Allen writes, “hi what is the best way to convert my hand held circular saw into a saw bench?”
About twenty years ago I saw an advertisement for a multi function folding work bench where a hand held circular saw could be mounted into it to turn it into a mini table saw. I search around, but was unable to find the name of the bench or the manufacture.
It really depends on what you want to do with it, such a table saw will not help you produce accurate cuts for building furniture. It might be ok for rough framing work.
The other thing to keep in mind stability of your table saw. The last thing you need is a wobbly table saw that will tip over while your in the middle of ripping a long board.
Personally, I would focus on getting a quality table saw that will meet your space, budget and building desires. I have a Ryobi BT-3000 table saw that I picked up used for $300 and it came with the side extension table and a Ryobi 1 3/4 horse power router. The biggest down side to the table saw is that it uses a universal 15 amp motor, the same as what is found in most hand held circular saws. It just isn’t quite powerful enough to cut through thick hardwoods. To compensate for the lack of power I use a Freud thin kerf 10 inch saw blade.
If you have the space and budget go up a step to a contractor’s table saw. There are several good models available on the market that will give you accurate cuts. Consider the offering of Ridgid, Delta and Jet.
What if my budget does not allow me to buy a brand new table saw?
Don’t give up on the classified ads in your local newspaper. Here locally we have what is the ‘Greensheet’. Which as named is a local weekly ‘newspaper’ really it is a paper filled with classifieds and a few little articles. People list stuff that they want to sell. Another source is www.craigslist.org. Craig’s list is an giant by city classifieds ads. You can find some really good deals if you take the time to look.
