When it comes to having tools in the shed, one you can’t be without is the humble table saw. Table saws are one of those tools that once you purchase, you’ll wonder about how you ever lived without them. They can cut wood at an array of angles one you get used to how to work them, so you can undertake the DIY projects that you have always wanted to. If you aren’t sure about how to choose one, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here is how to choose a table saw in 7 easy steps.
Budget
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The first thing that you need to think about is how much you want to spend. Once you have ironed out this, then the options become open to you. Don’t think that you have to buy brand new, there are some amazing deals for second-hand saws, so these are also worth looking at. If you are just starting out with your table saw, then you may not want to spend more than $300, so keep your purchase under that amount if you can. To know further, you can head over the related website The Wired Shopper.
Type of Saw
When it comes to choosing your saw, you will need to decide on one of two things. You will either look at a portable table saw or a job site table saw. The portable saws do what they say on the tin. They come on a fixed frame and you can easily move them around your workshop depending on where you need it. Jobsite table saws are the ones that you fix to your bench and leave there. So make sure you have fully considered the difference between the two before you settle on one.
Size
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Table saws come in an array of sizes. You can’t just pick a saw and hope it will fit. Measure your workspace so that you are aware of how much space you can allow for your new addition. This also gives you time to rearrange your workspace. You will need to make sure that it is clear all the way around to ensure that no dust ports get blocked and you also need to make sure that when you cut the wood, you have the appropriate space to be able to do so. When you buy a table saw, it isn’t as simple as just putting down on your bench. You need to make sure that your workspace is able to fit it in.
Features
When you are choosing your table saw, you can either go all out with features or keep it as basic as you like. If you are looking at basic saws, then the contractor saw is for you. These are the most basic tools out there but will allow you to do everything you need to aside from miter cuts. If you are just starting up with a table saw, then this will be a great addition to your tool shed as you will be able to undertake all the carpentry skills that you need to build cabinets and joins.
Quiet Products
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Before you settle on your purchase, one thing to think about is how loud will the saw be. If you live in a built up area or want to be able to think and hear other things that are going on around you, a cabinet saw is a good option. These saws come in a purpose-built cabinet and can be wheeled in and fixed down into your shed. As they are a built-in unit, they are much quieter than the tabletop unit.
Do You Need A Hybrid?
Hybrid saws were never a firm favorite back in the day, but now technology has developed, they have really come along way. If you are past the point of just being a hobbyist, then this option might be for you. Hybrids sit between contactor saws and professional saws but don’t have the associated cost of the latter. They have longer belts and provide better cutting capability than the contractor saws. If you are cutting big pieces of wood that you need to make sure are accurately cut, then this is the saw for you.
Type Of Work
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Before you make your purchase, have a real think about what type of work you will be doing. We all love to overestimate our abilities, but we really shouldn’t if it could set us back a lot of money. Think carefully about what type of work you will be doing as this will impact your final purchase.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing a table saw, it all comes down to personal preference. Make sure you have considered how you are going to use it, whether or not you are going to move it around, or if you are wanting something quiet. Think about all these points before you make your purchase and you can be sure that you will be happy with the table saw you end up with.
