The table saw (or bench saw) is the heart of woodworking. Unless you are specialized in veneering, or instrument making for example, you would not be much of a woodworker without a professional table saw. (I actually met someone who worked without a table saw for general woodworking purposes. He used a router for everything, if you can believe it!)

Before I became a woodworker I didn't even realize that there were different categories of table saws. They all looked similar to me aside from the table platform size. Essentially I was right, all table saws are the same, in that they are designed with a protruding blade above a flat surface. But the devil is in the detaiils as they say, and all table saws are not created (manufactured) equal.

Let's go over basic design before we get too in depth though. Almost everything discussed further will be building on these few features. The motor is mounted below the table, and is raised and lowered by a crank to adjust the saw blade height. Another crank will adjust the angle of the motor (and blade) usually up to 45 degrees. The only other basic features found on a table saw is the saw guide, a movable fence that should be parallel to the blade, and a movable cross-cutting guide which should stay perpendicular to the blade.

Types of Table Saws

There are five basic types of table saws: bench top, contractor's, stationary, hybrid and combination. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages according to its application. Except for the combination machine, all perform relatively the same function. Saws are measured in terms of the maximum diameter of the blade that it can accomodate; 8", 10", or 12".

Within each category, saws will vary in quality so do your homework before buying. These articles should give you a basic idea to help you get started on what questions to ask when you are buying a table saw.