A table saw is one powerful piece of equipment. The table saw consist of a circular blade mounted on an arbor that is driven by an electrical motor. A table saw allows the user to cut wood on a flat table. There are three types of table saws.
Type of Table Saws
Bench Top Table Saw – A benchtop saw is the same as a portable table saw or contractor saw. These are nice because you can move them to the location you are working at and set them on top of a bench. They will have the same amps or RPM, but the drive configuration is different. See the drive configuration down below. Plus a bench top table saw is harder to cut a larger piece of wood such as a large sheet of plywood.
Contractor Table Saw -These are heavier, but usually have wheels mounted to the bottom of the legs. The motor hinges off the rear of the saw and drives the blade.
Cabinet Table Saw – These are very heavy, but once they are set up they stay there. The cabinet table saw has a closed base, hence cabinet. These typically require more power and some need a 220V outlet. They are the most expensive but probably will not bog down under the same condition that would make a portable saw bog down or even stop. Since these are heavier, they often vibrate a lot less and the durability increases.
A Unique Type of Table Saw
Believe it or not, there is also a table saw that is design to protect your digits. Each year hundred of people visit the emergency room because they lost a finger or got hurt from a table. Companies saw this issue and designed a table saw to protect the user. Bosch is one of those companies who designed the Bosch REAXX table saw. If the saw detects that flesh touches the blade, it immediately stops and drops the blade back into the body of the saw, therefore, protecting the user.
Drive Configuration
Direct Drive Motors – These are linked directly to the blade and transfer all of the power to the blade. People have said this type of set up wears out quicker compared to Belt Drive Motors.
Belt Drive Motors – These have a belt that transfers power to the motor. The motor is set away from the blade which reduces the chances of overheating from sawdust and in return allows the motor to last longer.
Table Saw Accessories
Extension Table – Extension tables mount to the side of the table saw and basically increase your table size. This helps you maintain more control when cutting wider pieces of wood.
Dado Heads – A dado makes a wider cut which is good for shelving and other applications. Most table saws have a Dado plate and accept the blades, but be careful as some models will not let you use a Dado blade.
Rip Fence – A rip fence is a single fence on top of the table that the user adjusts to help create a desired length or width cut. It helps make sure the cut is straight.
Miter Gauge – The table has two grooves running the length of the table. The gauge sits in the groove and helps guide the user to create an angle cut.
Crosscut Sled – This is used to hold the workpiece at a 90-degree angle to the blade.
Tenon Jig – A jig that holds the workpiece vertically so cuts can be made across the end.
Blades Sizes and Types
Blade size – The two common sizes are 8″ and 10″ blades. An 8″ is good for light cutting such as crafts and thinner stock. The 10″ is good for thicker stock and angle cuts.
There are three main types of saw blades
Steel Blades – Good for softwood, inexpensive, but will dull quickly with hardwood cutting.
High Speed Steel Blades – Harder than the steel blades.
Carbide Tipped Blades – More expensive, stay sharp the longest and best suited for hardwood cutting.
Power Type
There are two main power types of table saw: Corded and Cordless
Corded Table Saw – A table saw is considered a high demand tool, so a majority of table saw still require the use of an electrical outlet. Most smaller saws require a traditional 110V outlet, while a cabinet saw of bigger saws will require 220V. If you are going to be making a lot of cuts or cutting hardwood or cutting a lot, a corded table saw is the way to go.
Cordless Table Saw – As battery technology increases, so do the number of manufacturers who offer cordless table saws. The advantage is you don’t have to have power around to run the saw, plus the cord never gets in the way. The downside is the overall power and run time. Cordless table saws are great for contractors who aren’t making a lot of cuts throughout the day.
How To Use A Table Saw
- Make sure you are using the correct blade and it is properly seated and tight. Always use a sharp blade. Dull blades tend to overheat, bind and cause kickbacks.
- Make sure the blade guard is on and secure.
- Make sure the blade is the right height. No more than 1/2 above the workpiece. If the blade is higher than 1/2 inches, the chance increases for a kick back.
- Always start the saw and let the blade get to maximum speed before pushing your work into the blade.
- Don’t jam the wood against the blade. Let the saw do the work and just guide the wood, making sure it is tight against the rip fence.
- Turn off the machine and let the blade stop all the way before you try to grab the wood. Don’t ever reach past the blade while it is spinning.
How to Avoid Kick Backs
- Make sure the blade is not only sharp but also clean. Pitch buildup causes more friction, which causes more burning and increases the chances of kickbacks.
- Align the saw. Make sure there is an even length difference away from the front of the saw blade and rip fence and the back of the saw blade and rip fence. If not, the wood will bind and can cause a violent kick back.
- Make sure the blade guard is on and securely fasten down. Most guards have anti-kickback features to help protect the user.
- Make the cut past the end of the board. Make sure you push the workpiece past the blade before trying to remove the piece.
- Be careful about flaws in the wood such as knots or twists.
- Always have control. Do not try to cut a piece of wood that is too big for your saw.
- Remove all obstructions before you try to cut.
Safety
- Read Instructions.
- Make sure the saw is unplugged whenever you change the blade
- Use a push stick and save your fingers
- Always use the blade guard
- Wear eye protection
- Wear ear protection