By Paul Bianchina
One of the most versatile tools in the home or professional shop has always been the table saw. Table saws come in several sizes and styles and with prices ranging from less than $200 to more than $2,000, but no matter the size or complexity, all table saws are fairly similar in design, and all perform the same basic operations.
Table saw size is specified by the maximum diameter of the blade they will accept. However, since the vast majority of saws fall in the 10-inch category, this doesn't tell you much when you start shopping. So, in addition to the size of the blade, you'll be looking at the design of the table, the power of the motor and the type of fence the saw is equipped with. Each of these items helps determine the saw's power, stability, portability, accuracy and price tag.
The Table
Table saws are divided into three general categories, which are determined by the size and design of the table:
- Portable table saws: These have a fairly small, short table and are designed to be set up on a workbench or other type of stand. Portable table saws typically have smaller motors and lighter-weight construction and are ideal for transporting to job sites or for homeowner use where demand is low or space for a larger saw might be at a premium. These are also the least expensive table saws and are usually more limited in both power and cutting capacity.
- Contractor table saws: Also called open-stand saws, these have a larger, heavier table mounted on an open set of legs which places the saw at the correct working height. Most have a 10-inch blade and a heavy-duty, 110-volt motor, and, though quite a bit heavier than a portable saw, are often moved to and set up on job sites.
- Cabinet saws: These saws have a full cabinet that contains the motor and are the largest, heaviest and most expensive of the table saw models. Once set up they are not designed to be moved and are intended primarily for use in home or commercial woodworking shops. Cabinet saws are mostly 10-inch to 12-inch, and larger models are also available. These saws typically have large auxiliary tables to simplify moving large sheets of material through the blade. Both 110- and 220-volt motors are common.
Fences and Miter Gauges
The primary function of the table saw is ripping, which is cutting wood parallel with the grain. For that reason, one of the most important features on the saw is the fence, which guides the wood as it's being fed into the blade.
When looking at fence designs, you are looking for three basic features: how parallel the fence is to the blade and how easy it is to adjust and lock in that parallel position; a fence that locks in place with a single handle; and how rigid that fence remains once it's locked.
Each saw manufacturer has its own fence design, so you will need to discuss these features with your tool dealer. Delta, long a leader in table saw design and construction, offers an excellent upgrade called the "Unifence" with some of its models. Jet, another tool leader, offers "Xactafence" on some of its higher-end models. An excellent aftermarket fence, made by Biesemeyer, is offered as an upgrade by some saw manufacturers.
The second most common function of the table saw is crosscutting - cutting across the wood's grain - so all table saws also come with a miter gauge. The miter gauge is basically an adjustable T-shaped fixture with a long steel shaft and an adjustable head. The shaft runs in a slot that is machined into the top of the table -- the better the saw, the more precisely and accurately milled the slot is -- and the head rests on top of the table at 90 degrees to the blade.
The workpiece is placed against the head of the miter gauge and advanced through the blade, cutting it off square. The head can also be adjusted to any angle relative to the blade, allowing for miter cuts as well. Better miter gauges have very accurate angle settings and markings and a secure locking mechanism. You can also upgrade your miter gauge later with any of a variety of universal aftermarket miter gauges.
Look for portable and some open-stand table saws at many home centers and some larger lumberyards, or visit a tool retailer for a wider selection, especially of cabinet saws.
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