A Guide to the Top 5 Best Table Saw
When you are performing construction work for a house renovation, new building, or DIY projects, you need a good set of tools to ensure efficient and safe accomplishment of the tasks. One of the pieces that will have high utility is the best table saw. While it does not seem as a necessity, the truth is that it is a versatile tool that will make cutting tasks easier.
When shopping for table saws, the goal is to find the right model and features suitable for the size of
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Different Types of Table Saws
Various table saws are available in the market today. They fall into any one of the four classifications namely, portable, contractor, cabinet, or hybrid saws. Here are the characteristics of each classification:
Portable Table Saw
This is also known as a jobsite saw, which is easy to lift and move from one place to another. The functions of this table saw are the same with large models, however, they operate on a smaller scale.
A lightweight universal motor provides the power of a portable table saw, making it loud and short on muscle. In order to make it portable, this type of table saw is designed with an aluminum top instead of cast iron. This is not necessarily an issue, especially when it comes to weight. However, aluminum is not as durable as cast iron and tends to generate a greater amount of vibration making its operation less stable.
Contractor Table Saw
This is an open-based table saw designed to have enough portability for transporting from one jobsite to another. This means that they are lightweight. This also features a straightforward design with a solid cast iron top and a stamped metal or open-webbed cast iron extension wings. This type of table saw is affordable, allowing hobbyists, homeowners, and small shop owners to afford it.
Cabinet Table Saw
Its base is in a fully-enclosed cabinet style, hence its name. This type of table saw is designed for professional woodworkers who need great performance and durability. This type of table saw has high utility in overall construction applications because of its heavy-duty deign. It is built from cast iron and steel, has heavy trunnions, arbor assembly, as well as gearing, Its motor is powerful enough allowing the saw to cut through even the thickest materials. They are also stable since they produce minimal vibration.
Hyrbid Table Saw
This type of saw is a solution to the big gap between professional and portable table saws. This is a valuable table saw that is still affordable for a hobbyist or average homeowner. Hybrid saws may have a cabinet-style base or one with a short enclosed base with legs. It has a sizeable trunnion, arbor bearing, cutting-edge drive belt system, a reliable gearing. It is lightweight but with a fairly good motor. You can also expect that it will be sturdy.
Features to Look for in a Table Saw
When shopping for a table saw, you need to take a good look at its features. Depending on the intended use, these features may be necessary or just an added luxury. Thus, it is important to assess the application requirements when considering table saw features.
Horsepower
The table saw should have enough horsepower to cut through the materials you will be working on. 1.5 to 2 HP motors can cut through up to 2 inches thickness of hardwood. 3 to 5 HP can manage cutting 3-inch thick hardwood or even more.
Kickback Avoidance
Kickback protection is essential, especially for more powerful motors. Consider a table saw with a riving knife to provide the needed defense. A splitter can also provide some level of protection but the riving knife is less likely to be removed from the saw permanently.
Flesh Sensor
Having a flesh sensor in your table saw will have a significant increase in its price. However, if you think of its value as a protection against losing a finger, the additional cost proves to be worth it. After skin contact, the flesh sensor stops the blade within an instant. The brake action will stop the saw and the motor will shut down as well.
Magnetic Switch
This is another safety feature that avoids the unintended restart of the table saw in case of a power failure. Through a magnetic switch, the table saw automatically goes to the “off” position in case power is lost.
Kick Switch
This is a switch that enables flipping by using the knee, foot, or hips since there are cases when the hands cannot be removed when working on a piece of wood.
Dust Collection System
An efficient dust collection system for the table saw will help in keeping the workplace less messy while providing protection for the health of the user against the inhalation of too much sawdust.
Design of the Drive Belt
The drive belt produces the vibration in the table saw. Consider a poly v-belt since it produces less vibration and therefore makes the table saw more stable.
Left Blade Tilt
It is claimed by woodworkers that the left blade tilt delivers less kickback as compared to a right blade tilt. However, this is a matter of preference. For a user who does not have a predisposition to the direction of the tilt, a left blade tilt can be opted for greater operation safety.
Reviews of the Best Brands
Choosing the best miter saw stand is made possible when reading reviews from past clients. This will give first time buyers an idea of what the product can offer, how to use the product, its features and the ratings given to each.
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SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 3-HP Professional Cabinet Saw Assembly with 36-Inch Professional T-Glide Fence System, Rails and Extension Table
The SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 is designed for hobbyists and craftspersons. It delivers high quality performed and improved safety with its patented safety system that immediately stops the blade within milliseconds once accidental contact with the blade is detected. It also features a dust collection system and a T-Glide fence system that guarantees strength and precision when cutting.
This professional cabinet table saw has a riving knife for kickback protection as well as a left tilting blade that prevents wood from binding onto the fence. Another admirable feature of this unit is its mobility. Its pivoting and stationery casters make it easy to transport from one location to another.
Pros
- Patented safety system that helps prevent severe injuries.
- Has a fence system that enables smooth operation and precision cutting
- Efficient dust collection system on above and below the table
- Left blade tilt for additional protection
- One year warranty
- Can be used in low production shops, by hobbyists, and professional woodworkers
- Durable
Cons
- Plastic motor cover feels a bit flimsy
DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw with 20-Inch Max Rip Capacity - 120V
The DEWALT DW745 is a compact table saw with a steel roll cage to protect the unit against impacts and drops. This saw is user-friendly and accurate with its clear scales for precise measurements. Through its 1850W powerful
The table top is durable since it is made from cast iron. This material and the table top design adds up to the accuracy provided by the table saw. For safety purposes, the unit is equipped with overload protection so that the saw can be used with frozen, hard, and wet wood pieces. The fence system of this table saw comes in a portable design that can accommodate large materials. The fence also has a front and rear lock and large.
Pros
- Clever fence system
- Easy to setup, transport, and store
- Sturdy
- Smooth and accurate operation
- Blade adjustment is exact
Cons
- Bulky
- Not suitable for operation on the ground
- A little bit noisy operation
- Miter guide needs improvement
Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand
The Bosch 4100-09 is a portable table saw that features the first of its kind modular smart guard system, which includes a riving knife, a blade guard, and kickback prevention pawls. This product is packed with innovations such as its ultra-durable sub-base, SquareLock Rip fence, and a miter gauge.
One admirable feature of this table saw is its gravity-rise stand, which is another patented technology. This allows the setup and the takedown of the saw simple and hassle-free. The motor of this table saw is capable of generating up to 4 HP and 3650 rotations per minute, which results to clean and precise cuts.
For protection, the unit employs the Smart Guard System that delivers great visibility over the cuts being made in order to prevent blade contact as well as
Pros
- Sturdy and accurate
- Fence and miter gauge are easily adjustable
- Does not sound too much
- Gravity rise stand is convenient
- Smart guard system helps prevent injuries
- Portability allows it to be transported from one jobsite to another
Cons
- Fit and finish issues
- Mediocre quality blade dulls out easily
- Wheels are not large enough to carry over the stairs
- Blade height cannot be locked
- Awkward blade tilt adjustment
Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw with Riving Knife, 10-Inch
The Grizzly G0690 is designed to become the standard for cabinet table saws. The unit features high performance and fine quality with its cast iron trunnions, triple belt drive, 3 HP motor, cast iron table top and extension, and many others. Its build guarantees longevity.
This table saw is equipped with a riving knife, which ensures protection from kickback. The riving knife moves up and down so that it will not be removed from the blade. Moreover, it also tilts along with the blade.
Another convenient feature of this saw is the easy-glide fence. It has knurled knobs that
Pros
- Heavy duty with nice finish
- Three belt drive allows for smooth and quiet operation
- Accuracy is reliable
- Manual is very helpful
- High quality build and materials
- Adjustments are precise
- A number of components of the table saw cam pre-assembled
- Good price
Cons
- Difficult setup
- Bottom and decal is scratched easily
- Blade quality is not very good
Craftsman Evolv 15 Amp 10 In. Table Saw 28461
The Craftsman Evolv 15 has an amazing safety feature with its advanced guarding system that allows good blade coverage. The
The saw features a sheer table top so that the user can make smooth cuts. It comes with a miter gauge that allows you to make quick yet accurate control over the
Pros
- Makes easy and accurate cuts
- Suitable for DIYers
- Operates quietly
- Delivers stability when cutting
- Safety features are reliable
- Great value for its price
Cons
- Heavy vibration when turned on its own
- Wobbly miter gauge; lacks standard miter tracks
- Best for light applications only
Editor Pick
The goal is to choose the table saw that has the right set of functionality and safety features that come in high quality. In this roundup, the SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 Professional Cabinet Saw has proven to stand out among the others. Its patented safety system incorporates a flesh sensor that allows users to avoid severe injuries that could cost them a finger or a hand.
In addition, it also has a riving knife as kickback protection and a left-tilting blade for less kickback. Its practical and precise model also includes a dust collection system and mobile base that provides better working air quality and portability, respectively. The SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 possesses many of the features you should looking for.
efore you finalize a purchase for a construction tool such as the table saw, consider all the factors such as the requirements of the task you will perform, the type of table saw, necessary features, and budget. If you want the best value for your money as a hobbyist or budding professional woodworker, the SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 is a good unit to consider.
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