More about Woodworking Table Saws

A table saw is the most common piece of large woodworking equipment. The Table Saw is undoubtedly the most versatile machine in any shop, and should be the woodworker's first machine purchase. The saw consists of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor that is driven by an electric motor. The blade protrudes through the surface of a table, which provides support for the material (usually wood) being cut. A woodworker uses it to rip, square, miter, groove, shape and joins pieces.

There are four general classes of table saws:

Benchtop table saws

Benchtop table saws are lightweight and are designed to operate while sitting on a table or other support. They commonly have direct drive (no v-belt or pulleys) from a universal type motor.

Contractor table saws

Contractor table saws are heavier, larger and have an attached stand or base, often with wheels. The motor hinges off the rear of the saw and drives the blade via a single belt using a 1 to 2 hp (750 to 1500 W) induction type motor.

Cabinet table saws

Cabinet table saws are heavy (using large amounts of cast iron and steel) to minimize vibration and increase accuracy. A cabinet saw is characterized by having a closed (cabinet) base.

Hybrid table saws

Hybrid table saws are designed to compete in the market with high-end contractor table saws. They offer some of the advantages of cabinet saws at a lower price than traditional cabinet saws.