6 Different Types Of Table Saws(Learn Their Uses and Differences)

Are you in the market for a table saw? Do you want to know the types of table saw available for you to choose from? If your answer is yes, then this post is for you.

You not only get to learn the types of table saws available, but you get to familiarize yourself with the functions and parts of a table saw too.

What is the table saw?

A table saw also known as a bench saw is a powerful and versatile woodworking tool made up of different components. Think of a table saw as a more powerful circular saw that is mounted on a table upside-down. A table saw adds more accuracy to your work and it makes your work easier, faster, and more efficient.

With your regular saw, you need to try and hold your wood in place while moving the saw slowly through the wood. As you might have discovered, there are many concerns with using this method.

Your result might not be very straight because of sudden movements and it takes time to successfully saw through a piece of wood. However, instead of moving your saw through the wood, a table saw allows you to move the wood through the saw which gives you enhanced control and much more desired results.

Related Read — Best Table Saw For Beginners

Advantages of a table saw

Like any other power tool, a table saw gives you enhanced features over working with your hands.

• It saves time.
• It helps to make straight and precise cuts.
• It is a versatile tool.
• It is safer than using your hands.
• It gives you a heightened level of control.
• It can saw through any type or size of wood.

What are the components of a table saw?

Virtually every table saw is made up of the following important components.

The table-top: the table-top is generally made out of cast iron. It comes in sections and the center section is where the cutting or sawing takes place. The other sections are the table extension that allows your wood to sit nicely while sawing.

Most tables have retractable extension wings that allow the user to increase the surface area for bigger planks. The most important factor about the table-top is that it should be flat, and smooth.

The throat plate: it is a removable object that gives you access to the blade. It has a small opening which just allows the blade to pop up while keeping out debris from falling into the base of the table saw.

The table saw base: this part houses some of the important parts of the tool including the motor, yoke, arbor, and so on. These parts are small and move against each other, so it’s important to keep the table base enclosed to prevent debris from clogging these parts.

The motor: this is the part of the table saw saddled with the responsibility of spinning the blade. The most common motor on table saws is the “induction motor.”

The blade: the saw blade is usually circular-shaped steel with teeth-like edges. The saw blade comes in different sizes, lengths, and is made from different materials depending on the task. Different blade equals different tasks. A popular type of blade for the table saw is the “rip cut.”

The height adjustment lever: this lever is used to lower or raise the blade through the throat plate. The height of the blade depends on the task.

The arbor and trunnions: the motor is screwed in with an arbor and is mounted to two brackets called the trunnions. Both parts help to reduce the level of vibration and movement while cutting. Without these parts, the vibrations will affect the blade, causing it to make uneven cuts.

Miter gauge: the meter gauge ranges from 0-90 degrees. It is used to change the angle of the blade to make a precise angle and crosscuts.

The push stick: this helps to push the wood through the spinning blade instead of using your hands.

These are some of the most basic components of every table saw. Other components include the blade cover, anti-kickback pawls, dust-collection port, and the riving knife.

Related Read — Review of Table Saw Fences

Different Types Of Table Saws

Just like most other woodworking tools, a table saw also comes in different sizes, variations, designs, shapes, and build. These are the most popular types of a table saw.

The Benchtop table saw

This is commonly called the “compact table saw”, though there is a bit of size and the power differential between both types of table saws. However, the table saw is one of the most common tables saw found in almost every basic woodworking shop. It is portable because of its lightweight and smaller size.

A common type of benchtop table saw is the “Dewalt (DWE7492RS) 10-inch table saw.” Due to its small build, the benchtop saw is typically used for small projects or simple house tasks such as building chairs, cages, shelves, and so on.

Related Read — Table Saw Uses

The Jobsite table saw

These are bigger and more powerful than the benchtop table saw.  As the name connotes, they are used mainly on job sites where woodworking is needed. The Jobsite table saw is also portable. Most of them come with stands while some others come with wheels.

Due to its increased size and power, the Jobsite table saw is used for much tougher tasks than the benchtop such as construction work, to make bigger furniture, cutting metal, and big lumbers.

The contractor table saw

The distinguishing feature of the contractor table saw is that it has its blade at the back. It can compete with other high-end power table saws because it is also capable of carrying out heavy and large cuts.

It has a big surface area and a motor belt.

Cabinet table saw

These table saws are heavier and larger than most other table saws. Cabinet saws are used in virtually every professional woodworking shop.

The strong rip, powerful saw, strong rip fence, and motor belt make many professional woodworkers and carpenters fancy this table saw over every other.

The saw has an increased level of accuracy, speed, and efficiency.

Related Read — Best Cabinet Table Saws

Hybrid table saw

“Hybrid tools” are tools that combine the benefits of formerly developed tools. This definition fits the hybrid table saw perfectly. It combines the features of a cabinet and contractor table saw.

These enhanced features make it stand out from any other type of table saw. It is more powerful than the cabinet or Jobsite table saw.

The hybrid table saw is suited for larger repair jobs, construction works, and a variety of other large woodworking tasks.

Related Read — Table Saw vs Circular Saw

Mini table saw

This is the smallest table saw you will find out there. It comes with a 4-inch blade that is used for little woodworks or detailed markings on the wood.

Most architects and building engineers use this type of table saw to make models of larger buildings before beginning the project.

This table saw is also very suited for making arts and crafts, small scale wood repairs, and wood decorations.

Related Read — How to Cut Plywood With a Table Saw?

Factors to consider when picking a table saw

Some of the factors to consider when picking a table saw include:

• The size of the task or job you want to complete
• The available space in your work station
• Your budget
• Ease of movement: do you need a stationary or portable table saw?
• Your knowledge about table saws: if you are a beginner, you don’t want to go for a sophisticated table saw. A benchtop table saw or compact table saw would be advisable.
• Duration: do you need the table saw for a short term or long term project?

Overall, the table saw you decide to go for ultimately depends on you.

Let us know if this post proves useful in your hunt for an efficient table saw by leaving a comment below. Have an awesome table saw-shopping experience.