Rigid Table Saw Continue...

Benchtop table saws are perfectly capable of handling most cutting jobs, it's just that they will not be able to perform as well over time, or for specific types of cutting jobs. For example, when cutting using a miter edge, a benchtop table saw may have problems keeping the miter edge straight.

Cabinet table saws are heavy and incorporate a large amount of steel and cast iron in order to increase accuracy and minimize vibration. A cabinet table saw is characterized by having a closed cabinet case and generally have induction motors in the 3 to 5 horsepower range.

Cabinet table saws typically require greater electricity usage, and most likely a 220V outlet must be installed if there is not one already. Cabinet table saws tend to have several advantages over contractor table saws. For one, there is improved dust collection on most cabinet table saws. Also, cabinet saws tend to be easier to adjust in general.

European cabinet saws tend to be more complex in design whereas the cabinet saws used in the United States, Canada and China are very much the same design that they've been made after since 1937. The Delta Unisaw has evolved some since 1937, yet the same basic frame style is still used today.

In addition to the four main types of table saws, there are also hybrid table saws that are designed to compete in the market with the more expensive contractor table saws while offering some of the advantages of cabinet table saws at a much lower price.

Most hybrid table saws offer an enclosed cabinet area. Some hybrid saws have cabinet-mounted trunnions and some have table-mounted trunnions. For the most part, hybrid table saws are lighter than cabinet saws and heavier than contractor saws.

There are many table saw accessories that can expand the usability of any type of table saw. There are rip fences. These may need to be replaced form time to time, but most table saws do come with a rip fence. A rip fence is the guide that cutting materials are slid along.

Another useful thing to have is a miter gauge. Miter gauges fit into miter grooves that run parallel to the plan of the blade. These miter gauges can be adjusted to different angles in order to cut mitered edges on various materials.

If you have more questions about table saws and related accessories or performance tips or problems, I found the forums at http://contractortalk.com to be very helpful and full of useful information. IF you have a question about table saws, I'd post it there and see what kinds of responses you get before trying some other website.