Every woodshop should have a table saw. They are the go-to cutting tool for versatility, speed, and convenience. There are many types of table saws, with specialty uses, but which is the best table saw for you?
Table saws are expensive to buy, so if you are to get the best, you need to do your homework. We give you the A to Z rundown.
- Portable
- Makes narrow cuts
- Trusted brand
- Gravity rise
- Trusted brand
- Soft start
- Compact
- Power-loss reset
- Safety features
- Powerful specs
- Soft start circuitry
- Amazing portability
- Safety features
- Ripping capacity
- Built to last
- Cast iron table
- Safety features
- Five horsepower motor
- Lightweight
- Dual-field motor
- Higher torque
- Folding legs included
- 4x4 cutting
- Rack and pinion fence rails
- Packs a punch
- Lots of extras
- Lightweight
- It’s simple to use
- Cordless
- Interchangeable battery
Product Reviews
With so many varieties of table saw to choose from, we run down the best table saws in each category.
1. DeWALT 10-Inch Table Saw
Best Portable Table Saw
This DeWALT jobsite table saw has a 32-½-inch rip capacity and has telescoping fence rails that retract to make a smaller package. It can cut larger, denser material, and with its 15 amp motor, cuts hardwood material too.
It comes with a rolling stand, so it is portable. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals as well as DIY enthusiasts. We love that it has an array of accessories, including a push stick.
The saw offers a 3-⅛-inch depth when the blade is at 90 degrees and a 2-¼-inch depth, when set at 45 degrees. The 2-inch dust collection port extracts via a connection to a standard vacuum to make dust removal easier.
What We Like
It’s Portable
It comes with a rolling stand. So, while it is the ideal jobsite table saw and can stay in situ, it also can be easily moved. It can also pack down quickly when you are in a hurry.
Makes Narrow Cuts
The flip-over ripping fence supports narrow cutting. The table size also offers support when making more delicate cuts. This makes it the ideal tool for more detailed work.
Trusted Brand
There isn’t a woodworker or professional who hasn’t heard of DeWALT. They are a trusted brand making high-quality tools. Therefore, if you want something you can trust to be reliable and perform to expectations, you can’t go wrong with DeWALT.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capacity
Because this DeWALT is a portable table saw, it does limit the capacity somewhat. While it has a ripping ability of 32-½ inches, that may not be enough for some.
Product Specs
| Weight | 110 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 32-½ inches |
| RPM | 4,800 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
2. Bosch 4100XC-10 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw
Best Contractor Table Saw
This Bosch worksite table saw features an increased table size for higher capacity and workload. It has a 3,650 RPM motor, and a square-lock rip fence that increases accuracy and cutting trueness. This also means you can guide the material with one hand.
It has a 30-inch ripping capacity. So while it may be on the small side, it does come with a riving knife and anti-kickback pawls for added safety.
What We Like
Gravity Rise
Setting up the saw couldn’t be easier, thanks to the unique gravity rise feature. It means that you spend less time grappling with your saw and more time earning money on the job.
Trusted Brand
Bosch is another workplace favorite. The name suggests quality, reliability, and value for money. They may not be the cheapest table saws around, but you get what you pay for.
Soft Start
The soft start feature means that the blade gradually builds up to optimum cutting speed without tripping the power, or causing undue vibration.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capacity
The ripping capacity is considerably less than the DeWALT, at just 30 inches. It means you are limited to the size of the material you can work on.
Price Tag
If you want quality, you have to pay. Bosch doesn’t make the cheapest table saws around, so be prepared to spend more if you want this saw.
Product Specs
| Weight | 109 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 30 inches |
| RPM | 3,650 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | 1-year |
3. DeWALT Compact Jobsite Table Saw
Best Jobsite Table Saw
Once more, we feature a DeWALT table saw in the review. This compact jobsite version is easy to transport because of its size. Like the others, it features a rack and pinion, telescoping fence, and it has a ripping capacity of 24-½ inches.
Couple that with the 15 amp motor that produces 5,800 RPM, and you have a handy table saw with real power to make the cuts you need.
What We Like
Compact
This is a go-anywhere table saw. It is lightweight and portable. If you need to take your tools on the road, you could do far worse than this table saw.
Power-Loss Reset
If there is a power outage, this feature protects you from the power coming back on and the blade starting up. You have to switch the machine back on with the reset button to get it operational again.
Safety Features
Anti-kickback pawls, push stick, riving knife, and a blade guard come as standard with this DeWALT table saw.
On the Small Side
While we sing its praises for being portable, that means it is limited in what it can cut. The adjustable table allows for some increased capacity, but not a lot.
Product Specs
| Weight | 53 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 24-½ inches |
| RPM | 5,800 |
| Blade Size | 8-¼ inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
4. Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Tablesaw
Best Table Saw With Wheeled Stand
The Bosch 4100-10 Tablesaw comes with a gravity-rise wheeled stand, making it extremely easy to transport from place to place before parking securely in place. Besides that, it has a fantastic rip capacity and 4 HP, allowing you to work to the best of your ability wherever you are.
The aluminum top table gives you plenty of space for your materials. Plus, it gives you a 30-inch rip capacity which is music to the ears of many of you, we’re sure.
It has a range of other handy features. This includes soft-start circuity, restart protection, smart guard system, and much more.
What We Like
Powerful Specs — 4 HP
One of the most obvious reasons this is a big seller is because it’s powerful. With a 15-amp saw and a 4 HP, you’re getting colossal power to cut through all kinds of materials. Running at 3,650 RPM, you’ll enjoy effortless rip- and cross-cutting of thin and thick materials.
Soft Start Circuitry
A small detail, but a good one. With soft-start circuitry minimizes the chances of tripping a circuit breaker. It starts the motor up gently which is the best thing for the machine. Add on the restart protection, and you’ll never get accidental startups either.
Amazing Portability
If you need to move your table saw from place to place, then this is one of your best options. The gravity-rise wheels make it simple to maneuver around. But when you need to pack it up and go, it folds up to a very compact size. Not only that, but it takes one single action to set it up, so you can certainly do it on your own.
What We Don't Like
Trouble Adjusting Blade
Some customers experienced challenges when adjusting the blade to do parallel cuts. Some other options may be easier to use. Even when following the instructions, it can be tricky since these instructions aren’t that clear.
Product Specs
| Weight | 60 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 30 inches |
| RPM | 3,650 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | Limited 1 year |
5. SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw
Best Cabinet Table Saw
This is a beast of a table saw. It has a 52-inch ripping capacity and a cast iron table for the best quality material. It has a professional T-glide fence system and collects 99% of the dust, so you don’t breathe it in. Surprisingly, this table has a caster system that lets you hydraulically lift it and move it around your workshop.
SawStop has also patented a unique safety system that shuts down the saw the moment your skin touches the blade. Amazing, isn’t it?
What We Like
Safety Features
This SawTop table saw has some of the most advanced safety features of any professional saw. The unique shut-down safety system prevents serious injuries by detecting human skin electronically.
Ripping Capacity
At 52 inches, you should be able to work on the largest of materials. It means that large construction projects can get done using this table saw.
Built to Last
This table saw will last the distance. Built to run and run, you also get a 99 percent dust extraction system to prevent debris from falling inside the saw and gumming it up.
What We Don't Like
The Price
This saw is eye-wateringly expensive, so be sure you need all that power and capacity before buying it. It is a professional tool, capable of working high load capacities. So, if you aren’t building something big, try a cheaper saw.
The Size
Unless you have space, this table saw will fill your workshop. Make sure you need something as industrial as this saw and accept that it will dominate any space it sits in.
Product Specs
| Weight | 515 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 52 inches |
| RPM | 3,450 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | 1-year |
6. Grizzly Industrial G1023RLWX Table Saw
Best Table Saw For Dust Collection
This Grizzly industrial table saw is constructed from quality materials like the cast iron router table extension. You get a five horsepower motor, for one. There are also a ton of safety features like a riving knife and a blade guard.
This saw has a 4-inch dust port for maximum debris extraction. It means that the saw doesn’t get clogged with waste material. It also keeps you from breathing in the dangerous matter.
It has a T-track router clamping system, a magnetic safety switch, and a 32-inch ripping capacity.
What We Like
Cast Iron Table
Getting a saw with a cast iron table means that you will have the flattest cutting surface available. Cast iron is heavy-weight, durable, and unlikely to warp no matter how much punishment it gets.
Safety Features
It comes with a riving knife and a blade guard. It also has a magnetic switch that kicks in when there is a power outage. This prevents the saw from springing to life when the power comes back on.
What We Don't Like
The Weight
This table saw weighs 550 pounds! Make sure you have a suitable surface that will take the weight, and that you have the ideal location for it. Once it is in situ, it won’t move easily.
The Cost
This saw is expensive, so be sure you need something with this capacity before buying it. Unless you are undertaking a major amount of work, it is probably too big for the average DIY enthusiast.
Product Specs
| Weight | 550 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 32 inches |
| RPM | 4,200 |
| Blade Size | 10-inch |
| Warranty | 1-year |
7. Skilsaw 8.25-Inch Table Saw
Best Benchtop Table Saw
This Skilsaw table saw has a worm drive gearing mechanism that gives the motor higher torque. It has a ripping capacity of 25 inches and a cut depth of 2-⅝ inches.
The fence extends, giving a larger working area. Plus, the motor is a class-leading dual-field motor that stays cool even when you are making multiple cuts.
What We Like
Lightweight
Every benchtop table saw needs to be portable, but this model is lightweight, so easier to transport. It has a rubberized padded handle for added comfort and grip.
Dual-Field Motor
The motor has an increased copper surface area, which means the motor stays cooler than other makes and models. It increases the lifespan of your motor, saving you heartache later on.
What We Don't Like
Warranty
Unlike DeWALT and Bosch, who offer a three and two-year warranty, respectively, this Skilsaw, by comparison, is measly. You get 180 days during which you can return your table saw if you are not satisfied.
Product Specs
| Weight | 51.2 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 25 inches |
| RPM | 5,300 |
| Blade Size | 8 inches |
| Warranty | 180 days |
8. Skilsaw 15 Amp 10 Inch Table Saw
Best Table Saw With Parallel Blade Alignment
Parallel blade alignment is a really handy feature to find on your table saw. It allows you to adjust the blade precisely along the rip fence and miter slot. This ensures the most accurate and clean cuts. If you’re looking for that, then we think you’ll love the sound of the Skil 15-amp 10-inch table saw.
What We Like
Included Folding Legs
This comes with integrated folding legs so you can fold up the table saw when you’re done with it. This allows you to transport it easily when you need to move from space to space. The dust port also redirects dust into a container to enhance easy cleanup.
4×4 Cutting
Make swift cuts with the 4×4 cutting capacity. You can also enjoy 0-45 degree bevel capacity with a quick-release lever. This ensures you can make cuts between two positive stops. Overall, this allows for flexible and versatile cutting.
Rack and Pinion Fence Rails
These fence rails come in handy to ensure that making fast, smooth, and precise adjustments is more straightforward than ever.
What We Don't Like
Some Cheap Parts
While the overall construction is quality, there are some cheap parts. For instance, the miter gauge is cheap plastic. Some customers found the cast aluminum top wore down quite quickly, too. Others found that the blade could have been better.
Product Specs
| Weight | 51.2 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 25.5 inches |
| RPM | 4,600 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
9. Goplus 10-Inch Table Saw
Best Budget Table Saw
This Goplus is for use by a home woodworker or a DIY enthusiast. It is compact, lightweight, and portable. This is the perfect tool to tackle small to medium home construction projects.
It has a 26-inch rip-cut capacity and a 15 amp motor to rip through the toughest materials. There’s a large hand wheel to control the blade. The motor produces 5,000 RPM.
What We Like
Packs a Punch
For such a lightweight table saw, it packs enough power to satisfy most home projects. It has a powerful motor that rips through most wood, including hardwood.
Lots of Extras
This Goplus comes with a miter fence. You also get a rip fence, as well as a transparent blade guard.
Lightweight
It weighs just 46 pounds, meaning that you can easily cart this to the job site. It also means it can be stored away in the workshop should you have limited space.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capacity
While we applaud its portability, some compromises have to be made. This saw doesn’t have the largest rip capacity of all the bench saws available.
Dust Collection Port
Not all the dust is collected, so you are going to have to clean out the saw regularly to stop it from gumming up with sawdust.
Product Specs
| Weight | 46 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 26 inches |
| RPM | 5,000 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | Not specified |
10. DeWALT Flexvolt Table Saw
Best Table Saw for Beginners
This Flexvolt can work both corded and battery operated. It has a Flexvolt 20v battery that can interchange with other DeWALT battery-operated tools. It automatically changes voltage when you change devices.
With its rack and pinion, telescoping fence rail it’s the ideal table saw for beginners. It also has a metal roll cage base, which is sturdier than plastic varieties.
And should the power cut out, it is equipped with a power-loss reset function. This prevents the blade from restarting when the power comes back on.
What We Like
It’s Simple to Use
Because it has a rack and pinion, telescoping fence, it is easy to learn about adjustments when cutting. If you are starting out using a table saw, it could be a good way to learn.
Cordless
You can take this table saw anywhere. There is no restriction to working near a power supply or trailing an extension cord. It means that no matter where the project is, you can take the saw to the site.
Interchangeable Battery
If you are new to power tools, having one battery to fit all is a game-changer. DeWALT has developed this power pack to be self-adjusting, depending on the voltage of the tool.
What We Don't Like
Limited Life
The battery has a limited charge and will only cut through the equivalent of 302 linear feet between charges. You may find that running it from a cord is better in the long run.
Battery and Charger Are Extra
Once you’ve paid your cash for this table saw, DeWALT wants you to buy the battery and charger separately. It doesn’t mean you can’t use the saw, but if you want all the advantages it brings, it will cost you more.
Product Specs
| Weight | 45 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 24 inches |
| RPM | 5,800 |
| Blade Size | 8-¼ inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
| Product | Best | Weight | Ripping Capacity | RPM | Blade Size | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWALT Table Saw | Portable | 110 lbs | 32-½” | 4,800 | 10″ | 3-year limited |
| Bosch Worksite Table Saw | Contractor | 109 lbs | 30″ | 3,650 | 10″ | 1-year |
| DeWALT Jobsite Table Saw | Jobsite | 53 lbs | 24-½” | 5,800 | 8-¼” | 3-year limited |
| Bosch Power Tools | Wheeled Stand | 60 lbs | 30″ | 3,650 | 10″ | Limited 1 year |
| SawStop Pro Cabinet Saw | Cabinet | 515 lbs | 52″ | 3,450 | 10″ | 1-year |
| Grizzly Industrial G1023RLWX | Dust Collection | 550 lbs | 32″ | 4,200 | 10″ | 1-year |
| Skilsaw Table Saw | Benchtop | 51.2 lbs | 25″ | 5,300 | 8″ | 1.5-years |
| Skilsaw 15 Amp 10 Inch | Parallel Blade Alignment | 51.2 lbs | 25.5″ | 4,600 | 10″ | 3-year limited |
| Goplus Table Saw | Budget | 46 lbs | 26″ | 5,000 | 10″ | N/A |
| DeWALT Flexvolt Table Saw | Beginners | 45 lbs | 24″ | 5,800 | 8-¼” | 3-year limited |
What Is a Table Saw?
A table saw is a woodworking tool. It consists of a circular blade mounted on an arbor. The blade protrudes through a slot in the table and spins at 3,000 to 5,000 RPM. The motor is electric, and either gears or belts drive the cutting blade.
What Is a Table Saw Used For?
Table saws cut large quantities of wood, and work best when chopping sheet material or making rip-cuts. They are versatile and can cut crosscuts, limited miter cuts, and straight cuts.
Table saws are the workhorse of any workshop; they are efficient at making faster work of large projects.
Is a Table Saw a Power Tool?
A table saw is a power tool. It is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.
Types of Table Saw
As we’ve mentioned, there are many types of table saws, from cabinet style saws to portable table saws. Here is the rundown of the different varieties available.
Benchtop Table Saws
These are sometimes known as portable table saws. As their name suggests, benchtop table saws sit on top of a workbench. There are several advantages to this type of saw.
First, they take up a small footprint in your workshop or garage. Secondly, they are portable. Finally, they store away when not in use, freeing up valuable workspace in your shop.
Benchtop table saws are also more affordable than larger, more permanent versions, and they still pack a punch. However, they do limit the size of material you get to work on as they have a reduced capacity.
If you are only working on smaller projects, these types of saws are ideal. But if you plan on cutting a ton of lumber, look for something with more bite.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Portable.
- Ideal for DIY projects.
- Affordable.
- Easier to master.
Cons
- Restricted material size.
- More basic.
- Cheaper materials.
Jobsite Table Saws
Jobsite table saws are similar to portable saws, but larger, with more robust features. Typically they lack folding legs. Instead, they rely instead on a heavy frame with fixed legs on wheels.
They are still portable, to a degree, but far less so than benchtop table saws. These jobsite saws are much more substantial than benchtop varieties. They’re designed with professionals in mind.
Jobsite saws come with added extras to elevate them above benchtop table saws. You get riving knives and collection ports as standard — not something you would expect on a cheaper saw.
They are also better quality with improved ripping and crosscuts. Jobsite saws should not be confused with contractor table saws.
Pros
- Robust.
- Designed for professionals.
- Portable.
- Better safety features.
Cons
- Less portable than benchtop saws.
- Heavy.
Contractor Table Saws
Although smaller than cabinet table saws, contractor saws are for heavy use daily. They have bigger motors and weigh upwards of 300 pounds, so they are not portable. Once set up, they stay in one place.
It makes them the ideal table saw for long building projects where the work is done on-site.
The table size is bigger, meaning that substantial sheet material and longer rip-cuts are possible on a contractor table saw. You typically find these saws in the shops of more experienced woodworkers.
Pros
- Built for heavy use.
- Professional-grade accuracy.
- Portable.
- Sturdy.
Cons
- Restricted material size.
- Heavier than benchtop saws.
Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid table saws are an amalgamation of cabinet saws and contractor saws. They include the best facets of a contractor saw and take it up a notch. You get a larger table surface that enables larger material and more complex cutting.
You get a powerful motor, and the features of a contractor saw, but for less money. Hybrid table saws also come with better quality fences and dust collection ports.
Just like contractor saws, these are a favorite of experienced DIY enthusiasts and woodworkers.
Pros
- Cheaper than cabinet saws.
- Powerful motor.
- Large table surface.
- More accurate.
Cons
- Smaller than cabinet saws.
- Almost as expensive as cabinet saws.
Cabinet Table Saws
This is the MACK truck of the table saw world. These types of saws are not portable, and once in situ, they stay. Be sure to place it exactly where you want, because moving all 500 pounds will be back-breaking.
The saw is enclosed inside the cabinet that gives this beast its name. These saws have large motors that produce between 3-5 horsepower, a full 2-4 horsepower more than the hybrid saw.
The weight isn’t the only huge thing — the price tag is too.
Cabinet table saws are accurate, durable, stable, and versatile. You get the best quality cross and rip-cuts, as well as a precise miter and fence. The table surface is considerable, meaning there is little this tool cannot handle.
The other advantage of cabinet table saws is they are reliable and last forever. So, once you make the considerable investment, it should mean hassle-free sawing for years to come.
You will find cabinet saws in factories and workshops where reliability and precision are a daily requirement. They also handle bulk projects with ease.
Pros
- Cuts ant-size material.
- Versatile.
- Last forever.
- Powerful motor.
Cons
- Expensive to buy.
- Heavy.
- Not portable.
How to Choose (Buying Guide)
Give some consideration to what is important to you when choosing a table saw. There are many factors to keep in mind.
Table Flatness
If you have a warped table, no matter how slight, the finished cuts you make will be inaccurate. And accuracy counts when you are dealing in minute limits of error. Spotting a warped table is not as obvious as you might think. If a table is out by a millimeter, you will not easily detect it.
There is a solution to this, but you may not like it. Put simply, if you spend more, you get better quality.
Remember
If you are buying for less, make sure you read the reviews to get an idea of reliable makes and models.
Fence
The quality of the table saw fence can vary enormously. The trouble is that the fence is so integral, it can make or break your table saw’s effectiveness and accuracy. You can buy fences independently of the manufacturer at considerable expense, but they do provide one with the saw.
Fences feature heavily in online reviews, so do your homework. If you see fence quality as a recurring theme, steer clear. On the flip side, a good fence gets good reviews.
And if you do want to buy a separate fence, check that the model you have has the compatibility.
Dust Collection
Table saws create a lot of sawdust. On a building site, that isn’t such a problem, but at home, you will want a tidy workspace. A reliable dust port is crucial if you’re going to keep as much debris away from the working parts of your saw.
Ture, some models have a clip-on dust bag. But if you’re working big, it isn’t an effective way of collecting the dust as it can’t cope.
Most table saws have a standardized size of dust port, around 2.5-4 inches in diameter. This means that you can attach an industrial vacuum to the port to extract the dust. That said, on the cabinet saws, the dust ports are typically larger than 4 inches.
If you have a larger port, you need to get a specialist compatible collection system. And don’t be fooled into thinking that dust collection is way down the list of essential features. A poorly extracted saw dust collection system will leave debris inside the mechanism of the saw, which leads to higher maintenance costs.
Miter Gauges
Miter gauges enable the saw operator to cut 45 and 90-degree angles. Typically, they rarely get used in day to day sawing because table saws are great for straight cuts. However, there are occasions when you need to cut an angle, and that’s when your miter gauge comes in handy.
Not all table saws have a miter gauge, but most do.
If you are buying a table saw without one, check it has the grooves to take a miter gauge. But if you are purchasing one with a miter gauge, make sure you check the quality. Some can be flimsy and not up to the job.
Again, the rule of thumb is you get what you pay for.
Blades
There are four types of table saw blades, each determined by their shape, grind, and teeth.
Flat Top Grind
Flat top grind (FTG) blades have teeth that sit square to the saw plate. They cut through the wood, much like a chisel. They rip the wood perpendicular to the grain and don’t produce clean cuts.
Alternate Top Bevel
The teeth on an alternate top bevel (ATB) blade are angled with every second tooth angled in the opposite direction. The function of the ATB blade is to shear the wood. These blades are all-purpose.
Combination
Combination blades or alternate top bevel raker blades (ATBR) consist of 50 teeth arranged in groups of five. There are four ATB blades followed by a raker tooth like the one found on the FTG.
These are the blades to use when crosscutting.
Triple-Chip Grind
The final variety is the triple-chip grind (TCG) blade. It consists of alternating chamfered and raker teeth. The chamfered teeth rough cut, while the raker teeth clean it up. This is the blade to use when sawing dense material like plastic laminate and Corian.
TCG blades also slice through non-ferrous metals like brass and aluminum.
Cutting Capacity
Unlike band saws which allow you to change the angle of the table to cut bevels, table saws have blades that adjust. Even the smaller models have this ability.
You are limited to the angles it can cut, with most table saw blades adjusting between 0 degrees and 45 degrees. Given that these are the two most commonly used angles, you should be fine.
Wind the handle on the front of the saw, and it rotates along a track to change the angle. Keep in mind that when you do this, the cutting depth reduces as you reach 45 degrees.
So what is cutting capacity? It doesn’t refer to the maximum length of wood you can rip-cut. That is infinite. It refers to the maximum width of the wood you can cut. Generally, the bigger the saw, the larger the capacity.
Speed and Control
When thinking about speed, try to look past the motor RPM and focus on the rate the arbor spins at.
Some table saws have a motor RPM of 3,450, and yet the arbor spins at 4,500. On the flip side, you can buy one make of jobsite saw with a motor RPM of 20,000. But the arbor spins between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM.
Some table saws have variable speed control. You can also attach speed controllers to your table saw for variable power.
When shopping for a table saw, ask if it has speed control. You should also ask if it has a soft-start feature to save unnecessary vibrations when you start up the saw.
Switch Position
The switch position is vital if you want to shut down the table saw in an emergency. It needs to be prominent and easy to access. Are you left or right-handed? It makes a difference when it comes to the table saw switch.
Thankfully, you can adapt table saws, so they have a foot-operated switch, much like the guitar pedal that Jimi Hendrix used.
Safety
Never underestimate how dangerous a table saw can be — the stats speak for themselves. Every year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 67,000 workers and DIY enthusiasts suffer injuries from table saws (1). That equates to more than 33,000 visits to the emergency room.
Riving Knife or Splitter
These devices attach to the rear of the saw, just behind the blade. They keep the wood separated after passing through the blade, reducing the possibility of kickbacks. They also ensure that there is no gap at the rear of the blade where wood can get stuck.
Blade Guard
Blade guards keep you away from the blade as it spins. These are typically constructed from plexiglass. Blade guards are one of the most important safety features on a table saw.
Anti-Kickback Pawls
These stop the wood from kicking back by gripping the material in strong teeth.
Magnetic Switch
The magnetic switch kicks in when there is a power outage. It turns off the saw to stop the blade jumping back into life when the power comes on.
Push Stick
Push sticks are one of the simplest and most effective ways of staying safe. They keep your fingers at a distance from the blade and still allow you to control the direction of the material.
How to Use a Table Saw
Once you have inserted the correct blade, donned goggles, and double-checked all your safety features are in place, you are ready to start cutting with a table saw. For this step by step guide, we’ll assume you are making rip-cuts.
1. Set the Blade Height
Make sure the blade rises no more than a quarter-inch above the thickness of the material. You do this by loosening the arbor nut with the arbor nut wrench that came with the saw.
2. Position the Rip Fence
Unlock the locking lever of the fence and slide it into the position that you want. Use the ruler on the saw and a tape measure to get the exact measurement between the fence and the closest edge of the saw blade.
3. Plug-In and Switch On
Offer the material up to the table and align it with the fence. At this stage, don’t touch the blade with the wood until you turn on the saw, and it reaches maximum RPM.
4. Guide the Material
Guide the material towards the blade. Take it slowly and keep a firm grip with both hands. If your wood is long, position a support table behind the saw to take the weight of the material or have someone help you. Keep hold of the material at all times to avoid a kickback.
5. Use a Push Stick
Use a push stick where possible to protect your finger from injury, especially if you are making narrow rips.
6. Unplug the Saw
When done, make sure you unplug the saw for safety.
Table Saw Safety Tips
Always adopt the best table saw safety practices when operating your table saw. And never use it while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Sensible Clothes
Wear short sleeves and never wear anything loose-fitting. Keep your balance and grip by wearing sensible shoes with a good grip on the sole.
Safety Goggles
You have to protect your eyes.
Never Wear Gloves
Gloves are often loose-fitting and prone to getting snagged in the saw blade. Also, they reduce your control over the material.
Clean Your Table
A clean table is easier to use. You can guide the material using less force with a polished table. Plus, you reduce the chances of kickback because there is less debris.
Position Your Body
Don’t stand with your body in line with the blade. Keep to the side. This keeps you out of the range of fire when kickbacks happen.
Never Free-Hand Cut
Free-hand cutting is a big no-no when it comes to using a table saw. Sure, experienced woodworkers do it all the time, but they are just plain lucky that nothing bad has happened to them. Always use the miter gauge or the rip fence.
Don’t Use the Fence and Miter Gauge Together
Use one or the other, but never together. You increase your chances of wood getting stuck between the fence and the blade, causing kickback.
The Saw Truth
There are many types of table saws, as we’ve shown, and they all do the same basic things. But, some table saws are better at doing specific tasks than others. Knowing which is the best table saw for your project depends on what the workload is.
Cabinet saws handle capacity, benchtop saws are portable, and hybrid table saws offer the best of two worlds.
Whatever you decide, you have to get a table saw in your life. Period.
