How To Choose The Right Table Saw for Your Workshop
- Written by Chloe Taylor
A workshop can be a wonderful way to shut off and do something creative and productive away from prying eyes. Being alone there without work tasks or family noise can be quite helpful and relaxing. Even if your workshop is your means of income, it’s still important to keep it organized, tidy, and well-equipped.
Having a table saw can be super helpful anytime you have to do crosscutting, kerfing, or cutting joints, only to name a few uses. Therefore, if you consider yourself crafty, having such a tool can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Still, if you’re not too invested in the subject, finding the right table saw might seem a bit confusing. So, here are some tips that can help you get the perfect one that fits your needs.
If you have time, learn about different types of table saws
Not all table saws are the same, nor they have the same purpose, which is why it’s essential to do your homework before you decide to purchase one for your workshop. So, there are cabinet saws, which are the largest, heaviest, and most expensive. Their motor is located below the saw table, and they’re generally considered very precise.
Then there are contractor saws that are portable, and often used by contractors, hence the name. Since they are much lighter than cabinet saws, their motor is smaller and with less horsepower. Finally, there are hybrid saws that are an attempt to combine the characteristics of cabinet saw and contractor saw. The manufacturer decides which features will be more prominent.
Your free space should play an important role in choosing the saw
Having a smaller workshop is not a big deal, after all, not all of us can afford a huge space, especially if our income doesn’t depend on it. So, if your workshop space isn’t too big to welcome a lot of table space, maybe it’s better to opt for a smaller saw that will leave you with enough room for other activities. Usually, smaller portable saws need about 19” x22” of table size, but if you need to be sure, it’s important to do measurements by yourself, just to be sure.
Don’t forget the importance of safety features
Some people grew up with family members who owned a workshop and loved cutting wood, so they probably have some experience using a saw and learning about woodcutting. If you’re like that, that’s wonderful, however, that doesn’t mean you should not pay attention to safety features. Buying yourself a safe table saw might take some time, but it’s definitely worth it because safety features are your best friend mainly if you lack enough knowledge and experience in woodcutting and using such heavy machinery. A paddle-style switch, blade guards, and a brake are all must-haves that will keep you protected at all times.
Pay attention to the miter gauge
The miter gauge is a metal guide that is long and thin. Its main purpose is to ride the miter slot into your saw’s table. Learning to use will allow your saw to make different types of cuts in the right angles. Still, many inexperienced users might not have the right knowledge, so it’s important to pay attention to the miter gauge of your saw, before you decide to start using it. It might take you some time, so be patient and always wear protective gear and suitable clothing while operating your saw.
If possible, rely on trusted recommendations
Sometimes, the easiest way to buy a saw is to ask someone who has enough skills and information to recommend you with the right product. When it comes to table saws, it’s no different, so if you know someone who loves DIY-woodworking, feel free to ask them for their honest opinion. Also, if you have issues with your saw, you can always ask them for help.
Using a table saw can be challenging, but if you truly want to enjoy being in your workshop, it’s important to find the saw that fits your needs and overall skill level. Be sure to read the user’s manual, and never forget using the safety features, because only then you’ll be able to use your saw and be safe.
