Table Saws Buying Guide

One of the must-have items in any woodworking shop is a powerful table saw. The ease and precision with which a mounted saw can cut through wood makes it an essential tool, whether you are a professional or a hobbyist.

There are so many different ways to work with wood and building materials that it only makes sense for there to be a variety of table saws available. The main types break down according to size, power, and portability. Even the smallest bench top saw will make your wood working easier. However, depending on the type of material you need to cut, you may need to invest in something stronger.

One of the most important things to remember about in choosing a table saw is the potential for injury. The most obvious danger is the sharp, whirling blade set in the center of the machine. 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. The better tables will use magnetic power switches, so that the motor won't start 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 you want 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.

The final safety hazard is easy to overlook. When you are cutting wood, a great deal of dust is created. Dust that you will end up breathing into your lungs. 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.

Portable Table Saws There are two main reasons to purchase a portable table saw. The first is because you need a saw that can be moved easily from place to place. Portable table saws are sometimes called "bench top" saws because they need to be placed on a stable surface like a bench or table before they are used. 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 easier to move.

Even if you aren't planning to work at different locations, you may want to look into a portable table saw if you have a very small workshop. Because bench top saws are portable, they can be moved into the corner when not being used, leaving your work space free for other tools. Also, they are designed to use 120 volt outlets, which means they can be powered through ordinary household outlets.

However, when you use a portable table saw, you are giving up stability for the ease in moving it about. The saw will tend to vibrate more, reducing the precision of the blade and increasing the noise. Also, the motor will not be as powerful as a cabinet or contractor's table saw.

Contractor's Table Saws The next step up from a portable table saw in power and weight is the contractor's table saw. In this type of saw, the cutting mechanism is set solidly on heavy, cast-iron legs. This adds greatly to the stability of the machine. These types of saws became popular during the 1940s post-war housing boom, as contractors needed a relatively light table saw that could be moved from one construction site to another. But don't expect to move one by yourself. These are much heavier than the portable table saws. You'll need at least one other strong person to help you move it. Some contractor's tables are set with wheels, so they can be moved fairly easily. If you purchase one of these, make sure the wheels retract so that the saw will stand firm and unmoving while in use.

Like bench top saws, contractor's tables run on an ordinary houshold 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 the perfect fit.

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 can rip through soft wood and building materials, a cabinet saw is needed for larger pieces and hardwood. Just as the contractor's table saw creates less vibration than the bench top saw, the added weight of the cabinet table saw reduces noise. Less vibration also means a more precise cut, so a cabinet saw is best for high quality woodworking.

Because a cabinet table saw encloses the machinery of the motor in a metal compartment (the "cabinet"), it produces much less loose sawdust than the open contractor's table saw. This makes the work of cutting safer and more pleasant. 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.

One thing to note about the cabinet table saw is that it 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, as cabinet table saws are roughly twice as powerful as the 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. Of all the table saws, hybrids have the most variety. For example, one kind of hybrid table saw may attach the blade adjustment mechanism to the cabinet, while another uses a system similar to the contractor's and portable table saws. Contractor's table saws are powered with a single belt motor. Cabinet table saws generally use a three-belt system. Some hybrid table saws use one belt, some use three.

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 harder ones.

The versatility and variety of hybrid table saws make them the ideal system for someone with a wide range of tasks. 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.

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.

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 or farther to the blade and helps ensure a smooth, straight cut. Because of its importance, it's worth paying for a quality rig 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 replace it with something else if you would prefer a different type. The most important thing to look for in a blade guard is convenience. If a guard is difficult to adjust or in the way, it will probably be taken off and thrown in a drawer, defeating its purpose.

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, but is considered to be more effective.

Inserts

An insert is the small piece of metal in the center of the table through which the blade protrudes. These can be easily removed from the table and interchanged. Various inserts are designed for different blade sizes and tasks.

The heavier the table saw, the more expensive it is likely to be. Portable table saws are well within the budget of the average homeowner. Cabinet table saws are much more expensive, but they are also much more durable. This is a piece of machinery that will last and it makes sense to pay for quality.

If your funds are limited, consider a bench top saw. These can be found for under $100 without a stand. If you can afford more money, a bench top saw with a rolling stand may run as high as $500-$600.

Contractor's table saws start at around $500 and top-line models can cost up to $1,500. Hybrid tables range from about $1,000-$1,500.

Cabinet table saws, the heaviest and most powerful ones, are also the most expensive. While bargains can be found for under $1,000, most systems range from $2,000 to $3,500.

As you can see, there is a very wide range in prices for different table saws, even in the same general category. Check features and reviews carefully to make sure you are making the best investment. Many manufacturers do offer refurbished table saws. For someone on a budget, this is a sensible alternative to paying the highest prices.

Bosch
Craftsman
Delta
DeWalt
Jet
Makita
Powermatic