\nAdded dust port to keep work space cleaner<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Ridgid R4516 Contractor Table Saw<\/h3>\n<\/a>Pricier and heavier than the DEWALT portable model, the Ridgid R4516 is still a good buy for those looking for a sturdy yet small table saw with good rip capacity. The R4516 has a rip capacity of 24 inches, higher than that of the DEWALT DW745.<\/p>\nIt does, however, weigh in at 63 lbs., 10 lbs. more than the DEWALT but less than the SKIL portable model. It offers the same amount of power but can be more cumbersome when trying to move from place to place.<\/p>\n It does not include a stand, but is adaptable with many aftermarket stands. The R4516 does, however, include anti-kickback pawls and an integrated riving knife and spreader, which can be easily switched over to riving knife mode when non-through cuts are necessary. The base has a steel frame, giving it sturdiness and durability that isn\u2019t found with other materials.<\/p>\n With so many similar features to the other portable options, what sets the R4516 apart is its combination of a large rip capacity and fairly light weight for a reasonable price. I gave the RidgidR4516 a 4.5 out of 5 rating. Check the current price and customer feedback of\u00a0the Ridgid R4516 here.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nPros<\/b><\/td>\n | Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nGood rip capacity for small size<\/td>\n | No wheels, so more difficult to move<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nEasy to transport due to weight<\/td>\n | No stand accompanying<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nSturdy steel base frame<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/h3>\nSKIL 3410-02 Portable Table Saw<\/h3>\n<\/a>When working on a lower budget, portable table saws are the way to go. The SKIL 3410-02 comes with a folding stand and is a great choice for those looking to dabble in woodworking or complete projects around the house.<\/p>\nIt won\u2019t do for those who are working on larger projects or using their table saw for professional work; for that, you\u2019ll have to drop a bit more money. Weighing in at 67 pounds, it stays true to its portable nature, but the stand does not include wheels like the other portable table saws I\u2019ve mentioned, making it more of a challenge to move.<\/p>\n The SKIL 3410-02 has a 15-amp motor like the Bosch and DEWALT, giving it the typical power of a portable model. It also includes a self-aligning fence, ensuring precision and ease for the user, and has an \u201cEZ measuring\u201d system, eliminating the need for additional measuring tools.<\/p>\n It has a smaller rip capacity than either the Bosch or the DEWALT\u00a0models,\u00a0but still comes in fairly large for a portable table saw at 24.25\u201d. The benchtop includes a riving knife and\u00a0blade\u00a0guard, but no anti-kickback features besides these. The model also does not include a dust port.<\/p>\n Despite being best situated in one place for frequent use because of the lack of wheels, I think the SKIL 3410-02 is worth it for those looking to save money or dip their toe into home woodworking. I gave it a 4 out of 5 rating.\u00a0Check the current price and customer feedback of\u00a0the SKIL 3410-02 here.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nPros<\/b><\/td>\n | Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nGreat for hobbyists on a budget<\/td>\n | No wheels, so more difficult to move<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nFolds up for easy storage<\/td>\n | No dust port<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nSelf-aligning fence and EZ measuring system for ease<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/h3>\nBosch 4100-09 Contractor Table Saw<\/h3>\n<\/a>This model, with my rating of 4.6 out of 5, came in close behind the DEWALT above for best contractor table saw. With its Gravity-Rise\u2122 stand, in which you twist one lever and the steel frame folds up or down smoothly, the Bosch 4100-09 is easy to convert from storage or transport to use.<\/p>\nIt is barely lighter than the DEWALT contractor model, weighing in at 105 lbs., and is also lacking in rip capacity, at 25 inches. It operates at 15 amps, giving it equal power output to its competitor.<\/p>\n However, the Bosch includes a \u201csmart guard\u201d system not found in the DEWALT, containing a blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback feature to heighten its safety. The fence system also proves easy to use and is crafted from machined aluminum, and the model includes a dust port just like the DEWALT.<\/p>\n Although Bosch didn\u2019t come out on top in my review (mainly due to its smaller rip capacity relative to its weight), it\u2019s still a great choice as a contractor table saw. I rated the\u00a0Bosch 4100-09 the best under $500<\/a>.<\/p>\nCheck the current price and customer feedback of\u00a0the Bosch 4100-09 here.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nPros<\/b><\/td>\n | Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nGravity-Rise\u2122 stand for ease of transport and storage<\/td>\n | Small rip capacity compared to size<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nSmart guard system provides heightened safety<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nReliable and effective aluminum fence system<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/h2>\nWHAT IS THE BEST CABINET TYPE MODEL TO BUY?<\/h2>\nSawStop PCS31230-TGP252<\/h3>\n<\/a>While it is the most expensive Best Of winners, and one of the most expensive top-rated cabinet table saws out there, the best cabinet type table saw gives the user his or her money\u2019s worth. The SawStop PCS31230-TGP252 uses a 3-horsepower motor and has a 52-inch rip capacity, giving plenty of workspace for the user and power for any material, whether softwood or hardwood.<\/p>\nThe enclosed cabinet around the motor makes this model quiet and simplifies dust control as compared to the smaller, less expensive open table saws. It also possesses a conductive blade system which automatically shuts the motor down when it senses skin on the blade (read further on in the review to learn more about conductive blade systems).<\/p>\n The PCS31230-TGP252 has a table capacity of 1,000 lbs., making it effective for even the heaviest of materials. It is user-friendly and good for those with minimal woodworking experience, though an expensive investment like this model would likely be favored by professionals or other serious woodworkers.<\/p>\n This cabinet model utilizes an extensive fence system, with an extension table and rails in addition. There is an option to purchase an integrated mobile base featuring two stationary casters and two pivoting casters, though this model is intended to be placed and used in the same location frequently.<\/p>\n I gave the SawStop PCS31230-TGP252 a 4.8 out of 5 rating, knocked down only by the high price and resulting limitation of who will purchase this saw. Check the current price and customer feedback of\u00a0the SawStop PCS175-TGP236 here.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nPros<\/b><\/td>\n | Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nLarge rip capacity and load handling ability<\/td>\n | High price even for a cabinet model<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nExtensive fence system<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nConductive blade system for enhanced safety<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/h3>\nGrizzly G0690<\/h3>\n<\/a>For those looking for a powerful and sturdy cabinet type table saw but don\u2019t want to break the bank, look no further. The Grizzly G0690 offers a small rip capacity, at 29.5 inches, but much more power than the portable or contractor table saws with larger rip capacities. It comes in over $1,000 less than my choice for best cabinet type table saw.<\/p>\nThis model offers 4-inch dust port in addition to the enclosed cabinet around the motor, providing easier dust control and a quieter working experience. It has a 3-horsepower motor, like the other large saws reviewed here, and therefore the ability to cut through any materials.<\/p>\n A blade guard and riving knife come with this powerful saw, increasing safety, though no anti-kickback precautions are included. Similar to the SawStop above, an extensive fence system helps create consistent and repeatable cuts.<\/p>\n The G0690 runs on 220 volts of power, so it is not ideal for standard home situations unless the location is equipped for larger appliances, similar to a refrigerator or an electric dryer. This model is made of cast iron, contributing to its high weight of 530 lbs. but also increasing its durability and sturdiness. This model is a ‘big brother’ to the\u00a0Grizzly G0715p, which is a hybrid model.<\/p>\n Based on the low-cost option for a heavy-duty cabinet saw but the lower rip capacity, I gave the Grizzly G0690 a 4.5 out of 5 rating. Check the current price and customer feedback of\u00a0the Grizzly G0690 here. <\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nPros<\/b><\/td>\n | Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nAffordable version of cabinet model<\/td>\n | Low rip capacity compared to weight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nSturdy cast iron build<\/td>\n | Runs on higher voltage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nGreat for professionals or serious woodworkers<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Shop Fox W1819<\/h3>\n<\/a>Though similar to the Grizzly G0690, the Shop Fox W1819 is another good option for those looking for a lower cost cabinet table saw. It comes with a rip capacity of 29.5 inches, but an option exists to upgrade the rip capacity to 49 inches.<\/p>\nUnlike the Grizzly, the Shop Fox W1819 includes anti-kickback pawls in addition to the blade guard and riving knife. It is similar, however, in its cast iron build, extensive fence system, and 4-inch dust port to improve cleanup and project precision.<\/p>\n The Shop Fox W1819 operates on a 3-horsepower motor, like most larger saws included here, but also requires 220 volts, and therefore is not equipped for standard home outlets. Since the manufacturer is fairly new as well, this model is not yet as popular as the similar Grizzly model.<\/p>\n I gave the Shop Fox W1819 a rating of 4.4 out of 5, based on its price and value combined. Check the current price and customer feedback of\u00a0the Shop Fox W1819 here.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nPros<\/b><\/td>\n | Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nOption to upgrade rip capacity to 49\u201d<\/td>\n | Newer manufacturer, not well-known yet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nSturdy cast iron build<\/td>\n | Runs on higher voltage than standard outlets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nGreat for professionals or serious woodworkers<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n WHAT IS THE BEST HYBRID TABLE SAW TO BUY?<\/h2>\nJet Proshop 708494K JPS-10TS Hybrid Table Saw<\/h3>\n<\/a>If you\u2019re looking for the power and features of a cabinet type table saw, but at a less imposing and cumbersome size, you want a hybrid table saw. My top pick for this category is the Jet Proshop 708494K JPS-10TS, weighing in at 288 lbs.<\/p>\nIt includes key safety features: a blade guard and riving knife, but not anti-kickback pawls. The standard rip capacity is 30 inches, with an option to upgrade to 50 inches.<\/p>\n Similar to the cabinet type table saws, the Jet Proshop model is made from cast iron, giving it the durability and stability desired for large, intensive woodworking projects. The motor is housed inside the cabinet structure and a 4-inch dust port is provided for easier cleanup and maintenance of the worksite.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll still shell out a decent amount of money for this hybrid, but significantly less than a full cabinet type table saw. It\u2019s a great option for those who want professional features without the size that comes along with them. Based on included features, price, and other reviews, I gave this model a 4.1 out of 5 rating. I also rated the\u00a0\u00a0Jet Proshop 708494K JPS-10TS\u00a0the best under $1500<\/a>.<\/p>\nCheck the current price and customer feedback of\u00a0the Jet Proshop 708494K JPS-10TS here.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nPros<\/b><\/td>\n | Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nOffers all three key safety features<\/td>\n | Fairly expensive for a hybrid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nMade from heavy-duty cast iron<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nOption to upgrade rip capacity to 50 inches<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Ridgid R4512 Hybrid Table Saw<\/h3>\n<\/a>The second Ridgid model to make the list, the R4512 will fulfill most needs and is a somewhat portable hybrid table saw. It comes with wheels attached to the stand, but it will still take some muscle to move the 117-lb. apparatus and customers have complained of wheel failure and weakness.<\/p>\nThe R4512 operates on a small 15-amp motor, making it the least powerful of the hybrid and cabinet table saws. However, it does take only 110V, a standard home outlet, as compared to the 220V needed for the other hybrid and cabinet table saws. It is not recommended for daily use, but can still be utilized for larger projects due to its size.<\/p>\n This model has a 30-inch rip capacity, like the Jet Proshop hybrid model, but the less powerful motor puts it at a disadvantage for what types of materials the R4512 can handle. While this Ridgid gains portability, it loses stability and power. I gave this model a 4 out of 5 rating, based on its price, motor, and portability. Check the current price and customer feedback of\u00a0the Ridgid R4512 here.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nPros<\/b><\/td>\n | Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nLightweight and portable<\/td>\n | Wheels don\u2019t always work as needed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nOperates on standard home outlet voltage<\/td>\n | Weight makes it cumbersome to move, though it is portable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nSmall motor but can still be used for larger projects<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Most popular table saw<\/h2>\nThe most popular table saw among all of these great options is the DEWALT DW745. I have given it 4.7 out of 5 stars. It is one of the most popular table saws available on the market now, due to the needs of customers and the low price that comes with portable table saws. Though it is not the best in terms of features nor power, it is affordable and manufacturer by a well-known and respected brand. Though this saw is popular it is not my recommendation as the best overall table saw as it is underpowered for larger jobs and lacks the surface size necessary for those jobs. If you like the DEWALT brand and want a larger, more capable model, I recommend the DEWALT DWE7491RS. This packs more power than the DW745 and is my choice for the best overall table saw because of its size and price combination.<\/p>\n TABLE SAW BUYER\u2019S GUIDE<\/h2>\nBefore I start, what is a table saw? At its simplest, it is a circular, mechanical saw mounted under a table or bench in order to have the blade project up through a slot in the surface. Table saws are used for straight sawing, either across or with the grain, depending on the type of blade. The table saw can often be adjusted to change the cutting depth and angle needed for each new project.<\/p>\n With thousands of options out there for tables saw, though, how can you know which is the best for you? In order to figure this out, you need to determine a few key things:<\/p>\n \n- Use <\/b>\u2013 what jobs do you plan to use this table saw for? Cutting firewood, making cabinets, taking on freelance woodworking jobs?<\/li>\n
- Size<\/b> \u2013 are you going to store this in your garage, in your basement, or move it between home and job sites? The use also plays into size, because if you choose an undersized or underpowered table saw, you will struggle working with larger materials or projects.<\/li>\n
- Design <\/b> \u2013 manufacturers craft unique designs to compete in the market, which creates variations between producers and between models from the same manufacturer. Each variation comes with its own pros and cons.<\/li>\n
- Price <\/b>\u2013 what budget are you working with for your table saw purchase, and does that budget fit your needs?<\/li>\n
- Specifications <\/b> \u2013 saw blade diameter, motor type, table top material, and engine power are a handful of things you should consider when choosing a table saw<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Even after considering all these factors, it can still seem overwhelming to choose which table saw best suits your needs and your budget. However, I break down your options in this review to help clarify your options and make your decision easier.<\/p>\n Before moving on, make sure you have a strong idea about why you are buying a table saw and what parameters your purchase must fit into\u2014it is hard to make a purchase of any kind without a clear vision in mind for its use in your life.<\/p>\n Types of Table Saws<\/h3>\nTable saws are divided into four categories: portable, contractor, hybrid, or cabinet. Each has its pros and cons, and inevitably, as you increase the size and power of the type you choose, it becomes less portable and more costly. It can be difficult to decide which type is best for your needs, but not for long. I break down these four main categories below to help make your buying decision cut-and-dry.<\/p>\n Portable table saws<\/h4>\nPortable table saws are exactly what their name suggests: table saws than can be moved from one location to another with relative ease. For this reason, they tend to be smaller and lighter than their stationary counterparts, making use of aluminum, plastic, or other composites\u2014a great choice if you\u2019re lacking room to store your table saw or if you will be taking it from one place to another for different projects.<\/p>\n Their small size and light materials make portable table saws the low-cost option and good starter saws. However, their smaller and lighter build means a lack of stability, studier materials (used to keep the table saw from moving around on a surface), and power, with most portable table saws operating under 2 horsepower.<\/p>\n Portable table saws are designed to be attached to a surface with clamps or mounted on a separately purchased stand. They typically use a 15-amp lightweight universal motor designed to run on standard 100-volt power, which operates loudly and limits the saw blade to no larger than 10 inches in diameter.<\/p>\n The small surface size and blade diameter makes the portable table saw more suited for cutting plywood, pine, or other soft woods than for cutting full sheets of material. The portable table saw also uses an aluminum rip fence that typically offers a 20-inch rip capacity, smaller compared to the other types of table saw.<\/p>\n Portable table saws are often designated as either benchtop or jobsite table saws. The former does not regularly come attached to a base, while the latter replaces a standard stationary base with a folding stand. Beginner, novice, or casual woodworkers with limited space would benefit from a benchtop table saw, as would those looking to use their saw for personal home improvement tasks. Jobsite table saws are most beneficial for those in the construction industry looking to improve the accuracy of hand tools without having to give up portability.<\/p>\n Contractor table saws<\/h4>\nNot surprisingly based on its name, the contractor table saw was designed with professionals in mind. A step up from the portable table saw, the contractor table saw remains more lightweight (at around 250\u2013350lbs) than the cabinet or hybrid table saw but utilizes sturdier materials such as steel or cast iron to offer greater stability than the portable table saws.<\/p>\n I know what you\u2019re asking. Why buy a contractor table saw rather than a lighter portable one if you might want to move it? Although bulkier and heavier than the portable table saw options, contractor table saws can offer the functionality of a cabinet table saw at a lower weight and more affordable price. They are not ideal to move because of their cast-iron tabletop, but they can still be relocated much more easily than cabinet or hybrid table saws due to their more lightweight steel or aluminum base.<\/p>\n Contractor table saws also include extension wings that often need to be purchased as add-on items for portable table saws. These extension wings, made of either pressed steel or cast iron, allow for a larger rip capacity than the portable versions. The fence system is not as reliable as the hybrid or cabinet table saw, but remains effective for appropriately sized projects. The contractor table saw motor is typically a 1\u20132-horsepower simplified belt-drive system that runs on standard 110V power, similar to the portable table saw.<\/p>\n Coming in at a lower price than cabinet models, but offering more power and stability than portable models, the contractor table saw remains a top choice for woodworking enthusiasts and those who work with larger sheet materials but have no need for the bulkier, more expensive cabinet models. They are the most affordable option for those looking to work on carpentry, small cabinetry projects, trim work, and basic furniture creation.<\/p>\n Cabinet table saws<\/h4>\nThis industry doesn\u2019t mince words: cabinet table saws, as the name implies, are ideal for cabinet makers because of their ability to handle large, heavy sheet materials. The name is also derived from the \u201ccabinet\u201d that houses the motor. Also referred to as professional or industrial table saws, they offer the most power and stability of the table saw types at the highest prices. They often look similar to hybrid table saws but weigh hundreds of pounds more.<\/p>\n Utilizing cast iron and professional-grade steel, the cabinet table saw is stationary once place in a shop. The 3\u20135-horsepower induction motor requires a 220V power source, similar to that required by other major home appliances such as an electric dryer or refrigerator. The completely enclosed base enables integral dust collection, and along with the sturdy materials increases stability and dampens vibrations for quiet, smooth operation.<\/p>\n Cabinet table saws tend to be manufactured to more rigorous standards than their more affordable counterparts: flatter surfaces, more robust bearings and pulleys, and often a more reliable fence system. As their high costs and premium materials reflect, they are designed to be durable and reliable enough to meet the needs of professional woodworkers or those looking to perform heavy-duty projects with their table saw, such as creating full sets of furniture or similarly intensive home woodworking projects.<\/p>\n Hybrid table saws<\/h4>\nHybrid table saws<\/a> are the newest option out there for those in the market for a table saw. They attempt to bridge the gap between casual woodworkers and professionals and to service the more serious woodworking hobbyists who want the sturdiness and reliability of a cabinet table saw at the price of a contractor model. If money wasn\u2019t an option, everyone suggests the cabinet table saw is the number one option, but for those of us that live and work in the real world, money is always a deciding factor to take into account.<\/p>\nHybrid table saw motors tend to run in the 1\u20132-horsepower range with a quieter induction motor, similar to the motor used in cabinet models. The motor offers as much horsepower as possible while still operating on a standard household 110V power source.<\/p>\n Some hybrid versions come with the enclosed \u201ccabinet\u201d base, while others have an open base more similar to contractor table saws. As a result, some hybrid models offer more stability and quieter operation than others do. Regardless of an enclosed or open base, hybrid table saws tend to have smaller base dimensions than cabinet models.<\/p>\n Similar to contractor table saws, hybrid versions usually have a cast-iron top with either pressed steel or cast-iron extension wings and a steel or aluminum rip fence than can be adjusted for different rip capacities. With all these similarities, it can be easy to confuse hybrid and cabinet table saws. Just remember that unlike cabinet table saws, hybrid models can run on a normal domestic electric supply of 110V but at a higher horsepower than contractor models. And if in doubt, come back and refer to my review for help!<\/p>\n TABLE SAW SIZES<\/h2>\nNow that you\u2019ve learned how to differentiate between the different types of table saws, I\u2019m going to break it down by size and power for you. Different projects and materials require different saw sizes and motor power, which I have outlined for you in the table below.<\/p>\n \n\n\n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\nTYPE<\/b><\/td>\n | WEIGHT<\/b><\/td>\n | POWER<\/b><\/td>\n | PRICE<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nPortable<\/td>\n | 75 lbs. or less<\/td>\n | 15 amp<\/td>\n | $<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nContractor<\/td>\n | Up to 250 lbs.<\/td>\n | 1.5\u20132hp<\/td>\n | $$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nCabinet<\/td>\n | 375 lbs. or more<\/td>\n | 3\u20135hp<\/td>\n | $$$-$$$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nHybrid<\/td>\n | Up to 375 lbs.<\/td>\n | 1\u20132hp<\/td>\n | $$$-$$$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Equipped with the vast amount of knowledge you\u2019ve acquired here, it\u2019s time to choose your table saw. But how do you narrow it down and make the right decision? Read on to find out.<\/p>\n HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU<\/h2>\nBefore going out and picking out the first table saw you see in the type you want, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Using your table saw for recreational woodworking and using it for freelance jobs to supplement your income are very different situations and call for different types of table saws. You\u2019d be fine to use a portable model for the first situation but would be better off with a contractor table saw, or even a hybrid model, for the second.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to gauge your interest in woodwork or plan on using your table saw only a few times a year for small projects, the portable table saw will suffice. However, the other three table saw types offer more room for growth in your woodworking hobby or career, each with its own pros and cons mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n Along with the consideration for how you\u2019ll be using your table saw and what your budget is, you should note the specification differences between table saw types for a handful of parts. The saw blade diameter is usually between 10\u201312 inches, no matter the type of table saw. However, the type of blade should not be a large deciding factor, as most table saws ships with a lower caliber blade than can be easily upgraded and replaced.<\/p>\n The differences in the base size and structure, as noted in the description for each table saw type, affects stability and the ability to transport your tool from one location to another, as well as how easily dust collection will be\u2014an enclosed base offers more reliable dust collection than an open base.<\/p>\n The table extension wings, or lack of them, will change the rip capacity, or the maximum distance between the saw blade and the rip fence. The ability to change the location of the rip fence allows you to change the size of cuts made during a project: if you want to cut 10 pieces of wood to each be 20 in. wide, you need to be able to set your rip fence 20 in. away from the blade. Portable table saws have the smallest rip capacities, and not all of them come with the table wing extensions.<\/p>\n Three of the most important considerations are listed below.<\/p>\n Rip fence and miter gauge<\/h3>\nThe rip fence is crucial to making straight and consistent cuts during a project. It rides on fence rails, meant to keep the fence perfectly parallel and in place for the duration of your work. The quality of your work can be heavily diminished by an inadequate fence system. Fences tend to get sturdier as you move from portable table saws up the rankings to the cabinet models, but this is not always the case.<\/p>\n The fence should be sturdy, easy to move across the table and lock in place, and have no movement during use. Trying to repeat a cut only to find out after the fact that your fence moved 1\/16th of an inch each time can be frustrating as well as costly.<\/p>\n The miter gauge serves the same purpose as the rip fence, but for materials perpendicular to the blade. It can be adjusted to various angles, and should be held to the same standards as mentioned above for the rip fence: sturdy, able to be locked easily, and stays in place for multiple cuts. The fence and miter gauge should never be used at the same time: use the fence for ripping (cutting parallel to the blade) and the miter gauge for crosscutting (cutting perpendicular to the blade).<\/p>\n Table flatness<\/h3>\nNot surprisingly, a cutting surface that isn\u2019t flat can cause all types of problems. The generally accepted deviation is 0.005 inches, and buying from a well-known manufacturer often ensures that you are getting a completely, or near completely, flat surface.<\/p>\n Flatness is easiest to achieve with cast-iron tops, but that doesn\u2019t mean that other materials will not be flat\u2014it just means to keep your eyes open. Any wing extensions must fit tight and flat to the table to maintain flatness throughout the table saw surface.<\/p>\n Blade guard<\/h3>\nIt shouldn\u2019t be shocking that you want to protect yourself from injury while using your table saw. An effective blade guard does that for you. Blade guards use plastic leaves on either side of the blade that move independently from it in order to allow plastic to pass under the leaves and through the blade.<\/p>\n Blade guards should give the user a clear view of the blade and the wood at all times during use and be easy to change. This is not something you want to skimp on; you can\u2019t keep woodworking, either as a hobby or a job, if you injure yourself in the process.<\/p>\n TABLE SAW OPERATION<\/h2>\nThink you\u2019re all set to go now that you\u2019ve chosen the best saw for you and brought it home? Hold up a second. Let\u2019s talk about how to operate that saw safely and successfully before we jump right in. You don\u2019t want the first use of your saw to send you (or someone nearby) to the emergency room. Even those who have used table saws before can use a safety refresher.<\/p>\n Basic safety tenets when operating any machinery, particularly with a blade, are as follows:<\/p>\n | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |