With some exciting upcoming content on table saws ‘in the hopper’, I thought I would take some time out to explain what’s what, so you can better understand the many offerings available out there. Table saws are the ‘heartbeat of the shop’, aggressive cutting machines that rip large boards in half, with additional capabilities for crosscutting, miter and bevel cuts. With the right accessories, a table saw can be outfitted to make joints such as dados, as well as molding and shaping lumber, too.
There are four distinct categories that table saws are classified under. Each perform differently, and have unique features. Some however, overlap categories, having features that are not normally in it’s class.
Cabinet Saws
Cabinet saws are the most premium form of table saw. They are aptly named for having the saw mechanism (containing the blade and it’s arbor which is mounted to a mechanism referred to as a trunnion) literally mounted to a cabinet. The motor is typically a 3 horsepower sealed unit which demands a 220v power supply to feed it. Among the advantages of cabinet saws is that the trunnion and other components are made of cast iron, including the table top, which add a tremendous amount of weight to the saw, making for extremely smooth cuts. The shear size, weight, and power demand of these saws can also be a disadvantage in that they are higher in price, take up a vast amount of space in the shop, and are less mobile.
Hybrid Saws
For someone wanting the advantages of a cabinet saw, but perhaps in a slightly smaller form factor, there is the hybrid saw. In this case the trunnion is mounted to the cabinet or the table. The motor is usually 1-3hp, and sealed. The saw is still in a cabinet form, offering similar advantages in weight and operation, but in a smaller form factor. Mac and myself have saws in this category, so our posts will be centered around this type of saw.
Contractor Saw
Contractor saws are much lighter table saws mounted to a rigid tool floor They typically have a 1-2hp un-sealed motor. Popular, modern units have a table top made of aluminum, which makes the unit overall dramatically lighter.
Job Site Saw
Job site saws are the same as contractor saws, except instead of being mounted to a fixed base, it comes with a collapsible mobile stand. Job site saws are often the least expensive.