How to Choose the Best Table Saw
- Written by News Co Media
As a woodworker, one of the most important investments is buying a high quality table saw. However, with so many options on the market, buying a table saw can be overwhelming.
If you want to ensure that you will end up with the best table saw, you can consider the following tips and factors:
Choose the Table Saw that Fits You
Mind that table saw comes in different categories, and you need to pick the one that fits you best. Below are the main types to choose from:
Bench Table Top Saw
This table saw type is also called job site saw or portable saw. It is the lightest and smallest. Most DIYers use them to make construction-type cuts or anyone who wants easy storage and portability.
Contractor Table Saw
Most contractor table saws come with one or two horsepower motors that offer enough power to complete the tasks. The table is spacious and provides accuracy, durability, and good support.
Cabinet Saw
If you are into serious woodworking, the cabinet saw what you need to do all cutting jobs. It is highly accurate and powerful. You can also choose from different outfeed tables and table extensions.
Do you want to learn more about cabinet table saws? Check out this helpful review.
Determine Where and How Table Saw Will Be Used
Take time to ponder how you will use the table saw and where you will use it before shopping for a specific table saw.
You may be looking for a saw you can use for your woodworking projects. However, it would help if you determined where you will use it. For instance, if you want to work with wood for some home improvements like making basic cuts or making furniture, you need to go for a saw that matches the project you want to make.
You also need to consider the space and location for the saw. Determine whether or not the saw will be in a spacious home shop. Ensure to figure out whether or not you want a mobile saw so that you can take it somewhere, and you will store it in your garage after use.
Decide What Features Matter to You
Another important consideration when choosing a table saw is the features. Below is a list of the common table saw features you might want to consider:
Fence type
A rip fence should be perfectly parallel with the saw blade and lockdown solidly.
Flat top
If you want to achieve accurate cuts, you need to find a flat table.
Dust collection
If you prefer using a table, saw inside, ensure it comes with a dust port. That way, you can connect it with a dust collector or vacuum.
Miter snug
Search for a miter gauge with stops at 45 and 90 degrees to ensure accuracy. Do not forget to ensure that it has a miter gauge slot that is parallel to the blade.
Wing additions
If you want a cabinet or contractor saw, ensure that outfeed tables and auxiliary sides can be easily attached.
Power
Determine what you will cut in the future and ensure that the saw has enough power to complete those tasks.
Bevel capacity
Some table saw enables you to tilt the blade to the left to make angled cuts, while other tilt to the right. No matter what your preference is, ensure that the adjustments are made quickly.
Blade factors
Will you change the blades often? Then, consider how the saw blade is changed. If you want to make groove cuts, ensure that the table handles dado blades.
Conclusion
Your search for the best table saw will not be a daunting task with the above tips and factors to consider. Follow them, and you will see that your entire shopping experience is easy.