its size. This has gotten me thinking about replacing it in the future. My choices are either an american saw ( oliver 88, northfield #4, moak monotrol, or tannewitz u or j ) or a european saw. I know that many of you folks have felders and minimax saws, as well as format4 and maybe a martin or altendorf. So this question is for those who moved from a decent american saw to a european one. Please know in advance that I am not "begging the question" on the saw selection. I know that I can count on honest and thoughful answers from you all. BTW as you will see from the questions, I build almost exclusively 18th century american reproductions and use almost no sheet stock. thanks in advance
I have done a search on SMC and still did not come up with answers to my questions. So here goes:
1. It seems that almost all european saws are now only sliders with big outriggers for sheet stock. What is the advantage of that if I never process any sheet goods. My table saw is mainly used for ripping and much less for cross cutting. For cross cutting dimensional lumber I can use the miter slot on the TS or my pretty accurate RAS or CMS. I really don't want to give up the shop space associated with altendorf or martin sliders. But I am asking the question so my mind is open.
2. What else do european TS offer that american ones do not? Many seem to offer scoring attachments, but then again I see that only for sheet stock and not dimensional lumber. The american saws that I either have or are considering all have real riving knives as do the european saws, so that is not a reason. But there may be many other advantages that I am not aware of.
3. Is it that european saws are more comfortable to use than american ones?
4. Ok what ever else you guys or gals can come up with please send it my way
kind regards
lou