A table saw is one of the most common pieces of machinery in the woodworking industry. A table saw is a circular blade mounted under a table and powered by an electric motor. The most versatile of all woodworking machinery, a table saw can rip, shape or join pieces of wood. You can use a table saw for large projects like cupboards, cabinets and tables.

If you are interested in entering the field of woodworking, there are several key terms that you will need to understand.

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Blade guard

A blade guard is a table saw accessory that protects the woodworker from the exposed saw blade.

I recommend: You can read more about blade guards at The Woodshop, an online information portal for the woodworking industry.

Kickback

Kickback is one of the most dangerous and least understood problems while working with a table saw. Kickback happens when the rotating saw blade of the table saw kicks back the material in the opposite direction, toward the worker.

I recommend: Waterfront Woods, a site for professionals in the woodworking industry, explains the causes and various types of kickbacks.

Rip fence

A rip fence runs from the front of the table to the back; in simple terms, this means parallel to the saw blade. A rip fence controls the width of the rip or cut.

I recommend: You can read through OnlineTips.org for information about rip fences.

Miter gauge

A table saw generally has two grooves running from front to back, parallel to the blade. These miter slots (also known as miter grooves) place the miter gauge, which guides the material through the blade to cross-cut them. You can adjust the miter gauge to make the cut at a controlled angle.

I recommend: Read through information on miter gauges at Toolcritic.com.

Cabinet table saws

Cabinet table saws have the circular saw attached to a table with a cabinet. However, it is the bulkiest of the table saws and thus the least portable of all the table saw types. The cabinet table saw is long-lasting and has lesser vibration, which helps in making a smoother cut to the material.

I recommend: You can browse through Rockler Companies for information on the different types of table saws.

Contractor table saws

A contractor table saw is a circular blade mounted on a heavy table with an open set of legs. Thus it is also known as an open-stand saw. This model is lighter than cabinet saws. A contractor table saw usually comes with wheel attachments, which makes it more mobile.

I recommend: Accent Woodworking, an online resource catering to the woodworking industry, provides information about contractor table saws. You can also refer to Blogticles.com for more information on contractor saws.

Table saws are used as a quick and accurate method of cutting wood. These power tools use a large, circular blade that protrudes through the saw's table. The operator feeds the wood into the blade to create a clean, straight cut.

There are several types of table saws. Information about the size of the blade, the construction material of the saw's table and base, safety components, if the saw tilts and the miter gauge should be carefully reviewed when comparing several models. When purchasing a table saw, consider the following:

1. Buy bench table saws for easy portability.

2. Use contractor table saws when only a standard electrical circuit is available.

3. Purchase cabinet table saws for stability, durability and dust containment.

4. Order a hybrid table saw for the features of a cabinet table at a lower cost.

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Purchase bench table saws

Bench or benchtop table saws are ideal for contractors and woodworkers who need portability in their table saws. Bench table saws sit on a stand, bench, table or similar flat surface and are ideal when precision cutting is needed at a job site. Bench table saws are the least expensive type of table saw.

I recommend: Purchase the Master Mechanic 10-inch bench table saw from True Value Hardware Stores. These table saws list features such as a blade guard, dust port and 0- to 45-degree bevel. Buy the Ace 10-inch bench table saw that includes an aluminum miter gauge and stand.

Use a contractor table saw

Contractor table saws are also ideal for on-site projects because they can be powered by a standard electrical circuit. This type of table saw has an attached stand and can be used wherever space permits. Many contractor table saws have wheels on their bases so they can be easily moved.

I recommend: Order a SawStop 10-inch Contractor Saw from a table saws provider that is well known for revolutionary safety designs, such as blades that stop and retract on accidental contact. Woodsmith Store sells the General International 10-inch Tilting Arbor Contractor's Table Saw with a heavy-duty, precision cast iron ribbed table with T-slot miter gauge.

Order a cabinet table saw

Cabinet table saws are constructed of cast iron and steel to create a cutting surface that minimizes vibration. The heavy base increases accuracy while cutting. The table saw's motor is enclosed in a cabinet, and many models come equipped with a dust collection port.

I recommend: Purchase a PowerMatic Model PM2000 Cabinet Saw from Southern Tool. This model uses a 10-inch blade and is covered by a five-year warranty. The Grizzly 10-inch Heavy-Duty Cabinet Table Saw has an interchangeable guard with a splitter of a riving knife to prevent binding and kickback. This table saw supports a full sheet of plywood.

Find table saws that are a hybrid between contractor and cabinet table saws

Hybrid table saws offer some of the features of cabinet table saws at the less expensive price of contractor table saws. Most hybrid table saws have a cabinet to house the motor and collect dust, but don't offer the stability of heavy-duty cabinet saws. Some hybrid table saws' cabinets are full length while other table saws use a more compact cabinet and the unit sits on a stand.

I recommend: Order the Delta Hybrid Table Saw Model 36-717 from Woodcraft. This hybrid left-tilt table saw offers a full-length cabinet with an internal dust chute. Tools & More offers a Shop Fox 10-inch Hybrid Cabinet Table Saw that features a left-tilting blade, splitter with clear blade guard, precision cast iron miter gauge and 4-inch dust port.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Bench table saws and contractor table saws require an external dust collection system.

If you want to use table saws, you must be aware of their types, applications and safety measures. For a table saw manufacturer, it is always beneficial to learn about the latest industry trends.

If you are a saw products supplier, you can read through different magazines and online publications to update your knowledge about table saws. Education and training is important if you want to be an expert in the field. You can stay ahead of the competition by having up-to-date information about the latest table saw designs and products.

Some important points that you must consider before searching for resources for table saws education and training are:

1. Understand the basic information about table saws
2. Join training programs on table saws
3. Subscribe to magazines that provide information on table saws
4. Join associations catering to the table saw industry
5. Understand the safety procedures that you will need to follow while using table saws
6. Seek an expert’s advice in case of any doubts or queries regarding table saws

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Understand the basics of table sawing and the relevant terminology

Some reputable data publishing companies provide information about table saws in the form of articles. You can also find vital information about table saws education and training by browsing through different online resources.

I recommend: You can refer to Lowe's for a detailed write up on table saw basics. You can also read through Fine Woodworking, a magazine that provides an an informative article on mastering the art of table sawing.

Join wood worker's associations or attend conferences to learn more about table saws

You can join various associations or attend conferences that provide updates about the wood working industry.

I recommend: join Gwinnett Woodworkers Association and participate in discussion forums on table saws. You can also attend ‘Woodworking in America: Hand Tools and Techniques Conference’. This conference gives you a platform for communication and interaction with the experts and offers the latest news in the wood working industry.

Understand the maintenance principles and safety measures related to table saws

Following safety procedures is of utmost importance while working with table saws. Table saws education and training can keep you and your workers informed about the necessary maintenance tasks and safety measures related to these tools.

I recommend: NewWoodworker.com, an online information resource, publishes an informative article about maintenance procedures for saw blades. You can also refer to Waterfront Woods to read about the safety procedures for table saws.

Table saws are one of the most common saws on any job site. Designed to quickly cut wood into pieces crosswise or lengthwise, table saws can make quick work of wood cutting tasks. Because of the size of its blade, you can use a table saw to efficiently cut stacks of wood to precise measurements in a matter of minutes.

As you study table saws types and styles, you are sure to notice there are many sizes and configurations available on the market today. As you look for the right table saw for your job, you should consider:

1. The cost. If you are only going to need the table saw for a few days a year, buy a less expensive model or find table saws for rent in your area.

2. The application. Make sure the table saw you purchase has the right blades to do the cutting you want it to do.

3. The size. Decide if portability is an important factor to you, or if you want your table saw to remain in your workshop.

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Use bench top table saws

Bench top table saws are the most popular styles among hobbyists and occasionally users. They are easily portable from workshop to work site. This type of table saw is readily available to consumers as well. Do remember that in many cases, the size of this table saw limits the size of the wood cuts it can make.

I recommend: Look over the benchtop table saws list at Home Depot. You can see a table saws directory of Bosch products offered by Tyler Tool.

Find contractor table saws

Rather than setting on a work surface, a contractor table saw has legs. It weighs more than a benchtop table saw but it is still lightweight enough to be portable to the job site. In fact, many contractor table saws have legs with caster attachments to make them easier to move. A contractor table saw is capable of doing heavy work, and gets power from regular electric outlet.

I recommend: Sears offers different models of contractor table saws. SawStop offers different contractor table saws types and styles. This site also has a video that offers a lot of valuable table saws information.

Consider cabinet table saws

If you are going to need to do a lot of precise woodcutting, consider a cabinet model of table saw. This type comes built into a cabinet. The cabinet has leg extensions to support the wood as you cut it. This style of table saw is not easily portable, and you need to wire it into your electrical system with heavy-duty wiring.

I recommend: Cabinet saws are available from the table saws provider Southern Tool. Tool King also has cabinet table saws.