Woodworker's Journal fall-2008, страница 9

Table Saws

In my book, there's no debating that a table saw is woodworking's go-to power tool. I use it on every project I build for ripping and crosscutting stock. It's ideal for cutting rabbets, dadoes, grooves and moldings with a molding head. It's a real workhorse that deserves center stage in any shop.

Rut, here's the clincher: unless you're planning to make a living woodworking, you probably don't need a cabinet saw. It may he overkill. Truth is, a premium contractor's or hybrid saw with a cast-iron table will do the job in a serious hobbyist's shop. Focus on these features and you'll be good to go: your saw should have a rock-solid rip fence that stays put when you lock it down and is easy to square up. For longevity and heavy cutting, you'll want a Vk to 2 hp induction-style motor. It'll have plenty of gusto for slic

ing thick stock or plowing dadoes. And, if you've got the floorspace, buy the longest extension table package offered for your saw model. You'll never regret 30 or more inches of side support when you need to rip sheet goods or support long stock. Make that side table work even harder by converting it into a router table, or use it as a supplemental work station.

Some new saws have exceptional safety features. A true riving knife that moves with the blade is your best defense against kickbacks. It's a much

better design than a fixed splitter. Those "hot dog" blade brakes you've read about really work to keep all ten of your digits where they belong. Expensive, yes, hut worth the money when compared to surgery, lost wages and rehabilitation.

There aren't too many table saw accessories you'll need for the long term, but a high-quality combination blade is a must It will ensure crisp, accurate cuts with minimal tearout. Buy a stacked dado set too, to mill flat-bottomed rabbets and dadoes. And

A hybrid table saw can offer many of the features of a cabinet saw at a more reasonable price. It's a good option for the serious hobbyist's shop.

Add-ons and features that improve saw accuracy, safety

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If your table saw's miter gauge leaves something to be desired, consider buying a precision afterrnarket miter gauge with preset detents and micro-adjustability.

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