
Best 10 Table Saws
As Of March 2021
If you’re a DIYer and like to take matters into your own hands, then you need to equip your collection with the best tools. Make accurate cuts and control the cutting depth that will lead to amazing creations.
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Next Level DIY Projects For All
Each day more and more people find the beauty in DIY projects and basically creating something from scratch. Which is great on so many levels! A new hobby? Yes, sir! Saving money? Of course! And don’t forget that it’s also an amazing outlet for your creativity, imagination and skills. Plus, once you set your mind onto something, you’re going to find a DIY tutorial in YouTube for sure!
So when all the arts and crafts gather around, woodworking should be also there with them. And the best way to do it is by getting the ideal table saw for your needs. Imagine all the home improvements and decorations that you can build. No need for calling a professional to fix something around your place. Now you can do it by yourself!Â
You might feel a little overwhelmed with all the options that are available right now. And how can you not when there are so many aspects and features that you should take into consideration? Table saws might seem simple but in reality, they are a bit more complex than you might think. But this guide has done all the research for you! Have a look and learn everything you need to know about table saws and woodworking.
What Types Of Table Saws Work For You?
As you can imagine, there’s not just one type of table saws. The thing is though, that they work in a similar way when it comes to cutting materials. So where are their differences? Have a look!
Bench Table Saws
They have a compact and lightweight design most of the time that won’t go over 30kgs. You can place them on a workbench or even attach them to a stand which makes them quite stable as well. If you’re looking for a machine that cuts plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), plastic or aluminium, then you should totally consider this type. Have in mind though that you won’t be able to cut really large pieces. On the other side though, you can think about the money that you’ll save as they are really affordable.
Contractor Table Saws
They are also known as jobsite table saws and they are really portable. Why? Because you can find them on a stand with wheels which makes portability a walk in the park. Even though their portability is easy, they’re a bit heavy. They might be used at home but it’s a fact that they are made for serious DIY projects and creations. Their functionalities are really amazing and they offer you a variety of features.Â
Cabinet Table Saws
They are more powerful and -as you might have guessed- have a bigger price tag as well. But the truth is that you get what you paid for. The motors are enclosed in a cabinet (as their name says) that you can find below the table. Most of them have also extendable tables so you can work on larger pieces without facing any trouble. That’s why they are often chosen from professionals that need to work on multiple types of wood.
Hybrid Table Saws
A combination of the cabinet and contractor types of table saws that offers enough power without the need of a 220-volt circuit. They’re a little pricey as well so keep that in mind. They look a lot like cabinet ones when it comes to the enclosed motor but they are lighter. One drawback though is that they usually don’t come with wheels or rollers so moving them around isn’t that easy.
Getting the first table saw that appears in your way isn’t a smart move. You need to narrow down your options based on what you need from your purchase. And the truth is that there are many features that you need to think of. So here’s what you need to check!
Power
Let’s make it simple! The more horsepower a table saw has, the more cutting power it can give you. If you go for a small one between ¾ HP to 1.5 HP then you can construct easy and light-duty projects, like shelves. Contractor table saws reach up to 2 - 4 HP and cabinet ones often provide 5 HP. Larger motors can withstand heavy tasks for longer periods of time without overheating and can cut denser and bigger types of materials. Â
Cutting Depth & Blade Size
The circular blades that can be found on table saws are most of the time around 25 cm, with some of them reaching 30 cm as well. But you can adjust them however you like to make shallow cuts if that’s what you want. The cutting depth can start at 2 cm and reach up to 8-10 cm.
Number Of Blades
This has to do with the teeth that the blade has and it’s very essential for smooth and clean cuts that are flawless and effective. You can find blades that come with 20-80 blades that cut wood effectively without problems. Going for a bigger number of blades provide better results as you can imagine. They are made from materials like carbon, carbide and diamond-tipped teeth.
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity has to do with the portion of the wooden piece that you can cut by using a certain table saw. Some of them mention all dimensions (e.g. length, width and depth) while others mention only one (mainly width). You can find many options that start from 50 cm and reach up to 65 cm with the latter having better performance when it comes to large pieces of wood.
Controls
How fast will the blade run? Larger motors with higher RPM make the blades spin faster for more accurate and precise cuts in zero time. There are several controls over the table saw that you can use and that allow you to adjust the speed of the blades however you need. There are also controls that help you adjust other things as well, like the height and depth of your cuts.
Fence & Miter Gauges
When it comes to table saws, fence is an essential part that helps your accuracy. T-square is the most common type and gives a robust design on your creations Without it you can’t create rip cuttings which are quite popular.Â
If you want to try other cuts like an angled one or a cross cut for example, then you need to look for a miter gauge. What’s that? Well, it’s a removable guide that makes cuts in a certain angle and keeps the line steady and direct. The best ones have certain points on 90 and 45 degrees which makes your job super easy. Plus, they are the most common! If you want to have such a feature, make sure that the product of your choice comes with one, as it’s not a default thing among them.
Rip Capacity
What is rip capacity? To put it simply, the maximum width of a material that will fit between the saw blade and the fence. And this feature varies depending on the model that you choose. Most of the time, it starts at 45 cm and goes up to 150 cm or more, if you’re aiming for a professional table saw. So, depending on what your plans are, make sure that the rip capacity is enough to help you create your projects without troubles.
Dust Collector
Let’s say that you use your table saw outdoors, so filling the place around you with sawdust isn’t that big of a deal. Then no need to worry! But if you want to use your table saw in a garage, for example, then what happens when the whole place is filled with dust? Closed workshops need some kind of dust collector that will keep the air clean and will save you from time-consuming vacuuming. Many products come with dust collection ports that are designed to get attached to your vacuum cleaner and will gather everything right away without making a mess.
Some Safety Features To Look For
Doing DIY projects that need the assistance of blades might be a little dangerous in some cases. That’s why you should always check the safety features that come with each product and make sure that even if something goes wrong, you won’t have to face any trouble. Here’s a list of safety systems that will make your woodworking experience better and safer.
- Blade Guard
- Splitters and Anti-Kickback Pawls
- Riving Knife
- On & Off Switch
- Push Stick
- SensorsÂ
- Magnetic Switch
Some Safety Tips As Well
Take it one step further with these safety tips:
- Â Always wear protective equipment like goggles, gloves, tight clothing and earplugs.
- Keep your workspace clean to avoid visibility problems due to the amount of sawdust.
- Make sure that the safety systems of your device work properly before starting your project.
- Unplug your device before making internal adjustments e.g. blade changing.
- Start the cutting process while the blade is spinning freely and isn’t engaged with the material.
- Keep a good and balanced posture to avoid any accidents while working.
- Don’t stand in front of the table saw in case there’s a kickback incident that might hurt you.
- Don’t make adjustments when the blade is in motion. Wait for it to stop completely.
- Use either a fence or a miter gauge but not both at the same time.
- Avoid guiding the material with your bare hands because it has a great risk.
- Make sure there aren’t any nails or staples in the wood that you’re working with.
- Clean your table so there aren’t any objects on it because they might fall due to the vibrations.
To Sum Up
So, are you ready to start creating your own projects from scratch? Fixing some things around your home or even making new decorations that will blow everyone’s minds? Now it’s easier than ever! All you need to do is follow our guide and find the best table saw for your needs.Â
Don’t worry about all those options out there! We made the research for you and here you can check the top 10 products that are available right now. Don’t waste any more time if you want to get one of the best. Don’t settle for less! We have all the information and insights that you’re going to need. Start your shopping journey now!