5 Key Notions in Choosing a Jobsite Table Saw

Without it, a DIY enthusiast is like a cheetah all pumped up for the kill but lacking hind legs. Yes, you may find all that analogy a bit extreme. But it shows how important a jobsite table saw is to any woodworker.

You can do cartwheels, get everyone you know to help you out but if you don’t have a respectable jobsite table saw, your intention to get your woodworking project in order will just another idea. Never to come to fruition. Small wonder serious enthusiasts find a table saw central to the completion of their work.

To help you land your needed machine, we’re giving you key notions on the machine of the hour. Needless to say, being able to grasp these notions is instrumental in assuring your success in the future. Read on.

1. Old vs New?

This is one great question that you should ask yourself before getting a table saw. It’s not that getting an old saw is a bad thing. Or is it that getting a new one is a bad idea. But the thing is that both old and new table saws have their advantages and disadvantages.

So once you know that you can now place them both on a scale and see which one works best for you.

Well let’s start with old table saws. They aren’t a bad idea. Actually they come at a cheaper price than the new ones. So it’s affordable and it also helps save money. They are also known to last for a very long time if maintained well by the former user.

That actually sounds good enough right?

But here is the thing. What if the former user wasn’t so meticulous about servicing it and changing parts? Then you would have to do a lot of fixing to get it back in good shape.

That’s not all. Also when you're using an old table saw you wouldn't be able to avail yourself of the opportunity of using modern features. And that's something that must woodworkers need when doing their job today. Well, it might not be of so much importance to you at first but on the long run you can be sure that those features will come in handy.

Now back to using a new table saw. Well, on a closer look a new one would cost you quite a lot of dollars but you can be sure it's worth it. Not only will you be able to make use of modern day features, it also lasts for quite a very long time.

Using a new one is a good option to consider since most times you wouldn't have to worry about fixing the parts anytime soon.

2. How to Choose One?

Choosing a table saw might not be a piece of cake. Well, that’s simply because there so many brands of table saws out there. And it would take an experienced woodworker to identify which one would work best with them.

The interesting thing is that once they find this particular table saw it lasts with them for a very long time.

You would have to put into considerations so many things like your needs, its performance, budget and many other factors. Once you factor in all the necessary features you can be sure that you would most likely not make a mistake while purchasing a table saw.

In terms of features that your table saw must possess here are some basic features you should always find in your table saw. First is an accurate and easy to use fence. That’s one of the most important features a table saw should never lack.

Secondly, you must also make sure that the power of your saw is strong enough to carry whatever work load you plan for it. This is very important so that your table saw wouldn’t suddenly break down one day.

Another feature to look out for is a smooth table top that is also very flat. This determines how well you can work and how fast you can get your work done.

3. What do I need to know about saw construction? 

Interestingly, there are different parts of a table saw that come together to give an amazing result. The first part is the motor. Well, this part is quite familiar to you. There’s no table saw without a motor. And the truth is how strong a motor is will determine the output of the table saw.

And this is because the motor of a table saw is the one that provides the power with which the table saw is run.

Next up, is the arbor which is actually connected to the motor. It can be connected directly or indirectly. For indirectly it is through the use of a belt drive system.

There is also the trunnion of a saw. The work of the trunnion is to hold the motor and the arbor together. In most good table saws the trunnion is made of quality cast iron. Which is why they are known to be able to reduce the vibration that a table saw makes.

At the same time it helps stabilize the blade.

4. What’s a table top?

Well, it’s given from its name that it’s the top of a table. But there’s more to it when it comes to a table top for a table saw. Most table saws you see out there have table tops that are made up of cast iron.

The reason why cast iron has been used over the years is simply because of its structure, durability and also its flattening ability. With cast iron you can easily get a flat table top.

Actually, some manufacturers have come up with granite table tops. It’s quite similar to cast iron, the only issue you might with it is that it isn’t smooth like cast iron.

Also to expand cutting areas extension wings have been built. And they are usually made of pressed steel or cast iron. At the same time there are wider rip capacities that offer greater work load.

Similarly, there’s an extension table that is usually made of wood. And this allows for a much greater capacity. Most times it is constructed by the manufacturer. But in some cases it is easily constructed by the user.

5. What are the types of saws?

There are different types of table saws and they all differ in their structure, function and also many other features. The good thing is getting one that would suit you perfectly. Let’s briefly go through a list of the different types that we have.

• Cabinet table saw: When you talk of power, performance and durability a cabinet table saw is always at the fore front. It’s suitable for heavy duty jobs. One thing though is that it’s more expensive than other types out there.

• Contractor table saw: This is specifically designed for a contractor that has different contracts to work on, on different sites. It’s affordable, easy to use, portable in size but it isn’t well known for heavy duty jobs.

• Hybrid table saw: This is actually a recent invention. It’s the table saw the breaches the gap between cabinet saw and contractor saw. And the good thing is that it offers top quality products at an affordable price. At the same time it is also portable in size.

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Table Saw

You really can't trifle with a table saw. With prices that range from a few hundreds to such mind-boggling as a few thousands, making the most of the power tool is a must. But where should you start?Like any tool, there are secrets to keeping your table saw as long-lasting as possible. Even more important, you need to observe key guidelines to maintain safety as much as possible. As you may be aware by now, countless overenthusiastic woodcutters have ended with a lost thumb or worse.To get you on top of your game, here are 5 important notions to keep in mind when working with a table saw. Observing them should be a step closer to successful wood projects and a satisfied customer in you. Minus the down time. Read on.

1. Use a support for your table saw

Well this doesn’t apply much to you if you have a small table saw. And this is because they are designed to be able to handle such things with their small size. And the thing small table saw is that they aren’t built to handle very heavy objects.

But with large expensive saws that isn’t the case.

With a large expensive table saw you would definitely need a helper. It helps you support your work piece while you work. This way you can be sure that while you work there is equal distribution of the weight.

Similarly, it helps reduce the risk of getting hurt while working. This way you know that you can remain all safe while you do your work.

2. Always have your saw secured

If you are very observant you would notice that portable saws always have holes on them. And the purpose of the holes is to securely fasten your dependable saw to a work surface that’s secure. You have to use these holes.

When you’re sure that your saw won’t vibrate or move while you’re cutting then it’s a lot safer. Not only that, your work becomes a lot easier and accurate.

Since it doesn’t take up so much time to fasten you can easily remove it once you call it a day.

3. Don’t let your saw bite more than it can chew

One thing you have to bear in mind is that different table saws have different capabilities. And with this you will not expect them to all work the same way. That definitely isn’t possible.

So to maximize the potential of your table saw you have to know what it can do. Once you know its motor power and rip capacity then you can carry on.

But don’t make the mistake of forcing your saw to cut more than it can cut. In cases like you end up damaging its motor and even other important parts.

So in other to avoid this just give to your saw what it can chew and not more than what it can chew.

4. Have a temporary table 

You might be asking “why do I need an extra table?” Well at first it might seem like you don’t need it. But on the long run it comes in really handy.

While cutting sheets and other materials you can easily place them on the table. And with this it’s a lot easier for you to do your job.

5. Get an extendable roller stand

Well, using a helper is a very good option to opt for. But there are times that you would have to do your work on your own. And with this you will be needing an extendable roller stand.

At least you will have a way of extending the reach of the saw’s table.

You also have to be careful while getting one. It has to be of appropriate height and also has to be perpendicular to your saw blade. If that isn’t the case it can cause delay in your work. And this is because it allows the saw blade to move on in one direction.