Table Saw Buying Guide

Table saw advantages

Chances are you already own a circular saw. While they’re great for making short cuts, circular saws aren’t known for their accuracy and long cuts can be a challenge. Table saws make short, accurate work of longer cuts, and the accuracy of a table saw’s miter makes them valuable for framing work as well.

A table saw is a type of circular saw with an open blade mounted beneath a flat cutting surface. An adjustable rip fence next to the blade lets you set the width of the cut. You then feed the wood you want to cut between the table saw’s blade and the rip fence, resulting in straight, even cuts every time.

Portable or stationary?

The first choice in buying a table saw is between a portable or stationary workshop model. Budget is a factor, as portable table saws cost less but may lack the ability to handle larger jobs.

Portable table saws are smaller and lighter than workshop table saws, though few are light enough to carry a great distance. Most portable table saws have plastic or metal cutting tables mounted on top of a metal base. All-plastic table saws should be avoided, because they lack stability.

Portable table saws are much smaller than stationary saws, which makes cutting plywood and other large stock a challenge. Look for supports that extend from either side of a portable table saw that let you support larger pieces of wood, as well as nail loops in the feet that let you secure the table saw to a work surface. Some portable table saws include stands, and while these are useful in a remote setting, they’re not as stable when you’re dealing with pieces of wood that are long or wide.

Stationary or cabinet table saws are built for permanent installation. These table saws offer iron or steel construction for superior stability, but they’re not designed to be moved once they’ve been set up. Stationary table saws transfer fewer vibrations, and they’re quieter than portable table saws if the motor is mounted inside a cabinet.

If you’re considering a stationary table saw, think about the dimensions of the largest pieces of wood you need to cut and how much space you have in your shop. A table saw that’s built to handle plywood will take up a lot more space, but it won’t perform any better than a smaller table saw if you’re only cutting pine or floorboards. You’ll also want to think about power, as larger motors require a dedicated 220-volt outlet.

Table saw drives

There are two basic types of table saw drives: direct drive and belt driven. Direct drive table saws have the blade mounted right on the motor, which allows for the greatest transfer of cutting power. Belt-driven table saws have a motor that’s offset by a belt, which reduces the chance of the wood bucking when the motor jams and also prevents sawdust from accumulating in moving parts.

Belt-driven table saws require a bit more care to use, as you need to periodically inspect the belt to make sure there are no cracks. Both belt and direct-drive table saws need to have their motors cleaned and lubricated periodically.

A table saw’s horsepower is a good gauge of cutting power, but it’s seldom worth spending a lot for extra horses. Most portable table saws have 1HP or 2HP motors, which is enough to cut plywood up to ¾” thick with ease. Stationary table saws have motors ranging from 3HP to 5HP that will handle thicker, denser material. If you’re cutting hardwoods or thick plywood and boards, look for extra horsepower to reduce the chance of the table saw binding up during use.

Adjustments and blade size

The accuracy of a table saw’s rip fence is the greatest factor in getting consistent results. The best designs use a rip fence made of firm steel that travels on a pair of bars mounted on either side of the cutting table. This ensures that the rip fence is always parallel to the table saw’s blade. Look for reliable cam or pressure-locking mechanisms that hold the rip fence securely in place.

Table saws are measured by their blade size. The 10” size is the most common and is the best choice for general use. Larger 12” table saws are needed only for specialized commercial cutting, and 8” table saws are too small to handle thicker woods, although they can be a good choice if you need an extremely portable table saw for thin flooring or finish work.

Both the height and the angle of a table saw’s blade should be adjustable. A good table saw will have a crank or wheel for height adjustment and a miter gauge with positive stops at 45 and 90 degrees. Look for table saws that can tilt the blade to the left or right for the greatest ease of use.

Features

Look for a smooth table surface made from durable metal, such as steel or cast iron, that won’t scratch or pit. Table saws should have retractable blade guards that snap back into place once cutting is finished.

Consider the location and operation of a table saw’s power switch. Many table saws now use a switch that pulls to turn power on and pushes to stop the motor, which is simple to operate while you’re cutting. Look for electronic brakes that reverse the motor to stop it quickly when the power is shut off.

Advanced woodworkers should consider the arbor size of a table saw and whether it allows specialized blades to be used. Some table saws can work with stacked dado blades, an ability that  makes furniture construction and joinery quick and easy.

Need to know more?

• Aligning Table Saw Blades
  http://www.woodshopdemos.com/safe-2.htm
• Two Dozen Table Saw Safety Tips
  http://www.woodcraft.com/articles.aspx?articleid=317
• Table Saw Basics
  http://www.newwoodworker.com/basic/usetsbasics.html