Table Saws

Table saws   are large, heavy-duty saws for cutting wood, metal, plastics and other materials. They're very versatile, accurate and powerful machines for woodworking. Though all of the following models could be considered "table saws," they have specialized capabilities like cutting curves and finishing edges that classify them in a category of their own. There are bench models and heavy-duty floor models. This guide will help you pick the right machine for the job.

Follow the links in the template below to additional buying guides about miter saws, band saws, tile saws, and radial arm saws.

Types of Table Saws

Table Saws

  • Stable, reliable, and for heavy work.
  • Available in a number of sizes.
  • Lowe's has a great guide to all the details.
  • Read more below!

Band Saws

Tile Saws

  • Wet cut through tile, ceramic, and stone.

Radial Arm Saws

  • For cutting many panels.
  • Can cut in any direction.

Recommendations

Most of these recommendations come from the April 2005 report from ConsumerSearch .  However, Taunton's 2006 Tool Guide also has recommendations for portable, contractor-style and hybrid saws.

Cabinet Table Saws

The Delta Unisaw   is a cabinet table saw the heaviest and sturdiest type of table saw.

  • Easy blade changing, a large safety shut-off switch, smooth cuts and great dust collection. Can handle 3-inch hardwoods with ease.

Midsize (aka Contractor and Hybrid) Table Saws

Taunton's top pick for midsize table saws was the hybrid Craftsman OR35504

  • Their second favorite by a small margin, and their readers' choice, was the contractor-style General 50-185M1
  • The Ridgid TS3650 another contractor, was picked as the best value.
  • The DeWalt DW 746X   is another good choice for serious beginners.

Portable Table Saws

Taunton's named the Bosch 4000-09   both best overall and the reader's choice.

  • Their pick for best value was the Ridgid TS3650
  • ConsumerSearch didn't list portable saws as a separate category; they included them with benchtop saws (right).

Benchtop Table Saws

ConsumerSearch has three recommendations for benchtop table saws.

Buying Table Saws

Table saws are extremely accurate and versatile tools. They're great for breaking down rough materials, machining stock to finished dimensions and precisely cutting joints. There are four main types of table saws: benchtop contractor cabinet   saws and hybrids Table saws are typically rated by blade size and horsepower. Portable benchtop   saws generally have 8-inch blades, but some can accommodate blades up to 10 inches. Most floor models, with either open or cabinet   bases, have 10-inch blades, although up to 16-inch blades are commonly used in commercial shops. Most table saws are belt-driven machines.

One extremely important component of the table saw is the fence . This is the straight piece of aluminum or steel that stays parallel with the saw blade. The fence helps keep the wood in line and guides one edge of the the wood so you get straight cuts. The wood has to be pushed firmly against the fence the keep the cut straight, so a strong, sturdy fence is a must. According to ConsumerSearch, reviewers preferred the Biesemeyer Fence over all others.

As shown above, there are several different size categories for table saws.

Safety Features and Other Features

External Links