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portable table saws
Portable Table Saws
Portable table saws are a wonderful alternative
to contractor and cabinet saws. They are equipped to make
the same cuts that a full size can make. In fact, they are
actually more practical than full-size saws. Portable table
saws offer great power, durability, and accuracy. They can
handle rips, miters and crosscuts, all while being portable
and reasonably priced.
Generally, portable table saws are made
primarily from aluminum which makes them light in weight
and easy to transport. The box in which they are constructed
is equipped with a motor, blade mechanics, controls, and
a table top. Legs are an optional addition that can be easily
purchased or built. Portable table saws can be used on practically
any sturdy level surface.
Often considered one of the most versatile
tools in the home, portable table saws have adjustments
that can be made for different cuts. Depending upon thickness,
the blade can be raised or lowered to accommodate. The blade
can also be tilted to make bevel cuts. Unfortunately, portable
table saws are limited in power and cutting capacity, but
are ideal for transporting to sites and service homeowners
with limited space.
Keep in mind that two important accessories
to any table saw include the miter gauge and the rip fence.
Both of these components serve as safety guides during the
cutting process. The miter gauge is a tool that slides in
a slot on the table saw and adjusts to different angles.
It is used to slide the stock past the blade and hold pieces
to make square or mitered cuts. The rip fence an attachment
used to guide wood through a cut along the length of a board.
Additional accessories include blade guards.
Blade guards are standard on all new saws, but if you have
an old saw that is in good shape, you may want to consider
installing the appropriate guards. Guards should include
a plastic or metal guard over the blade and a splitter.
Splitters are more specific to those who will be doing ripping.
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