Table Saw - Noise Levels

[JDB]

Hi All!

I've been reading through a lot of the posts in this forum and they've certainly given me a lot of information so far! I know this topic has been covered a lot but I really do need some prodding to make a decision...

I've finally finished building my workshop (well it's done enough to keep the rain of my tools!) and now I want to buy my first table saw. Having never used one before it's hard to know what specs I should really be concentrating on so i'm thinking to buy one at the lower end and have noise level as the deciding factor (workshop is at the end of the garden but that's only about 15m from the house!). Initially I liked the Dewalt:
Dewalt 745 (£389) - 109db

But I keep reading about how noisy it is. So I limited my searching to table saws with induction motors and found these three:
Charnwood W619 8" (£539) - ??db
AXMINSTER HOBBY SERIES TS-250 (£500) - ??db
SCHEPPACH HS120 (£329) - ??db

Unfortunately I can't find the db quoted anywhere (checked their websites etc.)

Anyone have any experience with these and/or know what their db levels are/where I can find them?

My current preference is the Scheppach (big motor, can be wheeled out the way, fence looks pretty good, price allows me to spend more on dust extraction - which is a whole nother thing I need to exhaust myself looking into!)

Thanks for any help,

James

 

[pcb1962]

There's not much point in comparing quoted noise levels of induction motored saws, as it's probable that the sound of the blade cutting the wood will be at least as loud as the motor. All will be acceptably quiet when not actually cutting.

 

[JDB]

ok thanks, and is it right to think the the Dewalt will be notably louder?

 

[RogerP]

ok thanks, and is it right to think the the Dewalt will be notably louder?

Yes if it's a brush motor.

 

[transatlantic]

I'm sure you already know this, but just in case, the Axminster saw has gone up in price recently, so for the kit, it's a whopping £785.50

 

[MikeJhn]

The Charnwood W619 is a 200mm blade unit so should be compared to the Axminster TS-200 not the TS-250, both the Charnwood and the Axminster saws have cast iron tops, the Scheppach does not.

Do you have a real need for a sliding table?

None of these models have, what has become known as a standard mitre slot, why most think that an imperial dimensions slot is standard I don't understand, but it is something to be aware of if contemplating upgrading the mitre fence supplied with these saws, this all becomes academic if you go for a sliding table.

Mike

 

[pcb1962]

why most think that an imperial dimensions slot is standard I don't understand

It's perfectly simple. In the US table saws have 3/4" x 3/8" slots. Since the US is by far the largest market for table saw accessories they are made to that dimension.

 

[MikeJhn]

But then the UK construction industry has been metric since 1964, the rest of Europe even longer, its about time the US came into line with the rest of the world.

Mike

 

[John15]

All table saws are extremely noisy. It's just a question of scale. You may be better off with a bandsaw.

John

 

[transatlantic]

why most think that an imperial dimensions slot is standard I don't understand

It's perfectly simple. In the US table saws have 3/4" x 3/8" slots. Since the US is by far the largest market for table saw accessories they are made to that dimension.

That's really rather daft.

 

[Adam9453]

109db is very loud, I wouldn't want that running for long, and i'm sure my neighbours wouldn't either.
I'd definitely go for a saw with an induction motor and preferably a freud blade as they are quieter than others I've endured!!
As others have said the actual cutting is the louder bit but than can be affected considerably by using the appropriate blade for the cut you are trying to do.
You may not have found out yet but there is not a single blade that is suitable for all jobs and therefore you should have the appropriate blade for the job you are trying to do, such as;
Cross cutting blade - for cross cutting timber (cutting across the grain rather than in line with it).
Ripping blade - for ripping the timber (cutting in line with the grain).
Specialist materials often require special blades to achieve the best cutting results, MFC for example needs a blade with a high tooth count to give a nice clean finish (also a zero clearance insert).

However the first thing to do when buying a new table saw is buy some push sticks (or make some push sticks) and get someone experienced to show you the correct way to use a table saw safely. Don't remove the guards or riving knife, if the guards or riving knife are stopping you doing what you want to do then look for an alternative way of doing it (dado cutting being the most often task people ask about).

Table saws are incredibly versatile and powerful machines but should be operated with respect.

 

[raywrightfive]

Hi
I have the Charnwood w629 and the extraction vac makes more noise then the saw
But with a good set of mufflers on your ears it's just a pleasant hum

 

[pcb1962]

All table saws are extremely noisy.

That isn't true.

 

[JDB]

Thanks for all the comments so far! I agree 109db is too high which is what set me off on this route in the first place! Unfortunately I don't know of anyone that can show me how to use it properly so I'll be relying on a mixture of youtube videos and past experience operating dangerous machines :?

With regard to the cast iron tops - what's the main advantage here? I understand that they're more robust but do they offer more accuracy (due to being flatter?).

With regards to dust extraction I was thinking to get the Trend T31A. It seems versatile and currently I only have a fine dust to worry about (bench drill, table saw (soon!), power tools etc.). Would that seem adequate?

 

[rosinante]

All saws are noisy , induction motors are the quietest, many other factors come into play , mass is your friend in this case, cast iron is used for its ease in casting into complex shapes , stability, lubricity and machinability, buy the heaviest largest saw you can afford, minimum 3hp , remember you can cut small pieces on a big saw as well as big bits, not necessarily on a small low powered saw, think of buying an under powered car you will soon regret it, safety is paramount, they will all cut yer fingers off , research brands, Startrite, Multico , Wadkin etc as well as new.
hth
Chris

 

[drewdt3]

I have the Charnwood w619 and am very happy with it. It has a 1.5hp induction motor that is really quiet and hasn't jibbed on anything I've put through it yet and I've not found myself wishing i had a 10" version either. The fence clamp could be better but you get used to it. I was looking at the dewalt 745 but the noise element put me off as well, I don't want to fall out with my neighbours.

Drew

 

[MikeJhn]

Have a look at this chart for a comparison of noise thresholds: http://www.industrialnoisecontrol.com/c ... amples.htm

Mike

 

[beech1948]

I have had a table saw for going on 45 yrs and recently have started to move away from it due to the modern "fashions" in woodworking tools.

I use a new plunge saw and track to break up sheets and cut planks to rough size.

I use my bandsaw to get to final sizes using the accurate fence, cross cut jigs etc and this seems to work well.

The use of my table saw is getting less and less.

As a beginner you should think through what sort of sizes of wood you will be handling and if you can get the cut quality you need from using alternatives to the table saw. Why? They are a bit dangerous and need your full concentration and thoughtfulness. They take up quite a bit of floorspace. Finally lifting 90+Kg of sheet materials onto the table saw is quite difficult and strenuous.

Good luck
Al

 

[focusonwood]

I have the Axminster Hobby Saw.

As per the comments above...when not cutting it's not that loud. But when cutting it's loud...especially with the dust extractor and the air filter running at the same time. Ear defenders are a must in my little workshop.

I don't use it late in the evening (7.30 latest) as i don't want to upset the neighbours.

It's my first table saw and with the cast iron top it weighs a lot...the benefit here is reduced vibration and it's more stable which i think makes it safer when cutting sheet goods.

One thing i would recommend though, and it's not particularly pleasant...Step 1. Google 'table saw injuries' and look at the image results. Step 2 Research table saw safety. Step 3 Follow it. If you find yourself getting too comfortable, repeat step 1.

 

[Alexfn]

i had the dewalt for site work, its a screamer ear protection needed at all times, unbearable without ear protection. i have induction motor saw in the workshop and its night and day with the dewalt,