Some saws have cast iron tops, and are similar in appearance to larger contractor saws, although the tables are usually smaller and the build is of lighter construction. The motor is still a universal type motor, however these are usually driven by small toothed belts.
OLD CRAFTSMAN TABLE SAW GATE PORTABLE
When compared to benchtop saws, many jobsite models have 3⁄ 4-inch (19 mm) miter slots, better fences, better overall alignment, sliding extension tables, larger rip capacities, and folding stands with wheels.Ĭompact table saws are much larger than portable saws, and sit on a stationary stand. The motors, gears, and cases are generally designed to better withstand the abuse of construction sites. Many of these saws are built more ruggedly and are generally more accurate than the entry-level benchtop models. Most of these saws are relatively light, and can be easily transported to a job location. Many higher-end saws have gear-driven motors. Most saws in this category have small but powerful 15-ampere universal motors. Many of these saws are more expensive than benchtop saws (typically in the $300–$600 range). These saws are mostly used by carpenters, contractors, and tradesman on the jobsite (hence the name). Jobsite table saws are slightly larger than benchtop models, and usually are placed on a folding or stationary stand during operation. Nowadays, these models are being phased out for more practical jobsite model saws. Benchtop saws are the smallest type of table saw and have the least mass, potentially resulting in increased vibration during a cut. Also, there is less distance from the front edge of the tabletop to the blade, which makes cross cutting stock using a miter more difficult (the miter and/or stock may not be fully supported by the table in front of the blade). This results in a shorter rip fence, which makes it harder to make a clean, straight cut when ripping. Another restriction results from the top being smaller from the front of the tabletop to the rear. The top of a benchtop table saw is narrower than those of the contractors and cabinet saws, so the width of stock that can be ripped is reduced. The universal motor is not as durable or as quiet as an induction motor, but it offers more power relative to its size and weight. These saws often have parts made of steel, aluminum and plastic and are designed to be compact and light.īenchtop table saws are the least expensive (typically costing in the $100-$200 range) and least capable of the table saws however, they can offer adequate ripping capacity and precision for most tasks. Most modern saws can be lifted by one person and carried to and from a particular location. Some early models used small induction motors, which weren't very powerful, made the saw heavy, and caused a lot of vibration. They almost always have a direct-drive (blade driven directly by the motor) universal motor. This type of saw is most often used by homeowners and DIYers. A table saw patent filed in 1878 Benchtop īenchtop table saws are lightweight and are designed to be placed on a table or other support for operation.