Table saw

SawStop

Table_saw_cutting_wood_at_an_angle,_by_BarelyFitz

Table_Saw_Patent_Drawing_(1878)

1-Inch_Micro_Table_Saw

Sega_circolare

Circular_Saw_Blade

A table saw (also known as a bench saw or sawbench) is a woodworking tool consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor, that is driven by an electric motor (either directly, by belt, or by gears). The blade protrudes through the surface of a table, which provides support for the material, usually wood, being cut.

Components

A table saw consists of several key components:

• Table: The flat surface on which the material rests. It is usually made of cast iron or aluminum.
• Saw blade: The circular blade that cuts the material. Blades come in various sizes and types, depending on the material being cut.
• Arbor: The shaft on which the blade is mounted.
• Rip fence: A guide that runs parallel to the blade, used to ensure straight cuts.
• Miter gauge: A guide used to make precise crosscuts at specific angles.
• Motor: Powers the blade. Motors can be direct-drive or belt-driven.

Types of Table Saws

There are several types of table saws, each suited to different applications:

• Benchtop table saw: Lightweight and portable, suitable for small projects and DIY enthusiasts.
• Contractor table saw: Heavier and more powerful, designed for job sites and larger projects.
• Cabinet table saw: Heavy-duty and highly accurate, used by professional woodworkers and in industrial settings.
• Hybrid table saw: Combines features of contractor and cabinet saws, offering a balance of power and portability.

Safety Features

Modern table saws are equipped with various safety features to prevent accidents:

• Blade guard: Covers the blade to prevent accidental contact.
• Riving knife: Prevents the material from pinching the blade and causing kickback.
• Anti-kickback pawls: Prevents the material from being thrown back towards the operator.
• Flesh detection technology: Some saws, like those made by SawStop, can detect contact with skin and stop the blade almost instantly.

Usage

Table saws are used for a variety of woodworking tasks, including:

• Ripping: Cutting material lengthwise.
• Crosscutting: Cutting material widthwise.
• Dado cutting: Creating grooves in the material.
• Bevel cuts: Angled cuts made by tilting the blade.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of a table saw includes:

• Regularly cleaning the table surface and blade.
• Checking and adjusting the alignment of the blade, rip fence, and miter gauge.
• Lubricating moving parts.
• Inspecting the power cord and motor for wear and damage.

Related Pages

• Woodworking
• Circular saw
• Rip fence
• Miter gauge
• Saw blade