Buying Guide for Table-Saws
Woodworking tools, such as a table saw, are powered by electric motors which drive circular saw blades mounted on an arbor. A blade is inserted into the tabletop to provide support for the material, typically wood, being cut. When you have a table or site saw with extendable sides, you can cut larger pieces, even if you're working in a small area (or with enough room). You have more work surfaces with a larger table, so the larger the table, the better. Read below to find out more.
Benefits of Using Table Saws
Speed
Using a saw for a big project means you want to cut the wood quickly but in a safe manner. Table saws can help you achieve both of these goals. Table saws are powered by electric motors powered by circular saws. Consequently, the revolutions per minute (RPM) are high, ranging from 3000 to 5000 depending on the saw. Cutting your wood this way is fast and efficient.
Accurate Cuts
When it comes to cutting wood, a table saw is an excellent choice. You can use a ruler between the fence and the blade or between the blade and the side of the bench to check your measurements when using one. This will ensure that your cuts are accurate and precise. Keeping the wood you are cutting against the fence will ensure that the wood will feed through the saw properly, avoiding any errors that could cause disappointment, frustration, and project setbacks.
Easy to Use
The ease of making cuts with a table saw makes it popular among contractors and do-it-yourselfers. The saw bench comes with a fence, which allows the user to press the wood against it, guiding it through the saw for straight and accurate cuts. Cutting any type of wood is easy with the saw thanks to its power and speed, whether it is softer wood or hard, stubborn wood.
Versatile
Despite their versatility, table saws are able to accomplish a wide range of tasks. For furniture and cabinetmakers, table saws are a must-have tool as they make smooth, accurate cuts. Professionals like these can use a saw to make their cuts precisely, which is especially helpful when making these items from hardwood. Some table saws, such as those used by professional woodworkers, can be huge machines and are considered immovable. There are many models available that are lightweight and can be moved from one location to another.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Table Saws
Table Space
What size wood you can safely cut will ultimately be determined by the surface area of your saw. Table space simply refers to the table on top of your saw that holds your wood level as it moves through.
Added Extensions
Extension tables may not always be included with the purchase of a new saw, or if they are, they will be very basic. It would be wise to at least check if a saw's design allows extensions to be added in the future when comparing saws.
Rip Capacity
When you rip a board, you cut it in the same direction as the grain of the wood. When a saw blade is placed against the fence, its rip capacity is defined. Larger rip capacities are associated with a larger distance between the blade and the fence.
Saw Blade Size
The 10" blade is easily the most common size for table saws. You may also find 8", 12", or 14" blades. Smaller blades can be used than what your saw is rated for, but you shouldn't use a larger blade than what the saw indicates. In the case of a table saw has a 10" blade, you can use a blade with an 8" diameter. Table saws with 10" blades cannot be used with 12" blades.
Conclusion
Depending on the design of a table saw, it can cut to varying depths. Depending on the design of the blade raising mechanism, the blade can rise to a particular height. Most manufacturers design their machines so that they are able to achieve the maximum height. RPM stands for revolutions per minute, and table saws usually run between 3,000 and 4,000 RPM. Table saws in good condition run at 3,450 RPM. Their prices range from $300 to $3000.
Table saws come in a wide range of models, each with unique functions, accessories, features, and prices. For around $200-250, you can find a solid used table saw that works well. You can learn more about your buying options by browsing through our featured section. Review and recommend table saws based on their cutting speed, construction, and controls.
