The workhorse of the construction and home remodeling industry is the table saw or bench top saw. Combining power and portability, a table saw is a must have for any self respecting do-it-yourself home improvement expert or contractor. However, all table saws are not made equal. There are many things that separate the good from the great, like size, features, accessories, and price just to name a few.
Size is the first factor to consider when looking to purchase a table saw. The saw needs to be large enough to provide a sturdy and stable workspace while small enough to be portable and fit into small shops with limited space. Table-top sizes range from under 2 feet square to almost 3 feet by 2 feet. The light weight of table top units, most weighing less than 60 pounds, combined with optional wheeled stands make table saws extremely portable.
The average table saw comes with an adjustable 10 inch blade with a guard, a 15 amp motor, and a strong, smooth table surface. Other features include a rip fence that controls the width of the rip, a removable miter gauge that aids in making angled crosscuts, anti-kickback pawls to prevent the wood from moving backward, and a riving knife to keep the blade from binding in the cut wood. Finally, the table saw should have a dust port to catch debris when in use. Each manufacturer will put their own spin on these features, so research each one before purchasing.
The size and features of table saws may attract interest, but it’s the optional accessories that turn shoppers in to buyers. Additional accessories and attachments extend the possible application and usefulness of the standard table saw. Some saws allow the use of dado blades. Accessory tables can turn your table saw into a router table or a scroll saw. Outfeed tables give support for long rip cuts and can be used with any brand table saw. A collapsible stand with wheels is a great accessory to have when portability is needed.
All table saws are similar in the features they offer, but the higher the price, usually the better the performance. Basic table saw units start out under $200. These models generally are bare bones with little or no upgraded components attachment possibilities. The mid-range saws are about $400 to $500 and come with the most popular features and attachment hookups. The high-end models can reach above $1,000, have top-notch features, and are compatible with the widest range of attachments and accessories.
Things to consider before purchasing a table saw:
- Do I have limited space requirements for saw placement and storage?
- Do I need a fixed base or a wheeled base for portability?
- Will a table saw provide enough cutting power for my needs?
- What attachments and accessories do I need for my saw?
You can search for information about specific table saw models. You can also read customer reviews or leave your own review.
The Skil 3400-20 10-Inch Digital Table Saw may be lightweight for a table saw at only 50 pounds, but it is not a lightweight when it comes to power. The 3 horsepower, 120 volt, direct drive motor spins the 10-Inch 28T carbide tip blade at 5,000 RPM.
Innovative is the word that describes the Bosch 4100DG-09 10-inch worksite table saw. The engineers at Bosch combined durability and high performance with enhanced features, industry firsts, and total safety to make this table saw a must have for any do-it-yourselfer or home improvement contractor.
If you are looking for a great table saw for home improvement projects and small commercial applications, the DeWalt DW745 heavy duty 10-inch compact job site table saw is the perfect unit for you. It is a powerful, mobile, lightweight, quality table saw that doesn’t empty your wallet when it’s time to purchase.
Don’t let the light weight of the Makita 2704X1 Contractors 10-Inch Benchtop Table Saw fool you. It is a high performance, powerful table saw with plenty of top notch features that any professional contractor would love. The powerful 15-amp motor delivers 4,800 rpm and a cutting capacity of 3-5/8-inch at 90 degrees and 2-1/2-inch at 45 degrees.