Portable table saws are very popular in homes, and it’s not difficult to see why. However, people are still sceptical about purchasing one due to their capacity. But, there’s a high chance that you’ll probably need one soon enough.
Portable table saws are usually available in three models; and you can make your pick depending on your woodworking project.
- Table saws with legs
- Table saws with wheeled stand
- Benchtop table saws with no support
Table saws with legs are usually easy to use when working on a site, because they can fold up to an extent. Some models come with a detachable leg, making it even more convenient.
Table saws with wheeled stand are practically the best to use, mostly for heavy models that’ll obviously be heavy to move around.
Benchtop saws are the perfect definition of “portable” however they do not have a convenient surface to hold materials while cutting.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable Table Saw
Motor Power
This is a feature that should never be overlooked, and you’d be surprised at how much it affects the efficiency of your portable saw. Getting a portable table saw that doesn’t match the pressure of your “type of work” will be a waste of time and effort. So, you might want to keep an eye out on the horsepower of a table saw when you are making a purchase.
Overall Build Quality
Yes, the quality of a table saw has little to no effect on its efficiency, however it plays a major role in determining its durability. Nobody wants to spend their hard earned bucks on equipment that will become useless after a couple of months.
When shopping for a portable table saw, make sure you buy one with aluminium body construction, as it’s lightweight and very durable.
When it comes to portable table saws, there’s no “one size fits all”. You need to be precise about what you intend using your table saw for, or you’d end up buying what you wouldn’t utilise. Table saws come in different variations, so pick a blade tooth that works for you and get to work.
Getting a portable table saw that doesn’t have adequate stability is risky, because it could roll over and cause injuries. It’s best to get a portable table saw with folding legs, so you can be certain that regardless of the material you’re cutting, it won’t topple over.
The voltage of your portable table saw should match that of your local electrical system. Most portable table saws use 110 volts of electricity, but some require 220 volts.
If you’re unsure what type of outlet you have in your garage or workshop, check with a professional electrician before buying one.
Why Should I Use A Portable Table Saw?
Portable table saws are great for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a powerful stationary model. Yes, it might sacrifice a little when it comes to capacity, but it sure makes up in terms of portability and convenience.
Easy Setup: Portable table saws are easy to set up and use. You don’t need professional expertise to set it up; just place it on your workbench and secure it with clamps or bolts, and you’re good to go. Also, you can use the saw without securing it if you know exactly where you want it placed (p.s, don’t try this if you aren’t a pro).
Lightweight Design: Portable table saws tend to be lighter than other saws because they don’t need as much power as other models do. This is beneficial when moving the machine around because it’ll be a lot easier.
Compact Design: Another advantage of portable table saws is that they’re small in design compared to other types of saws on the market today. This makes them ideal for people who live in apartments or homes with limited storage spaces.
Safety: Portable saws do not require power cords or other heavy equipment, so they are safer than many other tools that use electricity or gas fuel sources.
Small cutting capacity: Portable table saws are smaller than stationary models, so their max cutting capacities are also smaller. This can make them less useful for larger jobs or cutting long pieces of wood or large sheets of plywood.
Noise: Although portable table saws are quieter than their stationary counterparts, they still produce noise that can be distracting in an enclosed space like a workshop. If you use one in your garage or basement workshop, you may need to wear hearing protection while using it.
The most important thing when getting a portable table saw is knowing what it’ll be used for. Portable saws are perfect for lightweight woodworking, however, ensure you purchase a high quality table saw to enjoy your “sawing” adventure.
