The ease and precision with which a mounted saw can cut through
wood makes it an essential tool, whether you are a professional woodworker, a do-it-yourselfer, or a hobbyist.
Determining your needs with regard to size, power, and portability will help you choose the perfect table saw.
Types of Table Saws
Portable Table Saws
Portable table saws
are sometimes referred to as "bench top" saws because they need to be placed on a stable
surface like a bench, table, or stand for use. Most bench top saws weigh between
40 and 90 pounds, light enough for a strong person to pick up and carry for
short distances. Many bench top saws are sold with wheeled stands, making them even
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The relatively compact size of a portable table saw is ideal for small workspaces, as they can be moved into a corner when not being used, leaving work
space free for other
tools. Designed to use 120V outlets, they can be powered through ordinary household outlets.
With a portable table saw, you will sacrifice a degree of stability for the
ease moving it about. The saw will tend to vibrate more, reducing the precision
of the blade and increasing the noise. Motors are not as powerful as
cabinet or contractor's table saws.
Contractor's Table Saws
A contractor's table saw has a cutting mechanism that is set solidly on heavy, cast-iron
legs. This adds greatly to the stability of the machine. These considerably heavier than portable table saws, and
you'll need at least one other strong person to help you move it. Some contractor's
tables are set with wheels, and these can be moved fairly easily.
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Like bench top saws, contractor's tables run on ordinary household electrical
current. If you have a fairly roomy home workshop, or if you need to move workspaces
regularly, a contractor's table saw may be a perfect choice.
Cabinet Table Saws
The largest and heaviest of the table saws, cabinet saws are frequently found in
professional wood shops. While a contractor's table saw is designed to cut soft wood
and building materials, a cabinet saw is needed for larger pieces and hardwood.
The added weight reduces noise and vibration, which translates to
a more precise cut.
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Because a cabinet table saw encloses the machinery of the motor in a metal compartment
(the 'cabinet'), it produces considerably less loose sawdust than the open contractor's
table saw. Also, it is often
easier to adjust the blade on a cabinet saw, as the mechanism that moves it is attached
to the cabinet walls, rather than the table top.
Note that a cabinet table saw requires 240 volt electrical
outlets, so a special power hookup may need to be installed if you intend to use
this machine in a home wood shop. The extra voltage is needed because cabinet table
saws are roughly twice as powerful contractor's table saws.
Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid table saws combine the features of a cabinet system with the lighter weight
and mobility of the contractor's table saw.
Contractor's
table saws are powered with a single belt motor, and cabinet table saws generally use
a three-belt system. Hybrid table saws may use one or three belts.
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Many hybrid table saws offer the option of switching between 120 or 240 volts to
power the machine. This allows the operator to choose a lower voltage for easier
tasks and to add extra power for more difficult ones.
They are mobile enough to transport to work
sites or move into a workshop corner for storage. Like the contractor's table saws,
many hybrids feature retractable wheels.
Table Saw Features
The basic design of a table saw is simple. It is usually
constructed of sturdy, durable materials like steel and cast iron. Whether you buy
a contractor's, cabinet, or hybrid table saw, you can expect it to last for decades with proper care.
Although the design of the table saw is simple, there are ways to improve its performance
by using
quality attachments. Here are some of the most popular ways to customize
your table saw.
Rip Fences
The
rip fence is a long bar that runs parallel to the cutting blade. It can be adjusted
nearer to or farther from the blade and helps ensure a smooth, straight cut. It's worth paying for a quality rip fence.
Miter Gauge
The
miter gauge is used to guide the wood when cutting on an angle. It fits into
the grooves bored into the surface of the table. You want to make sure to get a
miter gauge that is clearly marked and capable of holding a setting without slipping
when the blade is in motion.
Blade Guards
For safety reasons, a
guard is needed to cover the
cutting blade. Although most
table saws will come with a blade guard, it's usually possible to customize your table saw with different types.
Splitters
Another important safety feature is the splitter. This is a small piece of metal
mounted immediately behind the blade. The splitter is designed to help prevent kickback
by keeping the wood from rotating into the rear of the blade. A
riving knife works
on the same principle, and is considered to be even more effective.
Table Saw Inserts
An
insert is a small piece of metal in the center of the table through which a saw
blade protrudes. These can be easily removed from the table and swapped to accommodate different table saw blade sizes and tasks.
Table Saw Safety
A blade that can cut through wood can also
seriously injure anyone who doesn't exercise caution. A few high-end table saws
feature a current detector that senses when your fingers come into contact with
the blade and shuts down the motor immediately. It's a feature that costs more,
but the benefit is well worth the expense.
Some tables will automatically shut off when the motor overloads. Better tables
will use magnetic power switches, so that the motor is prevented from starting up again accidently.
Others require that a key be used to start the machine. Many woodworkers prefer
a switch that can be turned off using the knee, since it's preferable to keep both hands
on the material being cut.
Another serious, but less obvious, danger is 'kickback.' This happens when the wood
catches on the blade and is thrown back towards the operator with great force. Placing
a splitter or riving knife behind the blade of the saw can reduce the risk of the
wood catching.
When you are cutting wood, a great
deal of dust is created. How
well a table saw collects that dust is a major safety factor. Look for one that
has a shroud to cover the blade, and, if possible, a chute to guide the falling
sawdust into a contained area. Regardless, wearing
safety goggles and
breathing protection is essential.
Top Manufacturers
Builders Square features
table saws from these and other top manufacturers: