Common Types of Table Saws

Table saws are also known as saw benches used for certain woodworking projects. There are different kinds of table saws suitable for different tasks.

Table saws or saw benches are large equipment commonly used for woodworking tasks. With its versatile features, most would go for the conventional table saw. A saw is basically made of circular saw blades mounted on arbors and driven by electric motors by gears or belts. The blade then protrudes within the table's surface, supporting the wood being sliced.

Generally, there are 4 types of table saws, namely; contractor type, benchtop type, hybrid type and cabinet type table saws.
Contractor types are larger and heavier, having a base or stand attachments and wheels. The motor hinges at the saw's rear drives its blade through a belt with only 750 up to 1500 watts or 1 up to 2 HP of "induction" type motor.

Many prefer to use contractor table saws because of its standard electrical circuitry that provides adequate power for running. It is also cheaper than the other types. However, it may be more difficult to clean because the motor hangs from the saw's rear that traps most dust in the pivot area.

Benchtop table saws weighs lighter compared to others. They are designed for operation while using another support or on a table. They possess a direct drive coming from a general motor. Even a single person can lift and carry this to their job site. Most benchtop table saws are made from aluminum, steel and plastic.

This is the cheapest yet also very limited type of table saw. However, it is still fairly precise and adequate for certain tasks. It has a narrower upper portion that can reduce the stock's width (rip able). Its shorter "rip fence" makes it difficult to project straight, clean cuts while ripping. Their small size means they have lesser mass, and this increases vibration while cutting.

Hybrid table saws are actually intended to compete with the high end contractor table saws. These offer similar advantages with a cabinet saw but for a lesser price. At current, hybrid table saws offer enclosed cabinets to improve dust collection. This can be similar to cabinet saws, along with a complete enclosure starting from the actual table top onto the floor.

Hybrid table saws are heavier than contractor saws and lighter than cabinet saws. There are also some varieties that provide optional sliding tables to improve its cross cutting ability.

Cabinet types are a bit heavy because it is mainly made out of steel and cast iron, both of which are responsible in increasing accuracy and minimizing vibration. Their induction motors range from 3 to 5 HP. If you plan to use this at home, you still need to install a heavy duty circuit.
Its motor is actually enclosed inside the cabinet, driving the blade 3 V-belts parallel. Since it is heavier, it is the most durable among the four classes of table saws. It also has the least vibration. Height and angle of tilt are adjustable. It is easier to maintain with improved dust collections, and is very adjustable.

The American Style and the European Styled Cabinet Saws are the two types of cabinet saws. American style cabinet saws are made from Canada, China and the US. They usually come with a device that prevents kickback. This incorporates splitters, blade covers of clear plastic material, and anti-kickback toothed pawls. Blades can be tilted to either side.
European styled cabinet saws have more modern but complex designs. They come with a good sliding table for precaution, making cutting tasks easier. The rip fences are lighter and a little rougher. These usually have configurations for different purposes, offering planer, joint, boring and shaper features. Sometimes, it comes with a scoring blade mounted on the front portion of a regular saw blade. It is the scoring blade that reduces splintering on certain stocks, especially the laminated ones.