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Table Saw Types
The Pros and Cons of Various Table Saw Types
By Mark J. Donovan
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A table saw is one of the most useful tools a do it yourself homeowner can
have. Not only is it essential for major home improvement projects it’s also
instrumental in making various types of furniture. There are several table saw
types to choose from when shopping for one, and prices can run the gambit. A low
entry table saw type will cost you around $150 and a high end one can cost you
upwards of a couple of thousand dollars or more. This said, for most do it
yourself projects there are a variety of table saw types that are worth owning
that will only set you back a few hundred dollars.
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Cabinet Table Saws
At the top of the food chain when it comes to table saw types is the cabinet
table saw. The actual saw blade, as the name implies, is encased in a cabinet
with a large table top work surface. Due to its large size and weight there is
less saw vibration when making cuts, thus it produces finer and more accurate
cuts. This said, a cabinet table saw is large and heavy. As a result, cabinet
table saws are best for work shops where the wood can be brought to it. In
addition, they offer a multitude of accessories and features. For example, with
a cabinet table saw there are adjustment knobs for blade height and tilt angle,
as well as dust collection adapters.
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Contractor Table Saws
A contractor table saw is one step down from a cabinet table saw. It consists of
a saw assembly mounted on an open framed table. It is slightly lighter weight
and thus can be moved, albeit with some difficulty, to construction jobs sites.
Many contractor table saws come with wheels to help in moving them around. A
good example of a contractor table saw is the
Black & Decker BDTS200 15-Amp Table Saw with Stand and
Wheels. A contractor table saw is also ideal for the home workshop,
garage, or large tool shed.
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Bench Top Table Saws
Bench top saws are portable table saws that can easily be moved from jobsite
to jobsite. The
DEWALT DW745 Heavy Duty 10-Inch Compact Job Site Table Saw with 16-Inch Max Rip Capacity
is a perfect example of a bench top saw. A bench top saw can be placed on the
floor, or on a table, or bench. Many can also be purchased with a stand to rest
them on. Bench top saws are ideal for construction sites due to their
portability and light weight. They are also priced more economically than
contractor table saws and cabinet table saws, and require less space to use or
store. This said, you get what you pay for. Bench top saws are less stable, due
to their small size and weight. Thus they typically produce less precise cuts.
They also offer few features than the more expensive table saw types.
Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid table saws are akin to the contractor table saw, but with a few major
differences. First, a hybrid table saw is much more compact than a contractor
saw, thus requiring less space to use and store. It’s also lighter weight than a
full blown cabinet table saw, however it has some of its same features. For
example, a hybrid table saw has a large heavy base and table top surface. As a
result, it offers reduced vibration when making cuts.
So before going out and buying the first table saw you see, make sure to first
evaluate all of the various table saw types on the market and pick one that best
suits your personal needs. A contractor table saw or bench top table saw can
usually satisfy most do it yourself homeowner needs. If, however, you’re a wood
working buff and plan to make furniture then a cabinet table saw may be more
appropriate. Also, make sure to consider the blade diameter and horsepower
rating on the motor. The larger both are, the heavier duty the saw will be.
How to Finance your Home Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Table Saws from Amazon.com
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