Table saw alternative

[JimiJimi]

Hi all

I would really like a mini table saw for model making but can't afford one. I have read a suggestion on another site (MYCNCUK) that someone bought a tile cutter saw and just changed the blade - these are considerably cheaper. Do you think this would work?

Thanks,

Jimi.

 

[wizard]

It might cut thin balsa wood the motor has very little power

 

[marcros]

What is the budget?

Would a 2nd hand 3 wheel bandsaw do the job? They are cheap as chips on eBay if you bide your time and are patient.

 

[AndyT]

What is the budget?

Would a 2nd hand 3 wheel bandsaw do the job? They are cheap as chips on eBay if you bide your time and are patient.

+1 to that. Ideal for model making as you will be able to cut curves as well. You need to wait for one near you as they are not worth the carriage cost. My old Burgess will cut 3" thick oak. Search on here for Burgess to find lots of similar satisfied users.

 

[JimiJimi]

Thanks for the replies.

I have a scroll saw for the curves so I am not too concerned about that. Basically, I need to cut lots of thin strips to specified lengths so I thought a mini table saw would be my best bet (I also have very little space where I work).

My budget is as-cheap-as-possible, as I only work part-time.

Jimi

 

[marcros]

do you already have the strips or are you starting with a block of wood?

If you are cross cutting only, I would suggest either a mitre saw- powered or hand. sounds like you will need minimal capacity.

Or some form of guillotine.

 

[JimiJimi]

Yes, I have the thin strips already so a hand mitre saw would be a cheaper alternative. I'll put it on my Christmas list.

Thanks,

Jimi

 

[MMUK]

FWIW, when I was short on cash I picked up a basic Evolution Fury mitre saw from B&Q for £50.

Apart from the 0* being about 1/2 a degree out it's pretty spot on and will cut virtually anything.

 

[Ring]

What about something like this I know its on the bay but you might find something similar.
Jim

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINICRAFT-Cir ... 1c39e620e3

 

[marcros]

You could even make yourself a little mitre box out of scraps I would think, and use a backsaw.

 

[marcros]

What about something like this I know its on the bay but you might find something similar.
Jim

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINICRAFT-Cir ... 1c39e620e3

The trouble is that it won't cross cut very well- particularly not as is.