Every professional woodworker or hobbyist knows the value of a good portable table saw.
Portable table saws have been around for years, but never have they been so light, powerful and sharp.
Today you can find a vast array of table saws that are sold online, through catalogs, home centers like Lowes or Home Depot and even department stores like Wal Mart.
These table saws are usually good enough to cut just about any type of lumber you purchase.
Even though the saws are easily portable, their smaller size still offers incredible ability.
Many tool manufacturers produce these portable machines with 10 inch diameter blades that can be compared to full size saws.
This means one thing: serious power.
For the price and capacity of these machines, you really can't go wrong purchasing one.
With that said, there are several features you'll want to look for when purchasing your table saw.
Material: You will want your table saw to be light (making it portable), but also sturdy and durable.
Usually the saw bases are plastic with the tabletops and the motor support brackets aluminum.
Some of the lower priced models are bent steel supports.
Size: Portable table saws should be compact in size as well as being light.
Usually the dimensions are about 19 inches deep by 27 inches wide.
Compare this to popular contractor saws that start at about 22 inches by 38 inches in size.
Blade guard: Blade guards should be standard and easy to replace.
The blade guard should consist of a clear plastic guard, a splitter to keep the product from pinching the back of the blade, as well as anti-kickback pawls.
Dust collection: A good dust collection device is an important feature.
Try to find one with shrouds around the blade and a shute that slants toward the dust port.
Safety features: You will definitely want to get a saw with the latest safety features to help minimize the risk of injury on the job.
Safety features like flesh sensor technology, magnetic switches to prevent accidental turn-ons, and left-blade tilt arrangement which prevents kickback should be considered when purchasing a saw.
The great thing about portable table saws today is that they offer a huge amount of power in a small package for a decent price.
The most important thing to remember once you've chosen a saw is to learn the ins and outs of using it.
There is no better safety feature than a little caution and common sense.
Portable table saws have been around for years, but never have they been so light, powerful and sharp.
Today you can find a vast array of table saws that are sold online, through catalogs, home centers like Lowes or Home Depot and even department stores like Wal Mart.
These table saws are usually good enough to cut just about any type of lumber you purchase.
Even though the saws are easily portable, their smaller size still offers incredible ability.
Many tool manufacturers produce these portable machines with 10 inch diameter blades that can be compared to full size saws.
This means one thing: serious power.
For the price and capacity of these machines, you really can't go wrong purchasing one.
With that said, there are several features you'll want to look for when purchasing your table saw.
Material: You will want your table saw to be light (making it portable), but also sturdy and durable.
Usually the saw bases are plastic with the tabletops and the motor support brackets aluminum.
Some of the lower priced models are bent steel supports.
Size: Portable table saws should be compact in size as well as being light.
Usually the dimensions are about 19 inches deep by 27 inches wide.
Compare this to popular contractor saws that start at about 22 inches by 38 inches in size.
Blade guard: Blade guards should be standard and easy to replace.
The blade guard should consist of a clear plastic guard, a splitter to keep the product from pinching the back of the blade, as well as anti-kickback pawls.
Dust collection: A good dust collection device is an important feature.
Try to find one with shrouds around the blade and a shute that slants toward the dust port.
Safety features: You will definitely want to get a saw with the latest safety features to help minimize the risk of injury on the job.
Safety features like flesh sensor technology, magnetic switches to prevent accidental turn-ons, and left-blade tilt arrangement which prevents kickback should be considered when purchasing a saw.
The great thing about portable table saws today is that they offer a huge amount of power in a small package for a decent price.
The most important thing to remember once you've chosen a saw is to learn the ins and outs of using it.
There is no better safety feature than a little caution and common sense.
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