Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a contractor-style, hybrid, and cabinet table saw?
If so, you're in the right place.
Shopping for a table saw can be overwhelming because there is so much to consider. Let's break it down and review the different types of table saws available on the market today.
Table saws are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks from cutting lumber to creating complex joints. They come in many shapes and sizes, making it difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. That's why it's important to understand the differences between each type before you make a purchase.
In this article, we'll discuss the pros and cons of each type of table saw so you can make an informed decision when shopping for one.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Table Saw?
- Types of Table Saws: Pros and Cons
- Benchtop Table Saws
- Contractor Table Saws
- Cabinet Table Saws
- Hybrid Table Saws
- Conclusion
What Is a Table Saw?
If you're thinking about buying a table saw, the first step is understanding what a table saw is. As the name implies, a table saw is a machine used to cut wood and other materials and consists of a flat platform, or table, with an electric motor mounted beneath it. The blade of the saw protrudes through the surface of the table and can be moved up and down for different cutting depths.
Table saws come in two broad types—portable and stationary—and each type has its advantages. Portable table saws are noted for their convenience, being perfect for on-site projects where you don't want to lug around a large machine, while stationary table saws are better suited for more permanent setups in workshops or craft rooms.
Whatever type you choose, it's important to do research before buying a table saw by learning about all the components involved, including the types of blades available, their cutting capabilities, safety measures you should take when using them, and proper maintenance guidelines.
Types of Table Saws: Pros and Cons
Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional carpenter, having the right table saw for your projects is essential. But with so many different types available, it can be tough to know which one will fit your needs. Let's take a look at some of the most common types of table saws and their pros and cons.
Benchtop Table Saws
Benchtop table saws are the most compact option and are great for small projects or when working in tight spaces. They're also lightweight, easy to transport, and easy to store. However, they lack power compared to other types, making them best suited for smaller tasks like making small rip cuts or crosscuts in softwood.
Contractor Table Saws
Contractor table saws have a larger motor than portable saws and are capable of handling larger pieces of wood. One of their main advantages is their accuracy and precision, which makes them suitable for cutting intricate designs and shapes.
Additionally, they often come with a range of useful features, such as adjustable blade angles and rip fences. However, contractor table saws can also be quite heavy and take up a significant amount of space. They may also require a dedicated power source and can be more expensive than portable models.
Cabinet Table Saws
Cabinet table saws are the most powerful type and are usually considered the best choice for professional woodworking. They offer a large cast iron table top with plenty of support for large pieces of wood, making them great for projects like furniture building. However, they are more expensive than other types and require more space due to their size.
Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid table saws combine many of the features of benchtop and cabinet saws into one machine. They offer increased power with more cutting capacity than benchtops but are still portable enough to move around easily. But because of their complexity, hybrid table saws tend to be more expensive than other options on the market.
No matter what type you choose, investing in a quality table saw will help ensure that you have everything you need for successful woodworking projects—so choose wisely!
Benchtop Table Saws
When you're shopping for a table saw, the first type of saw is the benchtop table saw. These are small, lightweight versions of the more powerful models, and are great for hobbyists or DIYers who don't have a lot of space.
These types of saws tend to have a lower blade size than their industrial counterparts, usually, they measure around 10 inches in diameter. The motors on these saws are usually around 4-5 amps, so they don't typically have as much power as other types of table saws. They typically don't cost as much either—you can find good quality benchtop models that cost between $200 and $400 dollars or more depending on the features.
Some features to look for when considering a benchtop model include:
- An adjustable miter gage that enables you to automatically adjust the angle of your cuts
- A fence system to help guide your workpieces
- A riving knife that helps reduce kickback and improve safety when in use
- A dust collection chute to keep your workshop clean
Benchtop table saws can be great for people who want to save money and space, but still need a powerful tool in their arsenal.
Contractor Table Saws
If you’re shopping for a contractor table saw you’ll be looking at a robust machine with plenty of power. It’s designed to handle heavy-duty cuts and is designed to be easily loaded up into the back of a truck.
As the name suggests, contractor table saws are typically used by professional contractors as they are designed to go where they’re needed.
Some of the features you may find in a contractor table saw include:
Heavy duty motors: A powerful motor can easily handle tougher pieces of lumber and can power through tough cuts without stalling or bogging down.
Adjustable rip fence: Contractor table saws usually come equipped with an adjustable rip fence which gives the user more options when it comes to cutting, including very accurate and precise cuts which would be difficult to achieve with other types of saws.
On-board storage: Containing tools and accessories within easy reach during use makes for a more efficient workflow and less downtime for reloading supplies or equipment when moving from one job to another.
High-quality blades: Contractor table saws are typically outfitted with high-quality blades that allow them to cut through material without difficulty while also reducing kickback, making them safer to use while delivering better results in less time overall than other blade options may provide.
Mobility: Contractor table saws usually have wheels on one end making it easier to move them around a job site instead of rolling the entire unit around every time it needs to be moved or relocated to another space altogether.
| Contractor Table Saw Features |
|---|
| Heavy duty motors |
| Adjustable rip fence |
| On-board storage |
| High-quality blades |
| Mobility |
Cabinet Table Saws
A cabinet table saw is a great choice for those who want serious power and prestige when it comes to their woodworking projects.
Premium Power
A cabinet table saw operates on a powerful motor and its cutting blades run at high speeds—ideal for tackling those small or intricate cutting jobs. Its motor is also ultra-strong; up to three horsepower, so it should easily make short work of most projects you encounter.
Accuracy You Can Count On
You won't have to worry about inaccuracy ruining your project when you use a cabinet table saw because it offers one of the most precise cuts available. This is due in part to its sturdy construction and heavy weight, as well as its precision-ground cast iron table, making sure your cuts are accurately placed each time.
Ease of Use
What's more, cabinet table saws are incredibly user-friendly so you can focus all your energy on perfecting your project without worrying about how to use the tool itself. It might take some time and effort learning all the features of your particular model, but soon enough you'll be slicing through boards with maximum accuracy and efficiency in no time.
Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid table saws are a great option if you want the best of both worlds; this type of saw combines the power and precision of a cabinet saw with the portability and affordability of a contractor saw.
Hybrid table saws come with some great features that provide plenty of benefits:
They have up-front hand wheels and adjustable components—easy to access so you can make quick, accurate adjustments on the fly.
The motor is powerful enough for even tougher jobs, like re-sawing thick lumber or making precision cuts without having to worry about slow cutting speed or heat buildup.
However, they can be quite heavy—usually between 400 and 700 pounds—so if you intend to move them around it may take two people to do so safely.
Their construction is typically made from cast iron, metal, and plastic parts for more stability and better results in the long run thanks to their sturdier overall frame design.
So if you're looking for something that will last longer than your average contractor saw but isn't as expensive as a cabinet saw, then hybrid table saws are definitely worth consideration!
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the right table saw for your needs comes down to knowing the different types and features available and understanding the type of work you plan to do. Consider what type of woodworking projects you need the saw for, and measure your space to determine the size and type of saw you need.
A table saw is a versatile tool for both professionals and hobbyists, and understanding the type of saw you need can help ensure you get a saw that is the perfect fit for your needs, budget, and skill level. Armed with the knowledge of the different types and features available, you can confidently select the table saw that is the best choice for you.
Further Reading:
What to Look for in a Drill Press Before Making Your Purchase