Things You'll Need:
- Computer & Internet for research
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Step 1
What will you use your saw for?One of the first things that you should consider is what the ultimate use of your table saw will be. Ask yourself the following questions: ~ What power is available at the location where I will place the saw? ~ Do I need portability or will a stationary saw work for my needs? ~ What types of lumber will I be sawing? Consider thickness, length, width, etc. ~ How much room do I have available for my saw? ~ Will I want to add side tables and/or out-feed tables, etc? ~ What price can I afford? Bench saws start at about $250, Contractors saws start at about $500 and Stationary Saws can start at about $1,500.
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Step 2
Bench Top SawAfter you have thought about your needs, you have 3 basic options when choosing the type of table saw that you'd like to use. 1. BENCHTOP: This is meant to be hauled from job to job, and would be a good choice if portability is an issue. 2. CONTRACTORS SAW: These are larger and have more features and is meant to stay in one place for a period of time. 3. STATIONARY SAW: These saws are usually heavy, very stable and are meant to stay in one area. Portability is usually limited to rolling on coasters.
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Step 3
Consider the Electrical RequirementsNow consider the electrical requirements of the saw you would like to purchase. Make sure you have adequate power available for the saw that you purchase. Many are available in both single phase and 3 phase versions. Know that very few residential workshops have 3 phase available - these are usually used in production shops and factories.
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Step 4
Consider HorsePowerConsider horsepower. It's suggested that you purchase nothing with less than 1.5 hp and if you are considering a contractor or stationary saw, you will want to have between 3 and 5 hp. At this point, you may want an electrical contractor to verify that you have enough capacity in your electrical panels to handle the saw you are purchasing.
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Step 5
Will you need an out-feed table or other items?Now decide what additional items you may need. For example, if you plan on ripping really long stock, you will want to invest in an out-feed table. If you plan to rip wide stock, you will want to consider a saw with a side table feature.
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Step 6
Do you have a large or small space for your saw?Considering the space you will need to properly use your table saw is very important, especially if you have a small work shop. There are some small, high quality saws that are available for use in small areas - the INCRA table saw is one. If you are going to be using a portion of your garage, consider the possibility of placing the saw so that you can open your garage door and using it as an out-feed area.
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Step 7
Check to see all is levelMost saws utilize cast iron tables. Check the table with an accurate straight edge, such as a quality level. Check corner-to-corner, and in each direction for dips or high spots. Also, check the miter slots to make sure that they are parallel with one another.
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Step 8
Check to see what type of fence is availableBefore purchasing a table saw, check to see what type of fence is available. Biesemeyer or Inca fences are both very accurate and will provide you with quality results.
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Step 9
How to you turn your saw on and off?Last, investigate the safety switch and how the saw starts and stops. Some saws offer a switch that can be stopped by using the top of your knee or your foot. This is very handy when your hands are full of wood.
