A Comprehensive Guide to Table Saw

The table saw is like the heart of DIY workers, the master of all saw. There is no way you can have a complete saw collection without having a table saw. That is why a comprehensive table saw guide is necessary.

Even though it is extremely useful and perhaps the most used saw, it is still one of the complex saws out there. As a result, many find it difficult to comprehend how it functions and which features to look for when buying.

That is why I am going to try to put forth something that will be easy for all to understand. At the same time, provide sufficient information about the saw that will help you when dealing with the table saw.

Here are 26 steps of the Table Saw Guide…

1# Table Saw Usefulness

The table saw is really the one in all type saw. Table saw is used for so many different works. This saw is right at the center of all woodworking jobs, shops, and what not.

One awesome thing about the table saw is that it is extremely versatile. That is why it is being used so vastly. Moreover, the different type of cuts that this saw is able to make also adds to the versatility. Rip cut, crosscut, square, dado, and so many other cuts are in the grasp of the table saw. In addition to these, it can even make angled cuts.

Another advantage with a table saw is its precision. It is great at cutting wood pieces precisely and without much roughness too. This is mainly because unlike many other saws, you have to guide the material through the blade with a table saw. The blade just rotates and all you have to do is feed materials to the blade.

But, there is one issue with the table saw. And it is the safety issue. Although it is a useful tool to possess, it is still one of the most dangerous tools out there. That is why the manufacturers have evolved the table saw from time to time. They have added many safety features. These safety features will also be discussed here in this article.

2# Table Saw guide

Now, there are mainly two kinds of table saws that are available. Portable and stationary. Furthermore, there are different portable and stationary saws.

3# Portable Table Saw

Even though the table saw is used vastly by workers who possess a workshop or something, there is chance for other people to use the portable table saws within the medium price or low price. They do not take much space and they are also easy to move around. Here are some portable table saws.

4# Benchtop

Benchtop falls under the portable category for obvious reason. They do not come with any stands. As a result, they are placed on tables or benches for support. Also, benchtops are pretty light weighed and can be picked up and moved from place to place with ease. 

5# Compact

Even though it is larger in size than the benchtop one, it is still a good portable saw. It has got large rip ability. As a result, cutting large pieces of materials is easier. Some models come with a guide system that provides better accuracy and precision in your work.

6# Jobsite

Jobsite saw is also larger than the benchtop. They come mounted on or supported by stands. The stands contain wheels which makes them easy to move around the place. Furthermore, folding is also possible which adds to easier transportation. Jobsite table saws are vastly used by trade professionals.

7# Stationary Table Saw

Whenever somebody talks about table saw, the stationary ones are the first to come in mind. They are the real deal as far as table saw is concerned. Stationary ones are large and more importantly, effective in cutting. Ohh and yes, they are stationary!

8# Cabinet

There can be no table saw guide without the cabinet table saw. These are the most expensive table saw. And they are the largest of the table saws. Moreover, the cabinet saw is the most powerful. And they are really heavy too. The experienced and professional woodworkers love this one.

These are just perfect saw for precision and accuracy. Generally, they are made out of cast iron and steel. This actually adds to the accuracy more. Also, an enclosed base for superior dust collection is provided by it.

Other feature includes an induction motor. The induction motor generally provides a hp in the range of 3-5.

The cabinet saw is one that is designed for long durability. And thus, you will stay stress-free for a long time.

9# Contractor

Too many people confuse this one with the Jobsite table saw. But in truth, they are not the same.

The contractor saw that was once used a lot is hardly seen today. Initially, these used to serve well the professionals. But now, with the introduction of the cabinet saw especially, the contractor has become less used.

10# Hybrid

This is another saw which has some common with the contractor saw. But in truth, even though they look a lot similar at first glance, they are different if you look closely enough.

An open leg style design is observed in some models of hybrid. This improves dust collection which is very important when it comes to table saws.

These are the main types of table saws available. Which one to buy? Well, it really depends on the type of work you are going to do. For example, if you want to do some heavy woodworking work then you should get any stationary table saw. And if you are looking to do some tiny work around your house, for instance, then the portable table saws should get your job done.

Of course, we are just beginning to the table saw guide! There’s more stuff you need to know before you buy or use the perfect table saw for you.

11# Table Saw Blade

Huh, a saw with no blade? That is pretty rubbish, isn’t it? We can all understand how important a blade is to any saw. Table saw is no different.

As mentioned earlier, the table saw is known for its versatility and the many different cuts it is able to make. But, to make different cuts, you require different blades.

That is why it is important to know the different blades that your precious saw uses.

Blades are differentiated by a number of aspects. TPI, speed, application of the blade, arbor size, these are the things you need to check before using the right blade.

Generally, table saw uses blade within the range of 5”-12”. The TPI normally starts from 24 and can be up to 80. Different blades are used for different application. You will learn briefly about some of these things right now.

12# TPI

TPI or teeth per inch is a crucial factor that any DIY worker should know. It is pretty simple to understand. The more the TPI your blade has, the finer and smoother your cut will be. But, more TPI will cause your work to slow down. And lesser the TPI, faster the cut will be. But, it will generate rougher cuts.

So, depending on the type of work, choose a blade with appropriate TPI for that particular work. For example, you need to finish work really fast without needing too much smoothness. Then you can use the blade with fewer teeth per inch.

13# Materials for Blades

Ever wondered what are saw blades made out of? Perhaps not J

Firstly, you need to remember that there are different materials that the table saw cuts through. Consequently, for cutting such different materials, you need blades of different caliber.

You want to cut through simple plywood, for example, then there are blades made out of only metal. They can get the job done for you in this case. There are blades of harder materials that cut through harder materials like metal.

For cutting wood, there are blades whose teeth are made out of steel. This also increases durability. Even there are blades that cut through aluminum and steel. Blades with diamond-tipped teeth are used for such jobs.

So, make sure that you install the right blade for the right job.

14# RPM

RMP or revolutions per minute is used to know the maximum speed of the blade. There is the speed of the table saw and the speed of the blade. You need to make sure that the speed of the table saw never exceeds the blade’s speed. WHY?

If the speed exceeds then the blade will break apart and the possibility of devastation is certainly there. This happens due to the centrifugal force.

You need to know these things about the blade because they will help you choose the perfect blade. Therefore, the diameter of the blade, arbor size and so on should be considered for the perfect table saw guide.

15# Blade Adjustments

Okay then, choosing part is done. Now, the table saw has come a long way in recent years. And so nowadays, you can actually adjust the blade. Changing the axis as well as vertical adjustment are possible.

You can control the depth of the cut by adjusting the blade vertically. Vertical adjustment exposes more of the blade and thus, changes the depth of the cut.

The axis adjustment, on the other hand, gives you access to angle cuts. You can make certain angle cuts by adjusting the axis of the blade. For example, bevel cut which make good joints is achieved by adjustment of the axis.

16# Fence

Fence (also known as rip fence) is another spec that makes the table saw so unique. Operator of the saw pushes the workpiece through the blade in this saw. The rip fence is like a bar that sits on top of your saw parallel to the cutting plane of the blade. It acts as a guide for the workpiece through the whole cut as you move it past the blade.

Firstly, lock down the material on your fence. Make sure that the lock is tight enough but not too tight though. Moreover, the material shouldn’t move out of place during the cut if you wish to get a clean cut.

Without the use of this fence, ripping would not be possible. The fence is called rip fence for a reason I guess. The T-square fence is most used.

The fence makes it easier to cut materials especially if you rip cut. Just adjust the fence well and start using it for better outcomes.

17# Miter Gauge

Alongside the rip fence, the miter gauge is equally important. The miter gauge also works like a guide. You can adjust it and move the workpiece past the blade for getting, particularly, any specific angle cuts.

For getting clean and accurate angle cuts, there is no alternative spec to the miter gauge. In addition, you can also rely on it for making crosscuts.

18# Bevel Adjustment

Here is another spec that proves the versatility of your table saw. This is another feature of the table saw which makes difficult cuts look easy.

The bevel system is another adjustment that comes with the saw. And it allows you to make bevel cuts. You just need to adjust the system in the correct way.

19# Motor

Of course, the motor is a very important part of the saw. And a table saw guide is never gonna be right without guidance about the motor.

In general, there is two type of motor that this saw uses. And table saws can also be divided using motors. The motor is the one that provides sufficient power to get any work done. If the motor is not that powerful enough to get through your work then you are only damaging the whole saw itself. Therefore, it is very important that you know which motor to choose for your specific work.

The two types of table saw motor: Direct drive and Belt drive.

20# Direct Drive Motor

Direct drive motor transfers all the power to the blade. And they do that with the help of a universal motor that is linked directly to the blade. Generally, the portable saws use this type of motor.

They do provide a lot of power to the saws. But, the one problem is that they can be really loud. They are great for cutting thinner material sheets.

21# Belt Drive Motor

Power is transferred from the motor to the blade via a belt in this type of motor. They do not have a universal motor. Rather they come with an induction motor.

This type of motor generally seem to last longer because of the design. As a result of their design (offset), they are safe from sawdust which enables them to last longer.

Contrary to the direct one, the belt motor makes a lot less sound. Furthermore, they are capable of cutting through denser materials.

This type of motor is used by the stationary table saws.

22# Guide to Table Saw Safety Features

There is no doubt about the usefulness of table saw. But, it is useful as well as dangerous. In my humble opinion, it is the most dangerous saw.

The table saw has come a long way no doubt. Addition of several safety features has certainly pleased its users. And of course, the reason for these additions is no secret.

There are too many horrifying incidents that happened due to this saw. Kickbacks are not rare with this saw. Broken faces, fingers lost, we have heard these stories. That is why I cannot applaud enough. This saw demanded safety features and now there are many.

Therefore, it is a must that you should get acquainted with these features and use a table saw on the right way so that you have all your fingers left!

23# Blade Guard

The blade guard acts like a shield and protects you from the blade. Why is it important? Well, you can take a good guess.

The blade moves at an unimaginable speed which makes it a must for you to take precaution. Your hands should not get too close to the blade at any time. But, of course, when we work, we tend to lose consciousness and can get closer to the blade which could be dangerous. That is why the guard is so important. Even if you get close to the blade, the guard is there to protect you.

In addition to guarding the blade, it also prevents sawdust, debris, from getting in your face while you work. Moreover, it can prevent potential kickbacks also.

Now, I know there are many who find it easier to work without the guard on. Yes, an experienced person can do that. But, I would recommend working with the guard on simply because it is too dangerous.

24# Riving Knife

As the table saw is the machine of kickbacks, the riving knife is a must. The main objective is to prevent any sort of potential kickbacks and protect the operator. Normally, it is situated just behind the blade. The height of the blade determines its up-down motion.

Many prefer using splitters as safety options. But, it is no match when compared to the riving knife. The design of the knife is such that it moves along with the motion of the blade. This ensures further security.

In addition to all that, it works from its place without getting in the way of other features.

25# Anti-kickback Pawls

Well, the name says it all. The purpose of this feature is pretty clear from the name. And that is to prevent kickbacks.

An anti-kickback pawl has a metal arm with teeth. The teeth grab the workpiece and so do not allow the workpiece to hurl back at you. Thus, preventing potential kickback.

Additionally, there are other safety features that the table saw provides. These include sensors and magnetic switch. The sensor stops the blade immediately if human skin comes in contact with the blade. And the magnetic switch protects your motor from overload.

26# Other Features

Having the right features and knowing how they function will only help you get better results with the table saw.

Amps: The power of a table saw is measured by this Amps. The higher the amps, the easier it is to cut harder materials.

Dust Chutes: Using the table saw, sawdust will form on top of your table. The dust chutes help remove any dust that remains on the table.

Tilting Wheels: Your saw has this special wheel features that give you more access to the tool. There is the blade elevation handwheel that allows you to control the height of the blade.

Extension Table: Increase the rip capacity of your saw by adding an extension table.

Other notable features include on/off switch, throat plates which prevent small pieces of wood or dust from falling into the arbor, onboard storage space to store necessary tools that you might need during the cut.

Conclusion

The main objective of this post was to provide an easy yet detailed table saw guide with step-by-step tips. I am hopeful that if you have read it with good concentration then you will not need to look for answers anywhere else regarding this issue. Since table saws can sometimes be a bit complex and difficult to understand. So, use this knowledge, get yourself the most suitable table saw and start sawing.