Wood floors...best saw choice?

[KFC911]

I'm looking to acquire a saw for some upcoming floor projects, and am looking for suggestions. I used a circular saw helping my neighbor some time back and figure there's got to be a better way . I have neither, but saw this recommendation on a floor web site:

A 10-inch table saw and sliding compound miter saw and a blade with 60-80 triple chip grind carbide teeth will provide the best cuts and longest use.

I don't need anything super heavy duty, but still want decent quality at a reasonable cost. How much difference does a "sliding miter saw" make vs. one that doesn't slide, or will a good table saw do just fine for both long cuts and cross cuts? I was checking out a 10" Dewalt (non-sliding miter) for approx. $200 the other day, would that be a reasonable choice? How about suggestions for a good table saw? Any, and all advice is welcome...thanks!

[URY914]

I'd go with the DeWalt that you're looking at. You don't need the sliding feature.

[Jims5543]

First - How wide are the planks?


I used a 10" Ryobi compound miter saw ($100 if I remember corrrectly) with a really good sharp cross cut blade. for my cross cuts on the chop saw. I then used a Ryobi 10" table saw ($120 again if I remember correctly) with a good ripping blade on it for my rip cuts.

I also kept a jig saw with a good blade in that handy, you will be suprised how much you end up using that, it came in handy making cuts to fit in by the fireplace.


Do not forget to rent a Jam saw too, it cuts out the door jams and makes room for the wood flooring, it saves a ton of time.

[azasadny]

I used a DeWalt (my neighbor's) and a Ridgid (mine) to cut my 1100 sq ft oak hardwood floor and both saws worked well.

[KFC911]

I'm not "set" on the flooring yet (and it might vary from project to project), but think typical 6" laminate as a guide. I've got the jig saw and jam saw covered. I did like the "feel" of the Dewalt much better than the Ryobi when I was checking out the miters. Do I really even need a miter, or will a table saw do fine for both cuts? Thanks again!

[Jims5543]

Ryobi Miter Saw $99


Ryobi Portable table saw $167


These worked perfectly for me. I did 1200 S.F of 3/4" Oak Flooring with it.

[KFC911]

I've never had any Ryobi tools, is the quality decent in you opinion? Although I did like the feel of the Dewalts, both saws would probably not see a lot of use, so saving a few bucks doesn't suck either

[onewhippedpuppy]

I can cross-cut up to 6" material pretty easily with my Craftsman miter saw. Beyond that it requires two cuts. Unless you are cutting wide material, you don't need the sliding feature. Go to a store and check out a lot of them, see what you like. Pay particular attention to the miter/bevel adjustments, and the table/fence. You want it to adjust easily, and support the work well. You can pick up a decent one for $150 and up.

Table saw is a different story. Short of a Biesmeyer fence, very few table saws have an accurate fence that clamps down truly square. Now, unless you're building cabinets, that might not be a big deal. Find something with a sturdy fence that easily clamps down tightly, and moves easily. Make sure the table is smooth and well finished, as well as the blade guard, so nothing holds up your work. Figure on $250+ for an ok table saw, and $500 for a decent portable one. Look for specials that have outfeed tables, they can be really nice when working alone.

If you're doing floors, I'd really recommend both. You'll need to make lots of square cuts when you butt to walls, and you'll have to rip boards when you go along a wall, unless you're insanely lucky and it just comes out perfect. Pick up a sabre/jig saw to cut out for vents, etc and you'll be set. If you're a DIY guy, having both will be a huge benefit to you.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally posted by KC911
I've never had any Ryobi tools, is the quality decent in you opinion? Although I did like the feel of the Dewalts, both saws would probably not see a lot of use, so saving a few bucks doesn't suck either

I know several contractors with Ryobi stuff, it has held up really well for them. What I've used seemed to be of good quality, sufficient for homeowner use.

[KFC911]

Thank you all, I think I'm going to have an expensive lunch !

[onewhippedpuppy]

Oh yeah, and buy a good blade. A $2000 saw with a cheap blade will still suck. 60 teeth or so, and carbide tipped or it will last about 5 minutes. Buy a cheap blade, or a 16 tooth ripping blade, and it will just tear the hell out of your wood floor.

Of course, if you are doing rough 2x work, that 16 tooth will come in handy.

[KFC911]

Thanks!

[Jims5543]

My personel experiance witht he Ryobi has been good, I am no contractor but for what I use it for, odd jobs here and there, they have always worked without any issues.

The blade is 100% important in the quality of the cut. That cannot be stressed enough. The blades in my saws cost me about $30 a pop.

[nota]

HARD to beat older common Craftsman table saws
older american made tools are the best and cheaper then new low end junk
just buy a new quality blade

btw nice looking FAKE wood floors
I like real SOLID OAK not ply crap
yes it is hard to find and over priced
but REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jims5543]

Fake? What mine?

They came prefinished but they are real. I purchased straight from the mill 2 towns over in Flranklin NC.

http://www.zickgraf.com/

Thanks for the compliment.

[gr8fl4porsche]

Nice job Jim. I like the prefinished stuff as long as the sub floor is flat. Sometimes the butts are not flush when installing in older homes.

In regards to the laminate type flooring, avoid the cheap stuff. It just doesn't look real and can devalue a house to a discriminating buyer. It also feels odd when you walk on it. The more expensive brands look better, but they still feel different when you walk on them compared to real wood.

[Burnin' oil]

I have a 12" Dewalt sliding miter saw that works great. I used it to cut 12 inch planks which would have been difficult and time consuming otherwise.

[djmcmath]

I just did 800 sqft of laminate flooring using a DeWalt "job saw" (like a 10" table saw, except without the bulky stand -- Navy moves me often) and an 80 tooth fine cut blade. Worked like a charm, no problems at all.

Now I'm redoing some siding and building a deck, and the same saw is still the tool of choice. Then I'm going back inside to redo a bunch of trim, and (wait for it) the same saw will be the right tool.

I, too, agonized over the saw decision, though, if that's any consolation.

[Burnin' oil]

You can borrow my saw if you want. Is N. Carolina near California?

[KFC911]

Yes, I live outside of San Francisco