The choice of the Right Table Saw

Posted by Perry Harper on April 26th, 2021

The range of table saws available is huge and hardly manageable. This raises the question of which saw is the right one, especially with a new machine. Since the requirements of every woodworker are different, we cannot tell you 100% which is the only real table saw for you. Nevertheless, we would like to show you in this article which questions you should ask yourself before buying a table saw in order to find the most suitable model.

Question 1: stationary or mobile table saw?

The first question you have to ask yourself is, do you need a table saw that can be used on the move or a device with which you can only work at one location. If you want to work in more distant places, it makes sense to buy a light saw. However, if the table saw is only used in the workshop, then a fixed saw can be used. And there, too, devices with 300 to 500 kg (we're talking about professional versions) can be moved within the workshop with the help of moving devices. As a rule, heavy circular table saws work more precisely and are more powerful than their little "brothers and sisters".

Question 2: What work should be done?

The second decisive criterion for the choice of a suitable saw is the fact which work should be done with it. Are smaller jobs such as toys, jewelery boxes, decorative elements in the foreground or should large projects such as furniture, cupboards and boxes be tackled? If very large work is primarily to be carried out, then make sure that around 600 millimeters can be cut on the rip fence of the table saw. If such large wooden parts are processed, they are often made of solid wood. It is therefore also important that the saw has the appropriate engine power. This is not a problem for saws with a power motor. It becomes more difficult if the table saw has a luminous flux motor. You will get additional information on table saw by browsing Sawrush website.

Question 3: cut or more?

If you don't just want to cut wood with your saw, then a sensible stop system is a must. Unfortunately, many inexpensive devices do not have one. In most cases there is still a usable rip fence available, but with the crosscut fence and the riving knife it looks worse.

Question 4: extraction system, yes or no?

In most workshops you can now find suction devices such as wet and dry vacuum cleaners. These can be connected to many table saws. There are also saws that have their own suction system in which the saw dust is sucked in and caught in a dust bag. Large stationary saws have suction connections with a diameter of 10 centimetres. Correspondingly large suction systems are required here, which of course also cost a little more money. Regardless of the type of extraction system, there is practically no argument against such a system, as in our opinion it only brings advantages.

Question 5: How much money do I want / can I spend?

The available budget can of course significantly limit the purchase of a table saw. There are good entry-level models for a relatively low price. But if it is a machine with a higher requirement profile, it can quickly become very expensive. In order to save money, it is not uncommon for used saws to be used. But be careful - when buying from a private person, there is no guarantee for quirks and defects. Therefore, the table saw should be extensively tested before buying. Alternatively, the purchase can also be made through a machine dealer. With this you get at least a small warranty claim for used devices.

Question 6: Can I use a table saw?

This is a very early question, but we didn't mean to put you off. Nevertheless, it is an important question to ask yourself before buying. There are dangers involved in using a table saw, even more than with most other electrical tools. There are many instructions and videos on the Internet, but these are not always used by newcomers to judge the dangers that may lurk. There may be a carpenter or an experienced craftsman in your circle of acquaintances who can instruct you on how to use a table saw. We definitely recommend taking a look at our safety guide.

What is important?

Table saws can have different features depending on the model and price class. Some of them are important for everyday work, others are not absolutely necessary. Here is a brief overview of the functions that are really important in our opinion and which are more than additional.