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The Definitive Table Saw Buying Guide
July 31, 2014
Image courtesy of http://diytools4u.net
Every do-it-yourself home workshop has a table saw. This indispensable tool is used for achieving different types of cuts including bevel cuts, rip, crosscut and miter. It may also be used to make moldings and cut dadoes.
The table saw is circular and is mounted on the table, and unlike other saws, this type remains stationary as the material is being fed underneath the blade for cutting. This ensures that the material can be well-controlled for proper cutting. The style and depth of the cut can be defined by adjusting the saw blade’s height; deeper cuts are achieved by extending the blade above the surface of the table. You can also maneuver the blade to allow cutting angle cuts.
Older table saw designs had blades that remain in fixed vertical position. To get the right depth and angle of a cut, the table is simply moved up or down or tilted. Such designs are considered inconvenient and unsafe to use.
Types of table saws
Four types of table saws are commonly used to cut wood and these are the bench, cabinet, hybrid and contractor. Each type possesses its own level of power, capability, range of mobility, and of course price. If you want to get the best table saw that fits your needs, you have to ask yourself these questions:
What materials are often used?
What type of cuts do you wish to achieve?
Will the saw be used often?
Will the table saw be used at home or at a construction site?
Aside from answering these questions, ask yourself if the saw will be used more in the future. If you are into woodwork, will it eventually turn into a profession and an everyday thing? Answering all these questions can help you decide whether or not it is smart to invest in a top-quality, high-power table saw instead of just settling for a mediocre type that simply lets you do the job.
Whichever type of table saw you decide to buy, it is important to consider its safety features (i.e. rip fence, magnetic switch, anti-kickback pawls, blade guard) and performance features. You need one that can be safely stored in your workshop, whether used or unused, and you need one that delivers the kind of performance you expect from a table saw.
You might also want to consider the convenience of use of your chosen table saw. A table saw should be durable, as well as deliver a precise cut. For instance, tilting the blade to arrive at your desired angle cuts should be an easy feat for any table saw user. The controls must also be easy to use and overall provide the user with a comfortable grip.
Take your time when making a decision as to which table saw to buy. It helps to compare different