Table saws are essential for the home woodworker, but how do you know what kind to buy? It helps to know everything you can about a table saw's components and anatomy. You can go online to read articles like this, and also research blogs for user-generated content and reviews about various table saws. I also recommend visiting your local home improvement store because the staff at these places is usually experienced and well informed. Often home improvement stores like Lowe's offer in-store demonstrations of the latest equipment. You can ask a table saw expert your question in person. Consult the store for a full schedule of these demonstrations.
Before you buy a table saw, ask yourself what kind of work you want it to perform. If you want to work on big projects and need to cut long pieces of wood, then you need a large table. If you have a small shop and want to focus on smaller pieces and more intricate designs, your needs are going to be different. Small tables are portable and ideal for projects like making birdhouses or jewelry boxes.
Once you decide on the size of your table, it is time to consider your table saw's blade. Saws have interchangeable blades for cutting different varieties of material, from stone to ceramic to wood. How many blades you want to purchase depends on what you will be cutting. Be grateful that you don't need to buy a new saw for each type of material and can invest in interchangeable blades instead.
The handle or arm of the saw is a major factor to take into account when choosing the right table saw for you. The handle determines the flexibility of the blade. If you need to make a wide variety of cuts and use many different angles, then you want an arm that tilts. This way you can saw mouldings and trims. The more flexible the angle, the more decorative you can get with your table saw.
The fence is what holds the wood in place when you cut, so you want to make sure that your table saw has a strong, stable one. You will not need to exert as much physical effort when you saw with a superior fence. Try to find a fence that has angles pre-cut or notched into it. This way you will know exactly what angle you are cutting while you work on your project.
Lastly, make sure your table saw has a powerful motor, whether it's a sliding table saw or a standard one. You don't want a motor that will overheat easily or burn out after a few big projects. A strong motor is crucial to your table saw's long cutting career. Find a woodworker or a professional that you respect and ask questions. Most experts would be happy to help you out with your query. Find out what the best woodworkers use and see if you can fit it into your price range. If not, find out what components they like the best and try to find their equivalent in a lower price range.
