I always promised myself that the first thing I would buy when I got a house was a good table Saw.  So the first thing I did was head out with my Dad, and Dad-in-Law (who were both in Austin at the same time for the housewarming), to Sears, Home Depot, and Lowes.

Now, let me just say that my father used to sell tools for a living, and my Father-in-Law was a professional refinisher for a time, so both know about table saws.  I was hoping to pick up a new, good 10″ model for around $450.  Man, was I disappointed.  All the models either had a pot metal frame, or no base, or so much plastic you would think they were made by Fisher Price. Strike 1, 2, 3.  Game over.

Or so I thought.  On a last chance effort I checked out the local Craigslist, and found an old 10″ Jet Contractors saw with a base, cast-Iron top (which was a bit rusty but  flat as a pancake), a new 1-HP motor, and even a nice fence and miter.  All for $150.  When the guy who was selling it saw me coming in my little 2000 Honda Civic, he said, in his deep Texas southern Drawl: ” You ain’t never gonna get that saw in that car”.  Well, the base fit in the trunk (with the seats folded flat), and the saw rode shotgun in the passenger seat, thank you very much.

Here’s my Baby – The Jet JTS-10. According to the serial number this was the 65th one ever made.  I know it ain’t pretty, and it’s definitely not new, but boy is the blade sharp, and the cut true.  Of course there are absolutely zero safety features.  No RIP guard, no safety switch.  This saw was made back in the day when Table saws weren’t dangerous,  Like when it was ok to play with mercury, and Asbestos was used as insulation.

What  was your first table saw?  Whatever happened to it?  Share your response in the comments below.

Table Saw raised blade, and fence

Old but accurate Table Saw Miter Gauge

Jet Table Saw Height Adjustment Wheel, and Power Toggle-switch

Jet JTS-10 Table Saw, contractor's model

Belt drive table Saws

Close up of miter guage

Jet JTS-10