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Types of Stationary Power Saws


by DoItYourself Staff

Stationary Saws Safety Tips

 

  • Always use ear protection and wear safety glasses when operating a power tool.
  • When replacing a blade, always make sure it is set to rotate in the proper direction.
  • Avoid loose clothing, jewelry and anything that could get caught in the saw. Tie back long hair.
  • Don’t force the tool. Don’t expect a small tool to do the job of a heavy-duty tool.
  • Always use the anti-kickback safety devices that come with saws.
  • For table saws, use a push stick to help feed the material onto the blade and to keep your fingers out of the way.
  • Use the correct blade for the material you are cutting. Keep blades sharp and look out for overheated or vibrating blades.
  • Unplug the tool before changing blades and making adjustments.
  • A self-retracting guard that closes over the blade as it cuts is a good safety feature on a miter saw.
  • Blade brakes are excellent safety features on saws.

    • Miter Saw

     

  • Also known as a chopsaw.
  • Used for making repeated straight or miter cuts.
  • Uses a circular blade that is pivoted to the correct angle, then dropped onto the material, which is clamped stationary on a turntable.
  • The turntable has a large compass scale that is marked in degrees to show the degree of the cut.
  • The simplest miter saw available.

    • Compound Miter Saw

     

     

  • Uses a circular blade that is pivoted to the correct angle then dropped onto the material, which is clamped stationary on a plate.
  • In addition to a simple pivot action, the blade tilts to make compound cuts.
  • Good for cutting moldings and trim.
  • The turntable has a large compass scale that is marked in degrees to show the degree of the cut.
  • Most models tilt in only one direction, but better models tilt both to the left and to the right.

    • Sliding Compound Miter Saw

     

  • Uses a circular blade that is pivoted and/or tilted to the correct angle, then dropped onto the material, which is clamped stationary on a plate.
  • Also has a sliding action that allows it to cut wider material than a standard miter saw.
  • Good for cutting complex trim and moldings.
  • Most models tilt in only one direction, but better models tilts both to the left and to the right

    • Radial Arm Saw

     

  • Gradually being replaced by the popularity of sliding miter saws.
  • Uses a circular saw blade, but instead of the blade dropping onto the material, the saw moves across it along a track.
  • Used for a variety of cuts, including crosscuts, rips and miters. When used with accessories, the saw can perform dados, sanding, shaping, sabre sawing, surfacing and routing.
  • The length of the arm, usually 24” or less, limits the length or width of the cut.
  • Cuts by rotating the blade toward the operator. Thus, it develops its own pull through the cut so that the operator may end up holding the saw back rather than pulling it through the cut.

    • Bench Band Saw

     

  • Has a band or loop-like blade that comes in various widths and strengths for different cutting purposes.
  • Used for making irregular cuts in thick material (6” or more).
  • Best for light tasks, not thick hardwoods.
  • Uses blades up to 1/2” wide.
  • Some models have tables that can be tilted for angled cutting.
  • Sanding attachments and sanding loops are available for sanding on irregular or curved surfaces.

    • Floor Band Saw

     

  • Has a band or loop-like blade that comes in various widths and strengths for different cutting purposes.
  • Mounts on the floor and usually has wheels sized from 12” to 36” in the industrial models.
  • For sawing heavier and thicker materials.
  • Some models have tables that can be tilted for angled cutting.
  • Sanding attachments and sanding loops are available for sanding on irregular or curved surfaces.


    • Scroll Saw

     

  • Has a small, thin blade activated by a far-reaching arm that permits handling wide material.
  • Operated by an up-and-down motion of the blade at more than 1,000 cutting strokes per minute.
  • Cuts intricate patterns in wood, plywood, light metal and plastic.
  • Table can tilt for angled cuts.
  • Safe, inexpensive and lightweight

    • Contractor Table Saw

     

  • More portable than a cabinet table saw, but bulky and originally intended for temporary use at a jobsite.
  • Has a circular saw blade extending up through a slot on a flat table. Motor and drive mechanism is located under the table.
  • Blade can be raised, lowered or tilted depending on the cut needed.
  • Used for ripping large pieces of wood.
  • Power of the saw’s motor determines the thickness of material that can be cut and how efficiently the saw will perform.
  • To operate, the material is fed onto the blade, unlike the miter saw where the blade moves across the material.
  • Rip fence capacity is important for determining a saw’s quality. The rip fence mounts on the table and adjusts to guide the material being cut.
  • A common accessory is a miter gauge that allows angled cuts. Typical sizes are 1-1/2 to 3 hp.

    • Cabinet Table Saw

     

  • A professional-grade table saw where the saw motor is housed in a cabinet.
  • Has a circular saw blade extending up through a slot on a flat table. Motor and drive mechanism are located under the table.
  • Used for ripping large pieces of wood.
  • Blade can be raised, lowered or tilted depending on the cut needed. A heavier, bulkier machine reduces vibration from the saw.
  • Power of the saw’s motor determines the thickness of material that can be cut and how efficiently the saw will perform.
  • To operate, the material is fed onto the blade, unlike the miter saw where the blade moves across the material.
  • The rip fence mounts on the table and adjusts to guide the material being cut. Best used for permanent placement in a workshop.
  • A common accessory is a miter gauge that allows angled cuts.
  • Sizes can range from 2 to 5 hp.

    • Benchtop Table Saw

     

  • Most portable and lightweight table saw.
  • Used for ripping wood.
  • Has a circular saw blade extending up through a slot on a flat table. Motor and drive mechanism are located under the table.
  • Blade can be raised, lowered or tilted depending on the cut needed.
  • Power of the saw’s motor determines the thickness of material that can be cut and how efficiently the saw will perform.
  • To operate, the material is fed onto the blade, unlike the miter saw where the blade moves across the material.
  • The rip fence mounts on the table and adjusts to guide the material being cut.
  • A common accessory is a miter gauge that allows angled cuts.
  • Most models use a 10” saw blade.

    • Tile Saw

     

  • Also known as a wet saw.
  • Used for cutting tile and stone.
  • Uses a diamond-tipped circular saw blade cooled by a continuous stream of water contained in a reservoir.
  • Some saws operate similar to a radial arm saw, while others are set up like a table saw

    • Courtesy of NRHA.org

    Looking to purchase a new power saw? Check out our Power Saws Buyer's Guide.

    Related Links
  • Radial Arm Saws vs. Table Saws
  • Table Saw Jig Basics Explained
  • What Is a Drop Saw?
  • Replace Circular Saw Blade
  • Selecting the Right Type of Saw Blade

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