Table saw or saw table or saw bench, these are the different names for the same machine. You will not see a saw table in the shed with every do-it-yourselfer, for which it is too pricey to begin with. But if you regularly saw boards, panels or laminate, it is a useful investment. A saw table works fast, accurately and more safely than a single circular saw. Here we tell you more about saw tables, about the different possibilities and about the things you should pay attention to when buying.

How does a saw table work?
In the case of a saw table, the circular saw blade protrudes from the worktop from below. The big advantage is that you push the material against the saw, instead of the saw through the material. The shelves or panels that you want to saw here rest securely on the worktop, so that you can work in a controlled and accurate manner.

What can you do with a saw table?

  • With a table saw you can saw materials of various sizes.
    Especially for large workpieces, a good table saw with table widening is handy, and sturdy panels or worktops are also supported stably. In addition to wood, you can also process materials such as metal, plastics and stone, for which special circular saw blades are for sale.
  • Because the saw blade is fixed in the table, cutting of bends is not possible. What you can do with a saw table is:
    Saw straight: Saw tables are equipped with a parallel guide. You fix it to the desired width and then push the material along the guide into the teeth of the saw blade. So you are also assured of a straight cut with long and narrow pieces of arms.
  • Miter sawing: With the help of a miter guide you can cut into the desired angle, usually adjustable to 45 °. The more expensive, professional saw tables are equipped with a tiltable saw blade, so that you can saw every corner without any conductor.

Buying saw table, what do you have to pay attention to?
Prices of sawing tables range from a few hundred dollars to well over $1,000. The higher the price tag, the more you can expect from your purchase, of course. Here we list a number of issues that you should pay attention to when purchasing.

  • The working height: Saw tables are available with and without chassis. The advantage of the latter is that they are easier to transport, and often a separate chassis is supplied as an accessory. You can usually adjust the saw tables with the base at the desired height, which is important for working comfortably and safely. A folding frame with wheels is very useful.
  • Ability: The power of the various saw tables varies greatly: from about 800 to 1,800 watts. The higher the power, the more powerful the saw and the more professional you can work with it.
  • The depth: If you plan to cut thick materials, check that the maximum adjustable cutting depth is sufficient.
    Accessories: How complete is the equipment and which useful extras may you have to purchase separately?

Saw blades
In the vast majority of cases, a saw table is used for sawing wood. Circular saw blades in various sizes are available for purchase. The larger the diameter of the saw blade, the thicker the material you can cut with it. The number of teeth is also important. A saw blade with many teeth provides a finer cut and is recommended for softer types of wood and when cutting in the longitudinal direction of the wood or fiber. In hard woods, a leaf with fewer teeth works better. For sawing in metal there are special carbide saw blades and for stone use a diamond saw blade. Also read cordless impact wrench reviews.

Working safely with a saw table
Although working with a saw table is safer than with a loose circular saw, it remains a machine that demands the utmost concentration of the user.

A few tips:

  • Make sure the worktop is at the right height and do not take place directly behind the saw blade, but slightly on the side. This is to prevent you from being hit by the material to be cut during a recoil.
  • Adjust the depth of cut so that the teeth do not protrude more than 6 mm above the material.
  • Push the material calmly and under control against the saw blade.
  • Never come with your fingers near the blade, use a push stick to push the last piece against the blade.
  • Protect yourself with safety goggles and hearing protection and use the vacuum cleaner connection on the saw table.
Author's Bio: 

Misty Jhones