Being in the crafting industry not only exposes you to an extensive array of projects you can accomplish with the given set of materials but also lets you explore your way around the tools used to create a successful and impressive piece. Table saws are one of the trickiest tools you need in your workshop, primarily if you’re catering to large projects. If you’re new to the hobby, you might be confused about what model you should get because there are specific factors you need to check first. On the other hand, if you’re looking to start a business with table saws as your main star for producing your outputs, you need to assess which table saw would suit your project requirements the most.
In this article, we’re going to tackle what you need to know about table saws. We’ll discuss how you can make the right choice when it comes to purchasing a table saw. Towards the end, we have a recommendation for you from one of the most popular brands that manufacture this tool: Grizzly. Read on to learn more!
What are Table Saws used for?
A table saw, also referred to as sawbench, is known for a wide range of cutting applications. The tool is commonly compared to circular saws because of the usage of a round gear for cutting. Hobbyists and professionals use this tool for cutting large-scale projects that require cutting bulks of wood sheets multiple times. Some of the applications you can do with a table saw include ripping, crosscutting, bevel cuts, cutting grooves, cutting joints, kerfing, and cutting joints.
How to Choose the Right Table Saw
As mentioned, it’s quite confusing to purchase table saws. Several companies produce this, and all of them say that their unit is the best one out there. To help you, we’ve compiled a short list below, which will serve as your guide.
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Blades
Most table saws have blades that are 10-inch in diameter. Such a size gives you 3 and 1/2-inch of cutting capacity, making the tool versatile enough to handle different cutting projects, large or small.
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Motor Power
For the motor power, we recommend that you get a unit that utilizes a 15-amp motor. At this rate, your table saw will only require 120V of AC Power. Manufacturers are currently gearing towards producing cordless table saws in the market, but expect to have better performance when using a corded unit.
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RPM
The RPM of a table saw lies on the speed rate of the blade it’s equipped with. Typical RPM ranges from 5000 RPM and below. Be aware that the higher the speed of the blade you’re using, the faster it takes to burn materials.
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Dust Collection
This might be the last thing you’ll check when you’re buying your unit, but this is quite handy, especially if you’re working in an enclosed area. Breathing dust particles can pose a lifelong threat and damage to your respiratory system, and this tool releases huge amounts of dust as you work on your material. Make sure that the table saw you’re opting for has this feature.
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Arbor
This component holds the blade of the table saw in place and allows you to move it in different directions based on your cutting needs. Checking the size of the arbor is important when you’re buying a new blade for your equipment.
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Table and Fence
The tables used for this tool are usually made of aluminum, but some are made of cast iron. Aluminum is more lightweight than cast iron, so if you’re looking for an easy-to-handle and slightly portable table saw, consider getting the one with an aluminum table.
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Safety Features
Big cutting equipments such as table saws are prone to workshop accidents. As you choose the saw you’ll be taking home, check the unit’s overall safety features. An example of the feature you should be looking for is a blade brake; this provides you with protection as you switch your tool off. Look for other security functions to ensure your safety when utilizing the table saw in your workshop.
Product Recommendation
If you’re looking for a table saw for your workplace, look no further because here, we have a suggestion for you. In this section, we’re going to provide you with a Grizzly G1023RLW review. The details below should walk you through the product and see if this is the table saw you need.
If you’re looking for a table saw that doesn’t kick the budget bucket, this table saw Grizzly’s model is the popular choice. The G1023RLW is available at $1725.00, which is more affordable than the other units in Grizzly’s line of table saws. The saw is powered by a motor that kicks out 5HP, and the table is made of cast iron. While the equipment is heavier than other models, Grizzly ensures that the whole setup will save you room space for your workshop. Additionally, the table’s cast iron material allows the tool to be more durable and strong enough, even in extreme and frequent usage.
Its arbor diameter size is 5/8-inch and can run up to 4200 RPM; this means that the unit has just enough speed to provide you the ease of control as you work. The table saw also comes with extra-large handwheels to allow you to move and adjust the arbor with ease. The G1023RLWX features a Poly-V serpentine belt for quieter operations and a more efficient transmission of power compared to the standard V-belt.
As for its dust collection, this Grizzly model has a 4-inch dust port size. The underside of its blade is also encapsulated for maximum dust collection coverage. When it comes to safety features, the unit is equipped with a quick-change riving knife and a blade guard. It also has a magnetic locking switch that comes with a padlock and key set to avoid incidents of unauthorized usage. Lastly, Grizzly provides a 1-year warranty for the G1023RLWX, ensuring that the parts of your equipment are not defective.
Conclusion
Table saws are widely utilized for cutting applications on large materials. Like other power tools, it’s hard to browse and just pick a table saw you’d want to add in your workshop. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice, be sure to check out our recommendation in this article!