For woodworking enthusiasts, a high-quality table saw is the most essential piece of equipment. Knowing how to locate and purchase the best table saw for your purposes is an important step in assembling a wood shop or woodworking area.
Here are some of the main points to consider when searching online for the best table saw reviews available:
The Different Kinds of Table Saws
You’ll need to decide whether you want to purchase a cabinet saw, with its heavy cast-iron table and enclosed, powerful motor, or a contractor’s saw. The latter is much lighter than the typical cabinet saw weight of 600 pounds, and is portable with a less powerful motor. There are also so-called “hybrid” saws that combine characteristics of cabinet and contractor saws.
It’s also worth noting that contractor saws generally use 110-volt outlets but are apt to become slowed under a heavy work load. Cabinet saws use 220-volt power. Hybrids can typically switch between voltages. Know what kind of voltage you’ll have available in your work place before deciding on the saw type.
Tables
Expect cabinet saws to feature cast-iron tables, while hybrid and contractor saws typically have tables that are made of aluminum, steel or granite. Of course, hybrids will sometimes have a cast-iron section with lighter, aluminum extension wings.
Fences
Saw fences need to be lockable, true to the blade, and easily movable. If a saw’s fence is not exactly parallel to the blade during work, it could spell danger. So make sure to find a saw that offers a high-quality T-style fence that stays in place during jobs.
Dust Collection
The standard cabinet saw has a sawdust collection area so that the floor and the motor stay clean at all times. Contractor’s saws tend to have no dust-capture system, so the sawdust ends up on the floor or ground. Know whether you’ll be using you saw indoors and whether you will need a dust-collection system. There are attachable dust boxes you can purchase for hybrid or contractor’s saws so that the dust doesn’t end up in the motor or on the floor.
Safety Considerations
Because table saws are one of the most dangerous tools in modern use, it pays to know about safety features.
Large paddle switches: This feature allows for operation of the main power with your foot, which allows the hands to be completely free to attend to the job.
Pawls to prevent kickback: These are metal teeth that protrude from an anti-kickback, spring-loaded sash that prevent stock from endangering the worker. Keep in mind that while great for safety, pawls can damage the wood after it has been cut.
Blade brakes and guards: Blade guards are commonly used, inexpensive pieces of equipment that cover a saw blade to prevent contact and injuries. Blade guards are rather new, expensive inventions that actually stop a blade when a human body part comes in contact with it.
Wings and rails: These useful features allow for longer, wider cuts and can be added to most types of saws.
Storage units: Safe storage is a key factor for saws in order to prevent casual contact and accidental damage to the unit while it is not in use.
Mobile saw bases: These devices allow heavy saws to be moved within a shop or work area.
Finally, keep in mind that the best table saw in the world is only as good as its blade, so be sure to spend time and thought on what kind of blade will be the most appropriate for your needs. Of course, professional woodworkers will spend much more money on blades than will hobbyists, so use your common sense when deciding on this most important part of the saw you intend to purchase.