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What is a Table Saw?

S. Zaimov
S. Zaimov

A table saw is a simple woodworking machine with many useful applications. Its main components are a circular saw blade that is geared onto an arbor and run by an electric motor. The purpose of a table saw is to cut pieces of wood into different shapes and sizes. It is an important device in nearly every woodworking shop.

There are three major table saw categories. Portable saws are small and inexpensive, but are best used for small cutting jobs. A contractor’s saw is found in most woodworking shops and is the most common type. Cabinet saws provide the most motor power and the largest work surface, making them extremely accurate but also quite expensive.

A table saw is designed to cut wood into different sizes and shapes.
A table saw is designed to cut wood into different sizes and shapes.

There are a number of tools that can be mounted on a table saw to help cut various designs. For precision cutting, a sliding crosscut sled is a necessary fixture. Used to shape picture frames, it increases the crosscutting accuracy, cutting exact 45° miters. Extension tables can expand the work surface, allowing sheets as large as 4-by-8 feet (1.2-by-2.4 meters) to be handled. Other jigs and attachments can modify a regular machine.

Table saws typically feature a circular saw blade.
Table saws typically feature a circular saw blade.

Industrial table saws are more often used for larger pieces of wood. The higher it is projected above the table, the deeper the blade can cut into the material. Alternatively, a lower placement of the saw provides for shallower cuts. The modeler of an industrial table saw can also cut wood to very close tolerances.

Another important feature is the fence. It provides numerous improvements to the equipment and is sometimes more expensive than the table saw itself. When cutting wood on a table saw, the fence acts as a guide; by making sure the wood is flush against the fence, the woodworker ensures a straight cut. While it does not add power to the machine, it provides very accurate measurements allowing for faster and safer work. Although the quality of the material always plays a role, a good fence minimizes flex and the risk of bad cuts.

One major concern when it comes to table saws is safety. Many accidents happen every year with saws, and there are strict guidelines that need to be followed to reduce the risk of injury. Obvious rules include wearing safety goggles, maintaining a clear working place, and keeping one's distance from a running saw. It is also very important to use the proper blade for the right material and have the fence adjusted correctly. Failure to do so can jam the blade and cause kickbacking, which propels the piece of material back at the operator at a dangerous speed.

Discussion Comments

anon923830

@anon131489: Used table saws are fine as long as you know about the safety guidelines. In addition to eye/ear protection, you shouldn't have long sleeves or use gloves with a table saw. Clothing can get caught in the blade and lead to very serious injuries.

Perhaps even more important is the proper use of the tool. You should read the manual of the saw's manufacturer for the proper use. Remember that the table saw is one of the only power tools, where the power is directed at you. The blades of a bandsaw are pointing down, a belt sander is directed to the side, etc. But with a table saw, all of that horsepower is directed right at the user, so you need to be particularly cautious.

One last thing: the SawStop saws that are currently available have an automatic-stop provision that makes them much safer than conventional saws. They are more expensive than other table saws, but worth investigating.

anon131489

It's right to wear protection like goggles while working on a machines like table saw. Question is, it is safe to work on a used table saw, although a used table saw saves you money. I found more tips and ideas on your site like safety tips. It helps a lot too, to avoid accidents. Thanks!

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    • A table saw is designed to cut wood into different sizes and shapes.
      By: Pumba
      A table saw is designed to cut wood into different sizes and shapes.
    • Table saws typically feature a circular saw blade.
      By: ksi
      Table saws typically feature a circular saw blade.