I visited Chris Baylor’s blog today and found a quick little snippet of a post on getting clean plywood cuts. His best tip for keeping cuts clean is to “apply a piece of masking tape along the anticipated cut line on both the top and bottom sides before making the cut.”

Reading his post inspired me to dig a little bit deeper for more plywood cutting tips from around the web.

Plywood cutting resources:
A Tip for Clean Plywood Cuts (from Chris Baylor)

10 Tips For Cutting Plywood

Cutting Sheet Goods (everything you need to know)

Clean Plywood Edge Cuts (tips pulled from a woodworking forum)

Cutting plywood the easy way (cutting on top of a sheet of styrofoam)

Cutting Plywood

Plywood Cutting Tips

What’s the best router for a beginning woodworker? Ask 5 woodworkers and you’ll get 25 answers I found a “best beginner wood router” question in WoodNet today that sums up the beginner router question with: “I dont need anything with a bunch of features I dont have the knowledge or skill to use but I would like something that will be useful to me for some time.”

This got me poking around in other forums using our power tool forum search engine and I dug up a few other “best newbie router” threads. Then I counted all the suggestions and put together this list. I’d value your suggestions for beginning woodworkers in the comments!

Note that most folks recommended he get at least a 1/2″ collet.

Here’s the “Best Router for Beginners” list, followed at the end with links to the forum threads that helped me write this post.

DeWalt: 9 votes
Dewalt 618: 6 votes
DeWalt 621: 3 votes

Pat Warner’s DEWALT 621 review
Pat Warner’s DEWALT 618PK review

Porter Cable: 6 votes
Porter Cable 690: 5 votes
Porter Cable 694VK: 1 vote

Freud: 4 votes
3 1/4″ hp Freud plunge router: 4 votes

Bosch: 2 votes
Bosch 1617: 2 votes

Hitachi: 2 votes
Hitachi M12V2: 1 vote
Hitachi KM12VC: 1 vote

Firestorm: 1 vote
B&D Firestorm FS1200RP Plunge Router

Triton: 1 vote
triton 2 1/4hp plunge router

Forum Router Resources for Newbies:
Recommend a router for a beginning woodworker (WoodNet)
beginner woodworker trying to deside on a router (Woodworking Talk)
Newbie question on Porter cable router (SawmillCreek)
I’m New to Woodworking and… (Woodworking.com)

Other Router Resources:
A Router Buying Guide for the First Time Router Buyer
Router Woodworking (Pat Warner’s router site)

SawmillCreeker Wayne Ilfrey has $600 and a sweet sweet dilemma - how should he spend it on a new saw? He brought his question to the SawmillCreekers and since it’s so on topic with my recent ToolCrib posts I thought I’d cover it for you today.

Mr. Ilfrey’s Question:

I have about $600 i can spend on a new contactor style TS. I have been looking at these 3 brands that are in my price range… Jet, Rigid, and Hitachi.

Anyone have any opinions on these saws? I mostly do smaller work like decorative boxes & childrens toys etc. But occasionally build a bookcase or blanket chest etc.

Here’s how his fellow Creekers recommended he spend that $600:

Used Cabinet Saw: 10

Bosch: 4 overall votes
Bosch 4100: 3
Bosch 4000-09

Rigid: 4 overall votes
Rigid TS3650 3
Ridgid 36XX

Grizzly: 3 overall votes
Grizzly G0444Z
Grizzly 1023s

Jet: 2 overall
Jet 708100
Jet ProShop hybrid

General International contractor’s saw: 1 vote

Dewalt 744: 1 vote

Craftsman 22114: 1 vote
Delta: 1 vote

From the looks of it the question asker first checked out his local Craigslist and then decided on the Rigid… Read the entire post here: Need your Table Saw opinions.

Seeing as how the majority of Creekers suggested he buy used I thought it would make sense to offer this guide: Buying a Used Table Saw. I have a strong feeling that this guide will inspire a future writing project of mine

Other Resources:
Bosch 4100? (from WoodNet forum)
Grizzly Tools - What is Your Opinion?
A Table Saw Buying Guide: Benchtop vs Contractor vs Cabinet vs Hybrid
Q/A: Best DIYer Table Saw for Ripping Plywood… Under $300?
DIY Table Saw Alternative: EZ Guide + Circular Saw
Woodworking Without A Table Saw

In the impressionable early days of my writing career a trusted source at FamilyWoodworking.org told me that Grizzly tools aren’t worth the metal they’re made from… and that this source had told Grizzly president Shiraz Balolia this himself at a trade show. Now I’m not going to name any names, but trust me this impression stuck and I’ve since seen Grizzly as a knock-off, no good tool brand.

So it’s been with some surprise that I’ve read more and more favorable reviews of Grizzly tools, and even started to mention some of them in the buying guides I write (our recent buying guide for table saws for example).

This mini article includes links to some of the posts in forums that started to turn my opinion around, plus a number of Grizzly vs. other power tools threads that I’ve found. I’ll continue to update it as I find more “evidence” in the forums and on peoples’ sites.

If you’ve had a forum thread or article turn your opinion around about Grizzly I’d appreciate for you to send me a link! This post will be continually updated as we find new stuff and will likely be reorganized at some point.

ALL of Shiraz Balolia’s Posts in Sawmill Creek - Balolia’s the founder and president of Grizzly and he’s a fairly active poster at SMC.

Grizzly Tools (WoodNet)

My Visit to Grizzly (WoodNet)

Are grizzly tools good quality? (LumberJocks)

Everything I’ve read makes it seem like they’re a great company to work with that’s built around good customer service. Seriously - I dug for dirt on them and didn’t find much except for Balolia talking over customer service and quality issues with woodworkers at SMC.

Update:
Griz 1023 w Router Table ext, or should I go PM2000 …as I find more Grizzly vs. other brand debates I’ll add them here. Please add to the comments if you’ve read any good ones! –G

Update 2: it appears that Grizzly’s not as strong with their smaller accessories at least according to this thread…
Another mixed bag from Grizzly

Update 3: Some Grizzly vs. threads
Grizzly G0514x vs Laguna LT16
Grizzly G0591 Slider
new cabinet saw Grizz G0605X vs PM2000 vs ???

Grizzly’s not well known for it’s routers… this thread makes me think it’s for good reason: Grizzly router opinion

Update: a recent Grizzly thread from SawmillCreek: How good is grizzly?

The table saw - in all its shapes and sizes - retains its position as a woodshop mainstay, despite the growing number of woodworkers, professional and hobbyists alike, who’ve discovered one of several table saw alternatives. This guide offers table saw shoppers insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the various types of table saws on the market. Further, it links out to various resources that will help make your decision an informed decision.

Why is the Table Saw Such a Woodshop Mainstay?
I believe it’s because of the table saw’s precision, versatility, overall utility and tradition. Chris Baylor of About.com puts it like this: “A good table saw becomes the centerpiece of the workshop, as the woodworker uses it to rip, square, miter, groove, shape and join pieces.” David Wright of Badger Pond says, “No other tool does so many things with such clean results in so little time.”

Is the Table Saw a Woodworking Necessity?
No. It’s not. I can hear some of my readers spitting coffee on their monitors, but the table saw is NOT a necessity. I’m going to list out some articles that support this position and then move on to develop criteria and questions that will help you pick which type of table saw is right for your needs, if that’s what you decide will best suit your shop.

Table Saw Alternative Resources:
Woodworking Without A Table Saw (focus on band saw)
DIY Table Saw Alternative: EZ Guide + Circular Saw

3 Questions: Woodworker Know Your Needs Before Spending Big Money!
So now that I’ve gotten that anti-table saw stuff out of my system, here’s how you should approach your next table saw purchase. First off, you should start making a list of how you currently work with wood, and then add to it how you PLAN to work with wood in the near term. Having this list with you will help steer you towards the right tool purchase.

1) How Often Do You Work With Wood?
Once a month or all day long? This will make a huge difference in your decision. Though I would typically not recommend a bench top table saw to anyone, there are a few cases where it might actually make sense for a new woodworker (especially in space or money restrictions).

2) How Long Have You Been Working With Wood?
If you’re just getting started - even if you have grand aspirations to craft your entire living room suite - you should not be gunning for a cabinet saw like the fine Delta Unisaw. Maybe it’s because I’m notorious for my 3 month obsessions, but I would not advise even the most ardent brand newbie to go past a Jet contractor saw.

3) What Are Your Most Common Cuts?
Ripping lumber? Breaking down sheet goods? Crosscutting? Re-sawing? Knowing your most common types of cuts going into your decision will help you make the right decision. If you’re primarily going to be breaking down sheet goods then a bench top isn’t going to do the job…

The 4 Types of Table Saws

1) Benchtop Table Saws
A bench top table saw is something of a (mild) step up from a circular saw. As the name suggests they’re designed to sit on your bench top and are light and portable. You’ll get more accuracy than your circular saw alone, but you won’t be able to rip large pieces of wood, nor will you be able to break down sheet goods. In fact, if you’re seriously considering a bench top saw I’d seriously nudge you to consider a guide rail and circ saw. Then again, the Jet bench top below is only a notch or two below a contractor saw and the enterprising woodworker will always find a way to make due safely with what he’s got.

2 Good Choices for a Benchtop:
JET 708315BTC JBTS-10BT-3 15 Amp Benchtop Table Saw
Bosch 4000-09 Worksite 15 Amp 10-Inch Benchtop Table Saw with Gravity Rise Wheeled Stand

2) Contractor Table Saws
A contractor saw is likely to be the best choice for the serious DIYer or contractor who likes using table saws on his job site. If you’re ripping very dense woods on a regular basis you may not have enough engine from a contractor saw, and they’re more likely to go out of alignment than your average cabinet saw. That said, if less cutting power, more vibration and dust are acceptable to you then a contractor table saw is what you should consider. For the space-conscious too a contractor table saw is a great choice, and their electric draw doesn’t require that you re-wire a circuit. As a side note, the reduced power (1-2 hp) makes for less-severe kickback.

Good Contractor Table Saws:
JET 708301K JWTS-10JF 10-Inch Right Tilt 1-1/2 Horsepower Contractor Saw
Powermatic 1791228K Model 64 Artisan 10-Inch Left Tilt 1-1/2 Horsepower Contractor Saw
Delta 36-981 10-Inch Left Tilt 1-1/2 Horsepower Contractor Saw

3) Hybrid Table Saws
I found a great article on Tools Of The Trade that sums up a hybrid saw quite nicely: “The hybridization is usually assumed to be the smaller contractor motor paired with a cabinet stand and internal motor mount; but more accurately, the true distinction is based on the trunnion design. Hybrid saws use contractor saw trunnion assemblies, which are built lighter and typically hang mounted from the bottom of the table versus the beefier cabinet saw trunnion assemblies, which are supported by the top of the cabinet itself.” A hybrid table saw is your middle ground between a contractor saw and a cabinet saw - it should give you increased accuracy and power but without the price tag and overall weight of a contractor saw.

Good Hybrid Saw Choices:
Grizzly G0478
Jet JWSS-10CSPF
DeWalt DW746X
Delta 36-717

4) Cabinet Table Saws
“Cast iron and power.” If you have the room, the need and the money then a contractor saw is probably already at the top of your list. The closed cabinet base makes dust control easier and gives this saw its name. With the weight of all that cast iron and motors in the 3hp-5hp range you won’t find a piece of tree that won’t cut smooth as butter (so long as you have a good blade…). The added power reduces the number of burned cuts too. These saws typically require a 220V outlet, so call your electrician in advance.

Good Cabinet Saw Choices:
Delta Unisaw
Jet Xacta
Powermatic 66

Top Table Saw Resources:
Choosing A Tablesaw: Contractor Or Cabinet?
Contractor Table Saws
Hybrid Table Saws

Other Table Saw Resources You’ll Find Useful:
Cabinet Saw Versus a European Saw
Table saw (wikipedia definition)
The Right Table Saw for Your Shop
Table Saws - the Workhorses of the Wood Shop
Table Saw Techniques
#1 Shop tool: your table saw
Buying Guide for Table Saws (Lowes)
Table Saws Buying Guide (Home Depot)
PM Tests Nine Portable Table Saws
Benchtop Saws Originally in Workbench No. 251 (February 1999)
Choosing a Table Saw From: Woodcraft
Choosing and Using Table Saws (focus on benchtops)
Honesty from General about 50-220 Hybrid
Contractor Saw Dust Collection
Table Saws Originally in Workbench No. 262 (December 2000)
Jet Contractors Table Saw

Do your projects call for intricate or delicate cuts? Are you interested in fretwork, marquetry or intarsia? Check out these videos then for an excellent introduction on what to look for when you’re buying your first scroll saw.

What to look for in a Scroll Saw Part One

Selecting A Scroll Saw Part Two

The creator of these videos, Steve Good, keeps a site at http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com/

Other Scroll Saw Buying Resources
Scroll Saws Buying Guide: Home Depot
Comparison Test: 6 Scroll Saws (from 2002 popular mechanics)
Scroll Saw
Scrollsaw Association of the World

Work Types Defined:
Intarsia
Marquetry
Fretwork

If you’d asked me three minutes ago if I thought it was possible to cut a circle on a table saw I would have said - “probably not,” and then, “why would you want to, isn’t that what a band saw or jig saw’s for?”

Well, I find my first impulse proven wrong, and for those of you who need to cut a (perfect?) circle for an upcoming project you may find these videos useful, as well as the written how-tos posted below the videos.

Cut a Circle on a Table Saw

The Original Jimmy Jig/cutting odd angles and a circle

Slight Variations on Cutting Circles with Table Saws:
Cutting a Circle on the Table Saw - from WoodWeb, a site that catalogs great ideas from woodworking forums.

Cutting Circles on the Tablesaw - a fine woodworking reader writes in

Cutting a Circle on a Table Saw

The secret to getting good answers is to asking good questions. LumberJock OutPutter recently asked his fellow forum goers a great question about his next $500 shop upgrade by asking a well thought out question. Here’s what he asked:

I plan to make a major upgrade to my tool inventory and need some good advice on where to put my money. Most of the work I plan to do in the workshop will be construction of small hardwood boxes in the approximate dimensions of 10″ x 12″ x 3″. I will be using dovetail joinery for the sides and gluing up panels for the tops and bottoms. I will not be able to afford much more than $500 in tools, equipment, etc. so, I have to be careful.

My priorities are safety, durability of the boxes, impact on the cost of the boxes, impact on labor required for each box, and anything else I don’t know enough to think of.

I’m considering: a table saw, band saw, jointer, planer, sander, Grrippers, LittleRat, Dovetail Jig

Please tell me what you think I should do.

Here’s his current tool list that he wants to add to:
Compound Miter Saw
Circular Saw
Jig Saw
Router (Fixed)
Cordless Drill
Dove Tail Saw
Chisels (1/8 – 1”)
54” All in One Clamp
6 12” Irwin Clamp/Spreaders

And here’s what the LumberJocks suggested:

bench top/contractor Table Saw 8
band saw 3
hand planes 2
good table saw blade 1
dovetail jig 1
bigger clamps 1
Incra Universal Precision Positioning Jig 1
a thickness planer

I suggest you go read $500 Shop Upgrade !!! PLEASE HELP !!! Especially if you’re a newbie woodworker - I think it will give you insight into the various ways that more experienced woodworkers choose to solve the seemingly-simple problems of working with wood.

A visitor to WoodNet asked a great question recently. He’s got a PM2000 sitting in his woodshop but no blade for it. Also… he’s only willing to budget enough money for buying a single HIGH QUALITY table saw blade.

His question:

I have this PM2000 sitting here with no blade. I would like a recommendation on a quality blade that I can use for most purposes. If need be, I could also get a cheap one for rough cutting. What would your recommend?

Woodnetters responded. I counted results. Here’s what I saw:

FORREST WWII: 5 votes total
thin kerf: 1
full kerf: 2
Forrest WWII Blades

Ridge Carbide TS2000: 5 votes total
Ridge Carbide Tool Co.
for sale at Holbren

Freud: 3 votes total
Freud LU84R011
Freud Fusion
Freud 24 tooth rip blade

Click here to read WoodNet’s I have enough for one quality TS blade. Which one? >>

If you’re still not convinced about which blade to get for your table saw then you should definitely check out this blade comparison chart of 30 various blades by Sawmill Creeker Scott Spencer. Jumpin Jehosephat that’s A LOT of work he put in there to categorize and classify table saw blades!

To add a bit more to your debate also see our recent Freud Fusion vs. Forrest WWII Blades: Which High End Blade is the Best?

I hadn’t visited with the Family for awhile (FamilyWoodworking.org) so I stopped by this afternoon to read about how everyone’s doing. The thread that caught my attention was one that discusses woodworkers who choose not to use table saws…

The table saw’s such a staple in the shops of most woodworkers that I couldn’t resist reading it… The thread starts out with: “I’m interested in how those of us who don’t have a tablesaw get by without ‘the central tool.’”

Most interesting to me are the tools and techniques that develop around the “missing” table saw. And as a note - it looks like the majority of the folks in the thread are woodworking hobbyists by the way, or folks who can’t afford the space a TS takes.

Here are some takeaways:

Mark Kosmowski
“The cutting tools I have on hand are a bandsaw (with a Kreg fence), radial arm saw and a router table for the stationary tools - I also have a couple circular saws, a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw for hand held power tools…”

Patrick Anderson
“Most of the stuff I do is cabinet type work with big sheets. I use a cs and a guide ( festool soon ) to break it down on a folding table with a cutting grid.”

Duncan Cheslett
“If I was setting up a shop at home in my garage I wouldn’t make a table saw the central tool on the shop, in the way that mine currently is in my commercial workshop.

For cutting sheet goods, I’d invest in a Festool guide rail system, and for ripping lumber, I’d have a good quality bandsaw. Everything else such as grooving, tenoning, dadoeing etc can be done easily and more safely with a router or on the shaper.

The main problem with a table saw is space. Allow 10 ft either end of the blade and 4 ft to either side and you’ve used up a massive 160 sq ft on one tool!”

Stuart Ablett
“I have two bandsaws and they both get used a lot, I also have a SCMS which is used very often. I guess if you have to have only one tool, you can do an awful lot with a TS, but, for me, if that was my choice, I’d rather have a bandsaw, WAY more versatile, then I’d get a circular saw and guide rail system (take your pick) and a good router and guide rail system.

Now all of this goes out the window if you are in a production environment.”

Sam Blasco:
“My bandsaw is very versatile and my favorite tool, but I wouldn’t want to part with my slider any time soon. However, I know I have said it before, if it came down to only one major power tool — the bandsaw would be it. At a recent class, dedicated to just this instrument, the students witnessed (and participated) going from logs to lumber to dimensioned pieces to tapers, tenons & dovetails — using only one tool the whole weekend — the bandsaw, and that is not even mentioning radii and compound curve cutting. With a few simple jigs you can face joint, straightline (edge joint), thickness, rip, crosscut, on and on… All with incredible accuracy, cleaness of cut, and in thicknesses unheard of for a table saw, guided saw or router.”

Thanks to the Family for such an interesting discussion! Click here to visit the whole post: no tablesaw? (long)

So… did you notice all those mentions of BAND SAWS? And here I was thinking that the circ saw + guide was the true and proper alternative to the TS for the space-strapped hobbyist

Here are a couple of Band Saw Resources I found:
Band Saw Overview
Band saw vs. Table Saw

And here are some table saw resources we’ve put together:
Q/A: Best DIYer Table Saw for Ripping Plywood… Under $300?
DIY Table Saw Alternative: EZ Guide + Circular Saw