A table saw consists of a circular saw, mounted under a table or a bench, which is driven by an electric motor (either directly or by a belt or gears). The blade remains stationary and the work pieces are projected up through a slot. It is one of the most common carpentry tools and a lot of people are purchasing them when they decide – as a hobby or for economical reasons (to save some money) - to create something based on wood. A table saw will perform all of the basic cuts required in woodworking. With the help of a table saw large sheets of paneling, plywood and wallboard can be cut by moving the work piece through the saw.
Types of table saws
Basically there are four types of table saw:
Bench top table saws – it is also known as a portable saw because it is lightweight (being made of aluminum, plastic and steel), is meant to operate while sitting on a support or a table and is very easily manoeuvered and transported by one person. This type of table saw is not very expensive, but it is less durable and has less capacity compared to the other three types.
Contractor table saws – also known as the open-stand saw. It is heavier than the previous type, more durable and not so easily transported. But, due to the wheels attached to its stand or base it is still moved by constructors from one job to another. If you are not a professional, but with a love and passion for carpentry, this would be the best solution because it is moderately priced, it has standard electrical circuits and doesn't require any extra voltage.
Cabinet table saw – the name comes from the fact that this type of table saw has a circular saw attached to its cabinet. Although they are heavier, they have less vibration, which helps increase accuracy. They are manufactured to last longer, are more expensive - having induction motors in the 3 to 5hp (2 to 4kW) range and usually need a heavy electric circuit installed.
There are two styles of cabinet table saws: American and European. The first one is made after the Delta Unisaw model and it consists of a cast iron top on a full-length steel base, square in section. They have a simple design, but are highly developed, very professional and assures a high work standard. The second one has a more complex and modern design. Most of the time they also provide jointer, planer, sharpener and boring characteristics.
Hybrid table saws – this is by far the best table saw. It is comparable in quality with a cabinet saw, but with a lower price and it doesn't require a large space like the contractor saw. They ensure low vibration and dust control.
The best known manufacturers in the table saw business are: DeWalt, Hitachi, Koki USA, Ridgid, Makita, Delta, Porter-Cable Corp, Robert Bosch Tool Corp, Ryobi America Corp, Skil.
Ryobi table saws, for example, are extending tables, that allow 20”- 27” rip capacity; the legs are folding and although provided with wheels for easy transport are also very stable; vibration is low and the table's surface has a powder-coat finish which increases wear resistance. Ryobi products are not very expensive, but of high quality and they are the perfect solution for hobbyists and homeowners.
The Delta bench top table saw has, as general features: an industrial carbide tipped blade , a laminated table board, cast iron extension wings, front and rear-locking rip fences for safety, transparent blade guard which allows sight of what is cut, increasing the accuracy of work.
Jet table saws are high quality, heavy duty, powerful machines. They are produced and sold by Jet Equipment of Burnaby, British Columbia, a company famous for its quality tools. That's why Jet table saws are highly appreciated by both professionasl and amateurs. The table is cast iron, with two steel wings to provide addition work surfaces. It also has positive stops, a blade guard and push block. The electrical motor permits a clear cut, no matter how hard the wood is.
