A table saw the most important tool in a workshop. That’s why a woodworker needs to know that how to buy a Table saw?
Because when it comes to wood working, it is an essential to have power saw.
In buying a right table saw, it‘s all about where and how we will use it. We have to think about our present and future.
For the present we should think as beginners and then having in mind our future plan to become an expert and earn a good income out of it.
Buying a table saw is very important and crucial activity before having it. We have to choose suitable and economical Table saw.
For this we find different types of Table saw to select. Table saw a have a wide range with their unique features and purposes.
In buying a table saw we must have a detailed knowledge of new possibilities and a whole new level of woodworking.
So before we dig for more information, we have to have some tips of choosing the right table saw.
Like if you want to buy a table saw, your first and foremost priority should be its quality.
Secondly you must consider the weight, voltage and user friendliness of the machine.
What Is A Table Saw?
A table saw is a wood working tool that is used for making precise, accurate and long cuts conveniently.
It is also very comfortable for joint cuts, straight cuts and the groove cuts.
They come in various models providing more and more ease of handling varied projects.
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What Is A Table Saw Used For (Beginner’s Guide)
The Detailed Components Of Table Saw
On a table saw, there is blade that has a fixed position. When a worker puts any piece of wood against it, he gets its precise and smooth cutting.
A table saw can make long, straight, cross cuts accurately. Miter cuts and Bevel cuts.
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Its Components Include
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Rip fence
A bar on a table saw that functions as a guide for a work piece as it moves against the blade.
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Miter gauge
A guide that you can adjust to move the piece along the blade to cut it at specific angles.
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Bevels system
It is a system that allows you move the blade to make bevel cuts.
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Riving knife
It reduces the risk of kicking back towards the operator and keeps the work piece from pinching the blade.
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Anti Kick Back Pawls
Metal arms with the teeth that keeps the working safe from kick back towards the operator.
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Blade guard
A pivoting shield that protects the operator from dust and other particles as well as kick back and accidental contact with the blade.
How A Table Saw Works?
To control the cut is the main purpose of a table saw. It controls the force of the cut by forcing the work piece down against the blade.
It also controls the depth of the cut by raising and lowering the blade. It also changes the angle of the cut.
Table Saw appliances are also capable of cutting the work piece accurately and precisely.
A rip fence is frequently used table saw appliance which allows us to make long, straight cuts.
Types of Table Saw
Buying a table saw takes you in a small world of table saws where you find a variety of it.
Table saws are classified under the following categories: portable or “jobsite” saws, contractor saws, hybrid saws and cabinet saws.
This classification is very important to know for a professional. There are two different types of table saws: Portable and Stationary.
Portable Saws
- Benchtop
- Compact
- Jobsite
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Benchtop Table Saw
It is the smallest , lightweight and a portable saw in the market. This is an ideal model for an enthusiastic DIYer.
It consists of strands attached to it. The worker need to have his own table and working surface which can be a bench or log.
It has a direct-drive universal motor that runs at 1.5 to 2 horsepower. There is a blade in it that matches the size of the motor.
A bench-top table saw is suitable for small projects. most of its models on average weigh about 50 lbs.
It doesn’t have a stand so it needs to handle carefully at any surface levels as one uses it.
This saw has lowest rip capacity and is suitable for only cutting softwoods and light duty tasks.
It is used for quality furniture. It is great for first-timers who are beginners in wood cutting. All come with direct-drive universal motors.
They’re not as durable and quiet as the induction motors found on cabinet saws. But offer good power for their size.
They offer an adequate but limited rip capacity for most tasks you throw at them.
Cutting pine or similar materials is fine. But don’t expect to be cutting through large stock.
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Compact
Compact table saws are larger than bench-top saws. The key difference is they come with a stand to allow for stability when making a rip cut.
Compact saws are in fact like some contractor models. Though they provide a smaller table surface area in comparison.
Their rip capacity doesn’t compare to the contractor models either. They’re still aimed at the enthusiast, but also the local tradesman due to their sturdy build.
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Portable & Job stick Table Saw
Portability in table saws makes the wood worker feel at ease to lift it or move around who spends most of his time on work site.
Portable saws can perform similar function like larger saw but on small level.
It consists of a light weight universal motor that tends to be little on muscle and fairly loud.
It has aluminum top instead of iron that makes it less durable than other.
Stationary Saws
- Contractor
- Hybrid
- Cabinet
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Contractor Saws
Contractor saw is also designed to be taken from one place of work to another. These kind of table saws have straight forward design and a price that is affordable.
Contractor saw are comparatively light -weight as they are within 50 -350 lb and usually economical for the hobbyist and a homeowner.
It is classified as stationary and a worker has to install it at a workshop or take it to the construction site for any project.
The contractor saw consists of a solid iron table top which guarantees its long life. It also has a motor that hangs off from the rear of the saw.
This saw, with higher rip capacity, has the ability to cut through larger and thicker materials.
The contractor saw is used in small cabinetry projects, carpentry works and construction.
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Cabinet Table Saw
To cut the wood at a fixed location, the cabinet saw is the best choice. Most of the professional and heavy duty workers use this machine as it is engineered for such kind of work.
it consumes a quite high power that is why probably it is the most expensive. It is more powerful than the contractor table saws and upgraded.
It is designed to perform robust operations and offers durability. it is usually made of iron or steel so that it may be used for a longer time.
This machine is regarded as long lasting and reliable among others. Being every woodworker’s dream, it is used in every workshop for making large pieces of furniture.
The only drawback of a cabinet saw is its size and weight which is 600 lbs because of which it is not easily portable.
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Hybrid Table Saw
This is a new emerging saw in the market with latest innovations.
Having features of contractor and cabinet saws, it provides a bridge between contractor and cabinet saws.
Its motor size is the same as a cabinet saw but it has an enclosed cabinet for dust collection.
It is usually heavier than the contractor models but lighter than cabinet saw.
It is important to note that it has an in board belt driven motor and outboard hinged motor.
This belt system is advanced with a gearing system. A Hybrid table saw has a power of two horsepower motor.
It is quite versatile in its features and functions that are useful for professional woodworkers.
The fences and larger rip capacity make it favorite for professional users and make them feel at ease while using it.
It is also used in constructions, heavy duty cycles and residential projects.
They’re lighter weight, and are equipped with motors in the 1-1/2 – 1-3/4 HP range (which means that they can be used with standard 110 volt service).