: Hi, all-I'm leaning toward making my own strips for the boat I'm taking
: forever to get around to building and would appreciate advice as to the
: least expensive yet effective table saw and portable air cleaner to get.
: I'm very limited as to building space and discetionary income I can devote
: to this project, hence my desire to get a small saw (used if possible-what
: do I look for?); the air cleaner should be portable-I can't mount one in
: the window of the basement without freezing my butt off this winter, nor
: can I mount it between the joist, as I have very little headroom. While I
: think of it, what's a good small QUIET shop vac? Thanks in advance for the
: advice-Greg

Greg,

I have a Delta air cleaner. Although it's not "portable", it can be placed on a benchtop or the floor. I purchased it last year at Lowe's when they were discontinuing that model. I got it for $69. Currently, Lowe's is discontinuing the '02 model. You may want to check their price if you have a Lowe's in your area. Personally, given the room, I would buy a dust collector first. I have the Jet that cost about $195. It's quiet. Shop vacs are much louder. When you sand, dust will cover everything even though you have the air cleaner running. With my dust collector attached to my Dewalt 6" sander, 99% of sanding dust is removed while sanding and my shop is not covered in dust. If you are planning to do any other woodworking, I'd stay away from the portable type tablesaws (although you can mill your strips on one). I'd look for contractor saws with a cast iron top and a solid fence. Aftermarket accessories will be available for these type saws. I have a Craftsman contractor saw (same as the Ridgid sold at Home Depot), but recommend a Jet. Although it has done everything I've asked it to(the angle adjustment is terrible), I wish that I had a cabinet saw. I've spent money on an aftermarket fence, etc that I could have put towards a better saw. If you can't afford a contractor saw, I'd wait until you could afford one or keep an eye out for a used saw. I've seen used contractor saws for less than $200. Send me an email if you have any questions.

Kurt