Features

• All table saws have the same basic components. A circular blade spins rapidly to complete the cut. The rip fence, elevation wheel and tilt handle are used to adjust the blade for different cuts. An exhaust vent in the back rids the saw of dust and debris. Safety features include a blade guard, front-mounted on/off switch and anti-kickback plates.
  
  

Types

• A bench-top saw is portable and relatively lightweight. The small table size limits the work that can be done on a bench top saw, but the saws are excellent for crosscuts and long, narrow rips.
  
  The contractor table saw is the most popular with hobbyists and homeowners, as well as many professionals. A stationary, low-cost table saw with an open base, the contractor table saw can handle most jobs.
  
  Higher-end contractor saws are more stable and accept more accessories. A cabinet table saw is expensive but powerful. The heavy cabinet encloses the base, adding stability and an enclosed debris collection system. Driven by high-powered motors, cabinet table saws accept virtually all accessories and can handle almost any job.
  
  Hybrid table saws offer many features of cabinet table saws at prices comparable to contractor table saws. Hybrid saws weigh less than cabinet saws, but may be less stable.
  
  

Accessories

• Table saw accessories range from improved blades to elaborate scroll-saw attachments. Table extensions and outfeed extensions greatly enhance the size of the table, allowing work on larger pieces of wood. Carbide-tipped blades are standard on higher-end table saws but can be purchased separately. Zero-clearance inserts surround the blade with no gaps, preventing the blade from catching small pieces of debris. Jigs, stacking dado sets and other attachments allow the table saw to do additional woodworking tasks.
  
  

Considerations

• Most woodworkers start with a bench-top or contractor saw. The combination of price and features makes these saws the most appropriate for those who are learning the trade. Cabinet saws and hybrid saws are the tools of choice for many professionals, although some continue to use contractor saws throughout their careers. As your woodworking skills develop, you will learn which attachments and features are best for you.
  
  

Warning

• With an open, spinning blade, a table saw can be dangerous. Safety features on newer saws help to minimize risks, but you should always be aware of the blade. Eye protection is essential to avoid cuts from debris. Kickback, in which the saw violently expels the wood, is always a possibility. Never disable the saw's safety mechanisms. Keep the blade clean and sharp. Stand to one side rather than directly over the work. Keep long hair and loose clothing away from the blade, and be ready to turn the saw off in a moment if needed. Use a pushing stick when possible to keep your hands clear of the blade.