Selecting a Table Saw

Need tips on selecting a table saw? As the most commonly used power tool in a home wood shop, the right one is essential. They are quickly outdated since they are updated yearly through each company so it's important to choose the right tool for your needs with current know-how. If it's been a while since you last bought a power tool, you need to be reading here more than ever. Shop smart for this item just as you would a roofing nail gun or a chainsaw.

Table saws are great tools for those who need to accomplish a variety of woodworking tasks: from the complicated to the odd touch-up. Some features below may or may not be needed, depending on what types of projects you are completing.

The price of your saw is dependent on the type of fence it features. The fence, the part that you slide the wood against when you feed it into the saw, is a great cutting tool and is considered equally as important as the tabletop. The good news? You can add a higher-quality fence to your table saw later on, without replacing the whole thing. If your fence works smoothly and provides accurate work, you won't be disappointed with your purchase until you choose to upgrade.

Upgrading a Fence: If you are going to upgrade a fence when you purchase your new table saw to take advantage of price comparisons, sales, or your particular needs, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can I install this myself? Some fences are easier than others to install. Check out each type by accessing consumer reviews online (or asking your friends with similar fences), because the time and skill required to install each fence can be substantial.
• Does this flex? Table saw flex means that the materials and build of your table saw could be off. Move on!
• Is it accurate? While you won't be able to find this out on the box, a little Internet sleuthing will really help.

You will need to confirm that the tabletop on your table saw is perfectly level. If you buy from a respectable brand such as Dewalt, Ryobi, and Craftsman, you are more likely to find a tabletop that features precise measurements.

Many people recommend buying a table saw in the direction in which you are accustomed, simply for safety purposes. Right-tilt saws are easier to find and buy, but the choice is personal. Some safety concerns indicate that a left-tilt saw may indeed be a better purchase, particularly if you specialize in cutting narrower pieces while working.

Another piece that can be upgraded at a later date according to your needs, the miter gauge will guide wood through your saw. When checking a table saw and considering its purchase, examine the miter gauge for any potential movement. If wiggling is detected, it's essential that you move on to another table saw.

The blade for your table saw needs to be finished well in order to be considered high-quality, and you will see ones that range from 10 to 12 inches in size. You'll be able to find specialized blades that work for particular materials, combination blades used for both ripping and cutting, and crosscutting blades. You can also build onto your collection as you continue.

Depending on the identified specialized use for your table saw, you will see a variety of motor powers. Aim for something around the 1.5 to 2 horsepower range, although you can purchase a table saw with motor power up to 5 horsepower such as a cabinet saw.

Table saws can range anywhere from cheap prices of $400 to the thousands. If you find one with the features you require, do a price comparison and research the brand before committing. The goal is not to be disappointed after selecting a table saw!

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