Photo: The Spruce

You might not know this, but there are a numerous types of table saws so your options may seem more varied than you think. There are portable table saws, hybrid table saws, cabinet saws, and contractor’s table saws. So, you need to take into consideration the purpose for needing one in order to determine what to look for.

Also, learning about the different features and the value of these options will help you make a better decision. Plus it will enable you to compare different table saw models and discover which type will best to meet your needs. If you are thinking of redecorating your home or sprucing up your existing furniture, table saws come in really handy. They are not that difficult to use and can save you hundreds of dollars in labour costs or buying new furniture.

With that said, we will now take a look at popular features of table saws. After you learn more about these features, you’ll have an easier time determining which one will best serve your purpose.

Horsepower

Whether you’re looking at the specs of a contractor’s table saw or reading a hybrid table saw review, the horsepower of the motor is something you need to keep in mind. If the saw you like the most doesn’t have sufficient horsepower to cut through the material in need of cutting, it will be of very little use to you over the long run.

So you obviously need to check out the horsepower of any and all table saws you’re considering. Compare and contrast the models you like the best, and remember to always choose more horsepower over less. You never know what you may need to cut with your saw in the future.

Photo: Active Calendar

Flesh Sensor

If you’re going to buy a table saw, it’s in your best interest to buy one with the flesh sensor. This may end up costing you more money but this sensor is there to prevent you from seriously harming yourself so it’s without a doubt worth it.

What is a flesh sensor? It’s fairly self-explanatory. Basically, it’s is a sensor that can stop the saw before it actually makes contact with flesh. This is a really important woodworking safety tip to have. As an example, let’s say you aren’t paying attention or you slip and your hand is suddenly heading right toward the table saw blade. Instead of harming yourself and accidentally damaging or even chopping off your hand, the saw will sense your flesh and immediately stop the blade so you do not come to any harm.

Unfortunately, table saws accidents happen all the time. People accidentally cut off their limbs while using saws, and it’s important to know that it is now preventable. You’re not obligated to buy a saw with a flesh sensor, but it would certainly be a wise decision since safety should always come first, especially for novices. Otherwise you may end up taking a ride in an ambulance.

Photo: The Saw Guy

Magnetic Switch

The great thing about buying a table saw with a magnetic switch is the safety prevention abilities that the switch has. If your table saw somehow accidentally loses power or power is cut to the entire facility, your magnetic switch will kick in and turn the saw to the off position.

With old-style table saws, your saw would remain in the on position if it were ever to lose power. This can be very dangerous because you may accidentally forget to turn it off, walk away, and then the saw will turn back on as soon as power is restored. With the magnetic switch, this won’t be an issue because the saw will turn itself off as soon as it no longer has power. So any potential accidents will automatically be averted.

Photo: North Carolina Woodworker

Conclusion

Please consider these three features when choosing a table saw. They exist for your benefit, so it’s worth it to investigate them further.