Sliding table saw

[Erik Loza]

Most pro shops have?

Most commonly, some ancient Italian saw. Less commonly, an Altendorf. Very rarely, a Martin. But to be honest, none of the above. Most shops actually have a CNC router.

Erik

[Dan Chouinard]

Most commonly, some ancient Italian saw. Less commonly, an Altendorf. Very rarely, a Martin. But to be honest, none of the above. Most shops actually have a CNC router.

Erik

Thats just great Erik. Finally getting my hands on a slider... but now have to wonder about a CNC router. Having been in a small one man shop for the past 11-12 years I have had zero exposure to any CNC machines. How many people have to work in a shop before heading in that direction? I am still essentially in a one man shop, just a much larger one.

[David Zaret]

i am a one-man professional shop with a Martin slider and a CNC. the CNC acts as my employee, and i would never trade my Martin for anything, even though it takes up a ton of space, and i kept my cabinet saw for other operations. it's not an either-or... depending on what you build, the slider is a terrific tool for accuracy and efficiency. the addition of the Airtight clamps is actually a game-changer, and i don't use the fritz-and-franz anymore since installing the clamps.

the CNC has changed the way i design and build furniture and casework. but, it requires specialized software and the patience to learn it.

[Joe Hendershott]

Just to add you can certainly get a good model for half that 20K. I took delivery last month of a Minimax sc4e and total with delivery just over $10,000. Many years ago I used one in a commercial setting so I have a little experience but still marvel at the ease of use. Once you get the differences down and modify your work methods it is a true pleasure to use.

I see the cost as a deal. My Dpmino XL with cutters was nearly 20% of that and while I have no issues in spending that much for a quality tool it makes the Minimax look cheap. I know it will last as long as I will so the cost per year, month, day or however you want to do the math is quite low. The space it takes up, well that's another story.

[Rod Sheridan]

Ron, my slider takes up the same or less space than my cabinet saw did, and it has a tilting spindle shaper as well.

Most hobby users don't need a large slider, I just need one that can crosscut a sheet of plywood. Here's a photo of mine with the outrigger table removed, which is the normal condition for me.......Regards, Rod.Ellington at Work.jpg

[Dan Chouinard]

i am a one-man professional shop with a Martin slider and a CNC. the CNC acts as my employee, and i would never trade my Martin for anything, even though it takes up a ton of space, and i kept my cabinet saw for other operations. it's not an either-or... depending on what you build, the slider is a terrific tool for accuracy and efficiency. the addition of the Airtight clamps is actually a game-changer, and i don't use the fritz-and-franz anymore since installing the clamps.

the CNC has changed the way i design and build furniture and casework. but, it requires specialized software and the patience to learn it.

Thank you David. I am interested to know more about airtight clamps.

[Will Allen]

Thank you David. I am interested to know more about airtight clamps.

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