Buying Guide: Table Saws
A table saw gives you the freedom to complete a whole range of woodworking jobs, in both DIY and professional applications. As a fundamental part of any serious woodworker’s arsenal, a table saw is versatile, powerful, and reliable. They are the go to choice for contractors and tradespeople looking to tackle any home renovations or construction work.
With such a wide variety of different table saws available however, it can be difficult to know where to start looking for! Not all table saws are created equally, and neither is every table saw suitable for the same job.
So big question is: what table saw should you choose?
In this buying guide we hope to give you all the information you need to make the right decision!
What is a table saw?
Before understanding what to look for in a table saw, it helps to know exactly what a table saw is and how it works!
Table saws are essentially a form of circular saw which is stationary and fixed to a table. The blade is height-adjustable which allows you to cut to a range of different depths. It is driven by a powerful electric motor which allows the tool to saw through workpieces quickly and cleanly. Wooden workpieces are fed through the saw by hand, with a metal guide rail often used to improve accuracy.
Some types of table saws are portable however some must be fixed in place for use in a single location. They come in a variety of different shapes, power levels and sizes, with many capable of cutting through harder materials like sheet metal.
Features to look for
With there being so many different aspects to a table saw, it can be confusing to know what features are the most important.
Size & Material
One of the first things you’ll want to consider is the size or dimensions of the table saw you’re looking for, as well as the material it is made of.
In many cases you won’t have huge spaces to work with, so you might want to look for a more compact table saw. Some table saws feature extensions for increasing the amount of available space without sacrificing storage space.
Most table saws are made of either aluminium, cast iron or steel. In most cases you won’t need to worry about this, however some materials may offer better durability and rust protection than others.
Power
The power rating of a table saw can vary, and if you’re planning to saw harder workpieces then this is something you should definitely pay attention to.
Table saws are usually rated at between 1000 and 4000 W of power, which effectively determines the cutting power of the tool. For harder workpieces and materials, you will definitely want to aim for the higher end.
Blade Size
Blade size can vary across different types of table saws, and you should always choose according to the type of material you wish to cut.
The most common blade size is the 10 inch, or 254mm saw blade, however some manufacturers also produce 12 inch blades for harder materials. A 10 inch saw blade will be suitable for most applications and should also allow you to transfer the blade to a compatible mitre saw.
Rip Fence
The rip fence acts as a metal barrier that runs parallel to the edge of the table saw and the blade. It’s very important to look out for because it creates a resistance point for helping the blade cut straight. When the edge of the workpiece is placed against the fence it helps to ensure a straight, precise, clean cut.
Good table saws will feature an adjustable fence which uses a measuring gauge to set the width of the workpiece that you’re cutting. Some table saws even allow you to remove the fence entirely, which can be handy for cutting large workpieces.
Extras & Accessories
In some cases you can also choose from various additional features and extras such as:
- Dust extraction to help keep the workplace clean and clear of sawdust
- Push stick to feed the workpiece into the machine and keep your hands clear of the blade
- Laser light to provide a more precise cutting line
- 45 degree blade setting to allow for bevelled cuts
- Variable speed settings for cutting materials other than wood
- Soft start for helping to ease the blade into the workpiece more smoothly
While these accessories and features certainly aren’t essential, they can certainly help to make your life easier and your work quicker!
Toolden’s Top 5 Table Saws
DeWalt DWE7485 210mm Compact Table Saw 240V
The DeWalt DWE7485 210mm Compact Table Saw is powerful, efficient, and lightweight, making it ideal for construction sites.
The high power motor provides excellent efficiency, with a duel rack and pinion fence system giving excellent accuracy and stability.
One handed bevel control allows for quick and easy bevel adjustment, with an integrated AIRLOCK compatible dust extraction system for improved safety and cleanliness.
Milwaukee M18 FTS210 210mm One-Key Table Saw
The Milwaukee M18 FTS210 is a powerful cordless table saw which provides the same cutting power as a corded equivalent.
The next generation POWERSTATE™ brushless motor provides excellent power, with the sliding fence giving 622mm of rip capacity, and the 210mm giving a 63mm cutting depth.
The ONE-KEY™ tool tracking & security system provides great anti-theft and inventory management functions, with an on-board storage module for you to store attachments.
Makita 2712 315mm Table Saw 2000W 240V
The Makita 212 315mm table saw is a robust, high performance 12″ table saw equipped with a durable and powerful induction motor.
The integrated extension table allows for an adjustable cutting space, with two wheeled legs and two long carry handles providing easy mobility.
With a robust steel plate construction, this table saw is made to last for many years to come! The Makita Makita 212 is also compatible with a dust extractor for a safer and cleaner jobsite.
Evolution FURY5-S 255mm Table Saw 1500W 240V
The Evolution FURY5-S Multipurpose table saw utilizes patented Evolution cutting technology to cleanly and precisely cut through mild steel, wood, and non-ferrous metals.
It features a quick clamp, parallel rip fence with measuring rail guide for accurate and assisted rip cutting.
The FURY5-S is safer and faster than many other cutting saws due to the lack of heat, burrs or sparks produced while cutting.
Scheppach TS310 315mm Table Saw 2200W 230V
The Scheppach TS310 is an affordable, portable and powerful contractors saw which comes with a wide range of handy features.
With sliding table carriage as well as side and rear extension tables, it offers lots of space for accurately sawing different sizes workpieces.
The soft-start 2200W induction motor provides lots of cutting power, and the table saw comes with integrated lifting handles and wheels for easy transportation.
We hope this buying guide helps you make the most informed choice when it comes to purchasing your new table saw.
Don’t forget that cheap doesn’t equal best! It’s worth spending that little bit extra to get a high quality table saw which offers good cutting power, efficiency, and safety.