Preface: I am a weekend warrior doing minimal projects. My recent projects were a built-in desk (56" wide, 27" deep), a box for my gym to hold my adjustable dumbbells and storage below for misc items, and a couple of other small projects. They turned out OK, but I struggle with several things.
- I used oak plywood for the desk and even with a 60 tooth diablo blade I had pretty bad tear out.
- Longer cuts were a total pain. I own a table saw with only 13" of rip clearance and I couldn't really use it, so I had to use my Hitachi circular saw with a guide. The problem I had here was accuracy with my cuts. It was fine when I build the desk as a little play wasn't the end of the world. However, the box became a bear as a few slightly off cuts threw everything else into chaos.
- Handling bigger pieces of wood was a chore - maybe I need more supports to help?
- I don't have a lot of room to work in (about the space for 1 car)
I also installed a set of oak stairs and while a painful process, they turned out gorgeous.
My current cutting tools are:
- 10" Ryobi table saw with 13" rip clearance. Broken safety device (kick back guard broke off during move). Fence rail is totally inaccurate - I find myself measuring and re-measuring the front and back of fence all the time. I hate this thing, a lot. It was a $99.00 job from a big box store.
- 10" Porter Cable miter saw (I use the pee out of this thing, it feels like my only accurate tool.... oh, and the laser guide is totally broken so I eyeball where my cuts will be made). It's a very basic unit, no slide mechanism or anything. I find myself trying to cut larger pieces with this by turning wood over and cutting it twice just because I can at least somewhat count on the cuts being accurate.
- Hitachi 7SB2 Circular Saw (This saw could probably be much better utilized if I could figure out how to accurately cut with it!)
My future project plans are: cedar deck box with seating, separators inside and drainage. Custom closet solution for shoes, sweaters, etc to replace old crappy wire shelving. A deadlift platform for my gym. A sofa table/chest. An ottoman. A new workbench (possible with some accommodations for the saw or my router?)
So to my questions:
- Are there devices that could help my current tools be better and help me make accurate cuts?
- Should I replace my table saw? If so, I am stuck with Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards, ACE Hardware near me. Craigslist has been pretty much a bust for me. I am north of Minneapolis, MN about 45 minutes and have been looking for a few weeks. All I can seem to find that look good are gigantic cabinet saws and I just don't think I have the room for something of their size.