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From: toma@tekchips.UUCP (Tom Almy)
Newsgroups: net.rec.wood
Subject: Re: band vs table saws
Message-ID: <329@tekchips.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 30-Oct-85 11:04:07 EST
Article-I.D.: tekchips.329
Posted: Wed Oct 30 11:04:07 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 3-Nov-85 07:10:34 EST
References: <344@tove.UUCP>
Reply-To: toma@tekchips.UUCP (Tom Almy)
Distribution: net
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 27
Summary: 

In article <344@tove.UUCP> pds@tove.UUCP (Dave Stotts) writes:

>   Here's another topic for discussion... which power tool is more useful
>to you as a woodworker...a table saw, or a band saw?  Table saws are more
>often the first tools purchased for a shop, but several articles I have read
>in Fine Woodworking on setting up a shop have recommended buying a band saw
>first, as it is more versatile (resaws lumber) and its work less easily
>duplicated by other tools.  Any opinions?

Well I don't have a band saw (it is next on my purchase list, though), but I
can't see how it is more versitile than a table saw.  The table saw can be
used to resaw lumber up to 2x the cutting depth, and makes a straighter cut
(no cupping) as well.  A jig saw (which I do have) or even a hand-held sabre
saw can be used for decorative cuts on thin wood.  The band saw wins over the table saw for decorative cuts and cutting very thick lumber.  
On the other hand, the table saw makes standard cuts with great accuracy,
and can be used for dadoing and shaping with the appropriate attachments.

A more controversial question, I believe, is "which is the better first
stationary tool, a table saw or a radial arm saw?".  I now have both (the
table saw is part of a Shopsmith), and I find that I only use the radial arm
saw for crosscut operations, even though it is potentially more versitile.
My major complaint is lack of accuracy and fear (its got to be the most
dangerous tool you can buy!).  

B.T.W., if I could only have one power tool, it would be a router.

Tom Almy