Woodworker's Journal 2006-30-5, страница 60

Woodworker

What type of electrical power do you have available?

What type of electrical power do you have available?

Not Very ' Important

Very Important

A cabinet saw is not an N option at 120-volts. You'll need to employ an electrician or look to a hybrid or contractor's saw. durability and power must N. be sacrificed. S

Must be less than M.100

There are limited options available at this price range.

Very Important

Mot Very Important

Not Very Important

Cabinet Saw

Contractor's Saw

How much are you willling to spend?

Steel City Tools:

The New Kid on the Block

At the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta last August, a new tool company showed off a complete line of stationary power tools. Steel City Tools is made up of alumni from most of the major power tool companies, and their line of tools is anchored by a full complement of table saws.

Interestingly, Steel City decided not to put out a contractor's saw model. Their least-expensive model is what Vice President Scott Box calls "the next generation of hybrid saws." Its trunnions and gearing are attached to the cabinet — but it is less robust than the classic cabinet saw. Steel City follows that entry-level saw, with several models and options that continue up to a 12", 7HP cabinet saw.

New and innovative from Steel City is a titanium nitrite (TiN) impregnated cast-iron tabletop (see the photo above and on the cover) that they match with table saws and shapers. Titanium nitrite is harder than carbide, and these new tops are virtually maintenance-free, with increased lubricity. The process increases the price of a table saw by approximately $200. Steel City Tools will be sold through the industrial tool channels.

90

Table Saw Type is Best for

October 2006 Woodivorker's Journal

You?

Deciding which saw works best for you is a process that's affected by many and varied factors, both too broad and too specific to be covered comprehensively in an article like this. However, I've constructed the flowchart above as a good starting point. It incorporates common criteria that many folks find to be important considerations when purchasing a saw. The chart may clue you in to criteria that you may not have yet considered. It will definitely get you started down the

right purchasing path. Every tool purchase is a compromise of sorts: Available funds versus quality, space versus features, desire versus reality.

In the end, I always like to pass along the advice that my father gave me years ago: "Buy the best you can afford and you'll only cry once."

Rob Johnstone is the editor of Woodworker's Journal and Woodworker's Journal eZine. He lives in Minneapolis with his family.

Very Important.

You want to buy a table saw. Which type should it be?

Are professional power and durability requirements important to you?

Are effective dust control and collection important to you?

Are effective dust control and collection important to you?