There’s a wide range of table saws available in the market today, which can make the process of choosing one quite overwhelming. Whether you’re a serious contractor, a home renovator, or a DIY enthusiast, at some point, you’ll need a table saw. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ll break down the different types of table saws and highlight their strengths and differences.
Table of Contents
- Quick Background on Table Saws
- Bench or Portable Table Saw
- Construction Site Table Saw
- Contractor Table Saw
- Cabinet Table Saw
- Sliding or European Table Saw
- Table Saw Motor and Drive Configurations
- Accessories for All Types of Table Saws
- Blade Size and Type
- Wrapping it Up
Quick Background on Table Saws
Table saws are commonly used by professionals for precise wood cuts and occasional crosscuts. For repetitive crosscuts, circular or miter saws may be more suitable. Table saws come equipped with fence and miter gauges to measure and guide wood through the saw blade. Additionally, they include blade guards and kickback pawls for enhanced safety during use.
It’s important to note that regardless of the type of table saw you choose, it’s crucial to practice safe usage. Manufacturers are continuously improving the safety features of table saws, especially in jobsite and bench models. Familiarize yourself with models such as the Sawstop construction site table saw and the DeWalt DWE7499GD table saw with guard detection. These examples reflect the manufacturers’ commitment to safety.
Most table saws in the United States operate on 120V power, although some manufacturers offer battery-operated models. However, it’s worth noting that only the Metabo HPT is a 10-inch battery-operated model.
Bench or Portable Table Saw
Among the various types of table saws, bench or portable table saws offer the ultimate portability. These saws are popular among individuals seeking the convenience of a table saw at an affordable price.
As the name suggests, a bench saw can be placed directly on top of a bench or table. You’ll often find them on jobsites, set up on a pair of sawhorses. Some models even come with separate folding stands or foldable legs, further enhancing their portability. While these lightweight portable saws may have less powerful motors compared to contractor or cabinet table saws, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the fence when making your selection.
Look for models with user-friendly blade lift mechanisms and reliable bevel control. Cheaper models may have quick-adjust fences, but they can bend when you start feeding the board into the blade. Opt for fences with rock-solid adjustment systems for increased stability.
Construction site table saws are similar to portable table saws, but with more powerful motors and rolling folding stands. These features make them the ideal choice for job sites where portability is paramount.
Construction saws often come with high-quality fences for precise measurements and better adjustments for cutting width. Look for sleek mechanisms, lightweight materials, and strong motor sizes to determine which construction saw suits your needs.
Contractor Table Saw
The term “contractor saw” can be confusing, but when you consider brands like Sawstop, Rikon, and Delta, contractor table saws typically feature a rear-mounted motor and a sturdier stand with rollers.
These saws are popular among professionals working on large projects who may need to move from one job to another. They are also gaining popularity among serious DIY enthusiasts due to their increased cutting power and convenience. Contractor table saws are heavier compared to portable saws, but they come with wheels on the bottom of their legs for easier transportation. They offer power similar to a cabinet saw while maintaining a certain level of portability.
Cabinet Table Saw
Cabinet table saws offer the pinnacle of precision, control, and power. Although heavy, they tend to remain stationary once set up. These saws have an enclosed base, explaining their “cabinet” name. They typically require higher power and need a 220V or higher outlet.
Cabinet saws are generally more expensive but provide stability that portable or contractor-style table saws can’t match. Due to their weight, they exhibit less vibration. Combined with exceptional fencing and build quality, this results in highly precise cuts. Cabinet saws with wheels are designed to be moved within a workshop rather than transported in a truck or trailer. These powerful tools are often featured prominently in woodworking shops.
Sliding or European Table Saw
Sliding table saws, also known as European table saws, are industrial-grade saws that are significantly larger than cabinet saws. Their advantage lies in their ability to handle whole sheets of plywood and push them past the blades on a moving table. This feature makes them highly accurate and efficient. However, their price tags tend to be on the higher side, starting at around $5,000 and going as high as $25,000 or more.
Table Saw Motor and Drive Configurations
Surprisingly, despite the wide variety of table saws available, there are only two main types of motors:
Direct Drive Motors
Most portable and benchtop models utilize direct drive motors, where the motor is directly connected to the blade. Concerns regarding these motors include potential faster wear due to their proximity to sawdust. However, with proper care, saws designed this way should last for many years. It’s worth noting that battery-operated or cordless table saws typically use brushless motors, which fall under the category of direct drive motors.
Belt Drive Motors
Cabinet and contractor table saws commonly feature belt drive motors, which employ a belt to transmit power. This positioning allows the saw to place the motor away from the blade, protecting it from dust and making it easier to remove (in the case of contractor table saws) for portability.
Accessories for All Types of Table Saws
Enhance your table saw experience with these useful accessories:
- Sliding Table Extension: Attaches to a table to expand its width, allowing for easier cutting of larger-sized lumber.
- Dado Blade Kits: Consist of a series of blades that fit onto a dado board, enabling wide cuts. Can be used with sacrificial fences for notch cuts.
- Smooth Ripping Fence: A metal piece that sits on top of the table and moves parallel to the blade, guiding the wood for a straight and even cut.
- Flexible Miter Gauge: Fits into grooves on either side of the table saw blade, enabling precise bevel cuts.
- Crosscut Sled: A tool that facilitates repeated fixed-length crosscuts, adding safety and stability to the cutting process.
- Tenon Jig: A fixture, typically made of metal or wood, that holds a piece of wood vertically for easy cutting.
Blade Size and Type
The two most common table saw blade sizes are 8-1/4 inch and 10 inches. Portable and construction saws usually utilize 8-1/4-inch blades, suitable for 1X and lighter work. On the other hand, 10-inch blades allow for professional-level cutting of thicker 2X stock and miter cuts.
Commercial-grade cabinet saws can accommodate 16-inch or larger blades. Consider the following factors when choosing a blade:
- Blade Tooth Angle and Slope: The positioning of carbide teeth on the blade determines the type of wood being cut, cutting speed, and blade-wood interaction. The correct tooth configuration results in clean cuts.
- Blade Teeth Count: Blades with fewer teeth generally cut faster but leave rougher edges. Finishing blades, with 80 or more teeth, produce a more refined finish. Larger blades require more teeth to achieve the same level of cutting quality.
- Vibration Damping: Opt for blades with effective vibration damping to ensure cleaner and quieter cuts.
Wrapping it Up
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with enough information to choose the right table saw for your needs. While many individuals opt for affordable benchtop models, there’s a growing preference for hybrid or cabinet models among woodworking enthusiasts. Remember to consider your specific requirements and prioritize safety when selecting a table saw. Happy sawing!