Table Saw Buying Guide
As your woodworking skills increase, you might want to tackle more complex projects. A table saw yields much more accurate cuts than a regular saw, so consider investing in this tool. Use our buying guide to discover which table saw is right for you.

The Workhorse of Woodshops
A table saw is the anchor of a tool inventory because it's the most versatile and used of all tools. It's capable of a wide variety of uses, with few limitations. To better understand its capacities, read our buying guide to learn about different kinds of saws.
Table Saw Basics
On a table saw, the blade is in a fixed position. The operator pushes the workpieces past the blade to make one of several types of cuts.
- Rip Cuts: These are long, straight, and go with the wood grain.
- Crosscuts: These go against the wood grain.
- Angled Cuts: There are two types of angled cuts, miters and bevels. Miter cuts are made on the face of the wood, while bevel cuts are made to the edge of the wood.
Table saws also come with a variety of standard components.
- Rip Fence: This is a bar on a table saw that functions as a guide for a workpiece as it moves past the blade.
- Miter Gauge: This adjustable guide lets you move the workpiece past the blade for making cuts at specific angles.
- Bevel System: To make bevel cuts, use this mechanism to tilt the blade into the appropriate position.
- Riving Knife: To keep the workpiece from pinching the blade, use this tool. It also helps to reduce the risk of boards kicking back toward the operator.
- Anti-Kickback Pawls: Metal arms with teeth will grab a workpiece if it kicks back toward the operator.
- Blade Guard: A pivoting shield protects the operator from dust and debris, as well as kickback and accidental contact with the blade.
Caution
Always unplug any power tool from its power source before servicing, adjusting, or changing accessories. Follow the device manufacturer’s operating, maintenance, and safety instructions, including those on wearing safety gear.
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